As an agricultural scientist, I am actively involved in the management of soils and cropping systems. The ability to sustainably use existing agricultural land and enhance global food security, in the face of climate change, is arguably the biggest challenge facing humanity.

To address this challenge, I focus on the areas of agronomy, soil science, and plant science, with relevance to farmers and plant breeders. Specifically, my research interests have revolved around Genotype × Environment × Management interactions, the fundamental basis of crop productivity. I integrate field, greenhouse and laboratory experiments to provide insights into the productivity of cropping systems and the cycling of nutrients in soils. This includes 1) how interactions between plant roots, soil nutrients, and abiotic factors (moisture, temperature) affect crop nutrient use, yields, and yield stability, 2) the fate of nutrients applied as mineral or organic fertilizers upon their addition to soils, and 3) the potential for microbial pathways to improve productivity and sustainability of cropping systems.