Sustainability Leadership Fellow Cohort: 2023-2024

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

Research Summary: When agricultural crops are harvested, a portion of the plant remains in the field. Over time, some of this residue makes its way into the soil and becomes soil organic matter. This organic matter provides a host of benefits to cropping systems– providing nutrients, improving soil structure, and acting as a sink for atmospheric carbon. My work uses a combination of field, lab, and greenhouse experiments to understand how organic matter determines cropping system outcomes, such as yield, stability, and climate resilience. By understanding these biogeochemical dynamics, we improve outcomes for both farmers and downstream communities.

Advisor: Francesca Cotrufo