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Research

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. To achieve this goal we often link experiments across managed and unmanaged ecosystems, applying agronomic, ecological, and biogeochemical principles to advance our basic understanding of element cycling and improve ecosystem management.

Broader Impact

We have particular interest in biogeochemical processes that involve nitrogen because nitrogen frequently limits production but is easily lost from agricultural systems to surrounding environments 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.

Key Environmental Science Publications

Castellano MJ, Kaye JP, Lin H, Schmidt JP. 2012. Linking soil carbon saturation concepts to nitrogen retention and saturation. Ecosystems.

Castellano MJ, Schmidt JP, Kaye JP, Walker C, Graham C, Lin H, Dell C. 2010. Biogeochemical and hydrological controls on nitrous oxide emissions across an agricultural landscape. Global Change Biology doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2486.2009.02116.x.

Castellano, MJ. Shifting human diets and agricultural nutrient management. 2010. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation doi:10.2489/jswc.65.3.63A

Castellano MJ, Kaye JP. 2009. Global within-site variance in soil solution nitrogen and hydraulic con