 | Research Focus: Research focuses on biogeochemical cycling and transport within the soil as it extends to the atmosphere and subsoil. Our ultimate objective is to maximize sustainable productivity of agricultural systems. We have particular interest in nitrogen because nitrogen frequently limits production but is easily lost from agricultural systems to the surrounding environment where it becomes an economic loss to producers that can degrade air and water quality. Minimizing nitrogen limitation on crop production while maximizing nitrogen retention within agricultural systems is among the most important global research priorities of the 21st century. We work towards these goals by applying agronomic, ecological, and biogeochemical principles to advance our basic understanding of element cycling and improve ecosystem management. See current research and publications. Nitrogen Humans have doubled the annual background mineralization of nitrogen through ammonia synthesis, legume cultivation and impure hydrocarbon combustion. The magnitude of this anthropogenic change is large: In comparison, humans have only increased the annual mineralization of carbon by approximately ten percent (see below). Similar to human-derived carbon mineralization (i.e., carbon dioxide production), human-derived nitrogen mineralization can have negative environmental consequences including water pollution, air pollution, soil acidification, and greenhouse gas production. However, human-derived mineral nitrogen is necessary for human health; synthetic ammonia-based fertilizers account for approximately 40% of global human protein consumption. Thus, nitrogen must be well managed. Soil has a tremendous ability to retain nitrogen. Within the soil an interaction between biogeochemical and hydrological transformation and transport processes as well as plant uptake determines the ability of ecosystems to retain mineral nitrogen inputs and minimize losses to surface waters, ground waters, and the atmosphere. An improved understanding of biogeochemical cycling and transport in the soil promises to improve crops' nitrogen use efficiency while minimizing ecosystem nitrogen export.  Annual global mineralization of nitrogen and carbon. Green portions indicate mineralization that is not dominated by humans. |
|
|
Lab Links |
home
Subpages (1):
Current Research
|
Sign in|Report Abuse|Print Page|Remove Access|Powered By Google Sites