Year Inducted: 1989
Mark Lovel Nichols was born in Bellevue, Ohio, January 24, 1888. He studied agricultural engineering at Ohio State University, where he received a bachelor of science degree in 1912. Nichols was also awarded a master of science degree from the University of Delaware in 1916, and several years later, in 1937, a doctorate from Clemson College.
Dr. Nichols first came to Auburn University (then named Alabama Polytechnic Institute) in 1919, where he established the Department of Agricultural Engineering. It was there that he began a program of traction and tillage research, and his efforts were recognized in 1922 when he received the first Adam’s Funds ever awarded to a state experiment station for this type of research. His work in this area ultimately led to the establishment of the Tillage Machinery Laboratory at Auburn. His classical studies in soil dynamics in Alabama set a high research standard for the entire field of agricultural engineering.
The main thrust of Dr. Nichols’ re- search through the years was soil dynamics as applied to implement design. The quality of Nichols’ research was recognized in 1934 with the Cyrus McCormick Medal by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers.
In addition to soil dynamics, Dr. Nichols was engaged in soil conservation research which emphasized terracing. The Nichols- type terrace was adopted throughout the Southeast and is still used extensively.
In 1935 Dr. Nichols became a regional engineer for the Soil Conservation Service, and soon after became chief of research for the Soil Conservation Service in Washington, D.C. In 1953 he returned to Auburn University as director of the Tillage Machinery Laboratory, now known as the National Soil Dynamics Laboratory. He continued his research until he retired in 1958.
Dr. Nichols was a pioneer in applying engineering principles to the complex problems of soil-tool mechanics (traction) and then applying the results to traction and tillage problems in Alabama. Through his research, he identified problems of economic importance to Alabama agriculture and sought solutions through agricultural mechanization.
His research gained him recognition at the highest levels as evidenced by his appointment to presidential and Secretary of Agriculture advisory councils.
Dr. Nichols served as president of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers in 1947 and was active on many govern- mental committees and commissions.
He was a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Gamma Sigma Delta, Alpha Zeta, The Soil Science Society of America, The American Society for Advancement of Science, and The Washington Academy of Science.
Dr. Nichols died on July 7, 1971, in Auburn, Alabama, at the age of 83.
