Biography

Dr. Nissen’s responsibilities include research (applied and basic), outreach (Cooperative Extension) and some teaching. When he first came to CSU in 1995 his focus was integrated weed management in row crops. Dr. Nissen concentrated on crops like onion, sugar beet, dry bean and potato. This applied research has been supported by the various commodity groups; however, agriculture along the Colorado’s Front Range is being displaced by an increasing population. Many communities are trying to preserve the quality of life in Colorado by purchasing farmland to establish open space and natural areas. These areas are highly disturbed and susceptible to invasion by numerous weed species; therefore, over the past three years he has been involved in more research dealing with invasive species management and adaptive strategies to establish desirable plant communities. The goal of this research is to establish sustainable plant communities that can resist re-invasion. Herbicides are an important management tool, so he also focuses on herbicide fate in the environment and non-target impacts.