The Legacy of a Humble Giant in Soil Physics – R. John Hanks (1927-2014).

John Hanks was a quiet leader that inspired generations of colleagues and students - all knew that behind his unassuming demeanor and smiling eyes was a genuine scientific pioneer, a quiet giant in Soil Physics. John contributed to some of the earliest numerical models in soil physics. His deep understanding of soil physics and plant growth were founded on his practical knowledge of how things really work in the field - a tenet communicated to his graduate students was to “always keep one foot in the field.” John Hanks graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1953 as Champ Tanner’s first doctoral student. Following a decade long career at the USDA, he joined Utah State University in 1968.  His list of publications demonstrates a breadth of interests and abilities that mark a golden era in Soil Physics. His early work in Manhattan and Fort Collins left a lasting impression on fundamental understanding of bare soil evaporation - not many contemporary soil physicists could guess how radiation and wind affect soil evaporation differently. He was motivated by pragmatic questions concerning how crop yields are affected by water management, irrigation water salinity and varied soil conditions. John always enjoyed tinkering with sensors and instruments – his work contributed to several innovative measurement techniques that remain in practical use today. Dr. Hanks maintained a wide range of international activities as a consultant and providing short courses. The diversity of his 40+ graduate students is a testament to his genuine interest in and appreciation for people from all backgrounds, and his many former students remained lifelong colleagues and friends. John’s real scientific legacy is imprinted in the careers and lives of future generations of students who would inherit his deep commitment for the profession, for field measurements, his tenacity in fixing a measurement system, his sense of objective skepticism and integrity, and above all, his humanity and commitment to others in need.  If you are a soil physics student or an environmental scientist, consider that every time you run a numerical model to solve an unsaturated flow problem or model plant water uptake – you tread in the footsteps of a humble giant - John Hanks from Salem, Utah.