Primary fields of research

Globally, climate change, population growth, and limited natural resources are placing increasing pressure on agricultural soils. My research focuses on developing sustainable strategies to improve soil health and crop productivity through a better understanding of the interactions between soil, plants, and soil microbial communities in complex agroecological systems.

A central aspect of my work is the use of organic waste products to recycle nutrients, enhance plant nutrition, and improve soil quality and resilience. In this context, I have been involved in several projects investigating biochar as a potential tool for climate change mitigation and the promotion of fertile and resilient soils.

My expertise includes soil nutrient dynamics and soil organic carbon cycling. I have extensive experience with field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments, as well as soil and plant analyses and isotope labelling techniques.

I also have broad experience in research-based teaching and supervision at the PhD, MSc, and BSc levels. In addition, I serve as Head of Studies for the bachelor’s program in Natural Resources.

CV

I graduated in Agronomy from the University of Hohenheim, Germany, in 1994. Following my studies, I joined the Institute for Agroecology in the Tropics and Subtropics at the same university as a research assistant and PhD student, completing my doctoral degree in 2001. I subsequently continued at the institute as a postdoctoral researcher.

After moving to Denmark in 2007, I worked as a visiting scientist at the University of Copenhagen, followed by a postdoctoral position at DTU Risø and later postdoctoral and assistant professor positions at the University of Copenhagen. In 2019, I was appointed Associate Professor, and in 2024 I became head of the research group Soil Fertility and Nutrient Recycling.