Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections, Washington State University Libraries
Preliminary Guide to the Alfred Halvorson papers
MSSM.006
Table of Contents
Summary Information
- Repository
- Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections, Washington State University Libraries
- Creator
- Halvorson, Alfred R., 1921-
- Title
- Alfred Halvorson papers
- ID
- MSSM.006
- Date [inclusive]
- circa 1958-1985
- Extent
- 40.0 Linear feet 40 boxes.
- Location Note
- (MASC Staff Use- MS.1986.21: 2-5-16-17; MS.1986.46: 2-5-12-5; MS.1987.31: 2-5-1-5; MS.1990.57: 2-10-19-1; MS.1996.29: 2-8-12-1)
- Language
- English
- Languages
- Materials are in English.
Biographical/Historical note
Dr. Alfred R. Halvorson (1921- ) was a Professor in the Department of Crop and Soils Sciences at Washington State University, who retired in 1986. Dr. Halvorson was the Extension Specialists in Soil Testing, where he developed and promoted the Soil Testing Laboratory from 1957 to 1982. Dr. Halvorson was also the Mayor of Pullman, Washington, from 1991 to 1995.
Scope and Contents note
This collection contains the research materials of Dr. Alfred R. Halvorson (1921- ), who was a Professor in the Department of Crop and Soils Sciences at Washington State University until 1986. The collection includes research materials related to soil testing and Dr. Halvorson's work as an Extension Specialist in the Soil Testing Laboratory at WSU from 1957 to 1982. These research materials include papers pertaining to orchard research with Alcoa, soil and plant fertility, nitrate nitrogen in soils, water quality, agricultural safety, fertilizers, the agricultural applications of algae and "crop conditioners," yield enhancing seed treatment, methods for measuring fertilizer, the effects of volcanic ash on farming, tillage, soil temperature, hydroponics, plant diseases, organic gardening, animal waste management, composting, crop tolerance of saline and alkali soils, erosion, application of limestone to balance soil pH, air pollution, soil acidity, Palouse watershed water quality, soil conservation, arsenic, irrigation, the impact of the energy crisis on Washington agriculture, forestry, and Australian agriculture, as well as materials concerning various agricultural products produced in Washington and by professional organization in the field of agronomy, and various publications on related subjects. The collection also contains internal correspondence, memorandums, annual reports and reviews, fiscal records, grant applications and documentation, correspondence with other universities' agronomy departments, farmers and orchardists, materials pertaining to Dr. Halvorson's employment with WSU, speeches, photographs, reports, and printed materials (journals, clippings, etc.).
Organization of Collection
This is an unprocessed collection. It consists of multiple accessions received between 1986 and 1996: MS.1986.21, MS.1986.46, MS.1987.31, MS.1990.57, MS.1996.29. It has not yet been arranged.
Administrative Information
Publication Information
Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections, Washington State University Libraries
http://www.wsulibs.wsu.edu/mascTerrell Library
P.O. Box 645610
Pullman, WA, 99164-5610
509-335-6691
mascref@wsu.edu
Access
This collection is open and available for research use.
Acquisition Information
Collection donated by Al Halvorson to Washington State University Libraries in 1986, 1987,1990, and 1996. This is an unprocessed collection with multiple accessions.
Controlled Access Headings
Corporate Name(s)
- Washington State University -- Faculty -- Archives.
Geographic Name(s)
- Pullman (Wash.) -- History -- Sources
Personal Name(s)
- Halvorson, Alfred R., 1921-
Subject(s)
- Agriculture -- Washington (State)
- Agronomy -- Washington (State) -- History
- Soils