College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Alumni & Friends

A foundational leader. An internationally recognized scholar, dedicated teacher and visionary administrator, Dr. Lloyd M. Turk built a legacy at the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources that still resonates today. From 1932-1967, Turk’s research achievements as a scientist and his leadership at various levels of the college were instrumental in advancing innovations in his field and fostering a culture of excellence within the institution. His contributions laid a strong foundation for future soil science research, advancing the growth and success of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Timeline:

1931: Graduates with a Ph.D. in Soil Science from the University of Missouri.
1932: Joins the faculty in the Soil Science Department at Michigan State College of Agriculture and Applied Science (M.S.C.).
1943: Co-authors "Fundamentals of Soil Science."
1949-1953: Appointed M.S.C. soil science department head, an era commonly referred to as the “Golden Years” for the department and the college.
1954: Promoted to Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station (now MSU AgBioResearch).
1955: Centennial celebration for the college, the year Michigan State’s name was officially changed to Michigan State University of Agriculture and Applied Science.
1964: The University’s name was officially changed to Michigan State University.
1967: Officially retires from MSU after 35 years of service.

Early years. Lloyd Turk grew up on a small family farm in Mount Vernon, Missouri. Throughout his childhood, his parents Noah and Sarah (Fanny) Turk instilled the importance of education. Turk and his two brothers, all of whom earned doctorates, attributed their passion for education to their mother, whose constant encouragement inspired their academic success.

Turk attended the University of Missouri, completing his bachelor's degree in 1928, his master's degree in 1929 and his Ph.D. in 1931. During college, he met his wife, Margaret, who was studying home economics. An avid sports fan, Turk was a boxer in college and regularly attended campus sporting events. After completing graduate school, Turk accepted a faculty appointment in the Soil Science Department at Michigan State College (M.S.C., now known as Michigan State University).

Rising through the ranks. Upon arriving in East Lansing, Turk immersed himself in the campus community. Distinguished by his love of teaching and his prolific research endeavors, Turk quickly made a name for himself in the department. He made significant contributions in the areas of sustainable soil management and its relation to global food security. This work advanced critical innovations improving food production and land management practices.

Throughout his career, Turk authored many significant scholarly publications. Most notably, he co-authored the textbook "Fundamentals of Soil Science,” a seminal work in the field that has educated generations of soil scientists, agronomists and environmental professionals. Written as a comprehensive academic resource and a practical reference guide, the book connected theoretical soil science and real-world agricultural practices, making it a go-to resource in soil science education for decades.

Turk’s exemplary work led to his appointment as department head in 1949. In this role, he presided over a period commonly referred to as the “Golden Years” for the department due to its rapid growth and reputational advancement. The department produced an increasing number of high-level academic publications, attracted competitive research funding and significantly expanded opportunities for graduate students. In addition to its academic progress, Turk fostered a collegial environment in the department, exemplified by unit collaboration and frequent social events bringing together faculty, staff, students and families.

Turk had a lively sense of humor and a penchant for orchestrating the occasional lighthearted prank. One example involved a professor in the department who purchased a Volkswagen Beetle. This professor soon made a habit of boasting to students and colleagues about its exceptional gas mileage. He talked so much about the car, Turk and a student decided to have a little fun. Turk acquired a gas can and each morning the student would secretly top off the professor’s tank. Unaware of the prank, the professor was astonished by the car’s miraculous efficiency—at one point, he even told a class he was getting over 200 miles per gallon!

A lover of jokes, one of Turk’s favorites was telling people that he lived “above his money.” The remark puzzled listeners, especially because Turk wasn’t the type to live extravagantly or beyond his means. But then he would explain, with a wry smile, that he and his family literally lived above a local bank in East Lansing.

Beloved in the community, Margaret Turk became well-known for her kindness and generosity. Notably, she frequently provided homecooked meals and other resources to graduate students, particularly during economic downturns in the 30s and 40s. This heartfelt support helped students struggling to make ends meet, while fostering a sense of belonging and community during these difficult times.

A new challenge. In 1954, Turk was promoted to Director of the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station. Founded in 1888, the Experiment Station was created to benefit farmers and deliver agricultural advancements. Known today as MSU AgBioResearch, it continues to advance innovative agricultural and sustainability research that fuels economic growth in Michigan and beyond.

Under Turk’s leadership, the Experiment Station strengthened its focus on applied science, driving innovations in crop management, soil fertility and sustainable farming practices. By aligning scientific research with practical agricultural needs, Turk’s leadership strengthened the Experiment Station’s pivotal role in advancing the college’s land-grant mission.

In 2012, the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences was merged with the Department of Plant Pathology to form the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences.

“As current faculty members, we owe Dr. Lloyd M. Turk a debt of gratitude. His leadership, vision and scholarly achievements built a foundation of excellence for our department that has stood the test of time. We are deeply proud of Dr. Turk’s legacy of scholarship and service and all the many ways his work brought distinction to our department, our college and our university.” – Dr. Wei Zhang, Ph.D., Interim Chairperson in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences.

An enduring legacy. Turk officially retired from MSU in 1967. He and Margaret spent their retirement in Tucson, Arizona, where they remained actively engaged in the lives of their children and grandchildren. The Turk legacy endures at MSU through the philanthropic support of their son, Terry Turk, and his wife, JoAnn. In memory of Terry’s parents, the Turk’s established the Terry N. & JoAnn L. Turk Endowed Fellowship Fund in Crop and Soil Sciences in Memory of Lloyd M. and Margaret A. Turk.

Created in 2004, this endowment supports graduate students in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences. It is awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, and a commitment to teaching or research, especially those whose work helps developing countries. To date, the Turk Endowed Fellowship has benefited 19 crop and soil sciences graduate students.

Through the lasting influence of his academic achievements and the impact of the Turk Endowed Fellowship, Dr. Lloyd Turk continues to inspire the next generation of soil scientists at MSU. During his career, Turk’s commitment to teaching prepared generations of students who advanced MSU’s role as a global leader in soil science. His research contributions earned him world-wide recognition, solidifying him as one of the most influential 20^th century leaders in the field. And his legacy lives on today thanks to the generous philanthropic support of his family.