Sustainability Leadership Fellow Cohort: 2024-2025

Ph.D. Student, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences and Graduate Degree Program in Ecology

Research Summary: In the Andean agroecosystems, the intensification of crop systems is resulting in the shortening of fallow periods, thus affecting soil regeneration and availability of forage across the region. In collaboration with farmers, I am assessing the impact of alternative fallow practices that will support long-term soil health and feed for livestock. Additionally, I will elucidate community and household drivers for the adoption of improved fallow practices. By examining both social and biophysical aspects my research seeks to understand how increased utilization of agroecological approaches will influence the long-term provision of ecosystem services (C sequestration, erosion control, crop and livestock production).