“India has a high population, and we use a lot of fertilisers and other inputs. But what about the future? That question stayed with me,” Harika Bommisetty recalls. “One of the courses during my bachelor’s program made me think about sustainable agriculture, and that led me to pursue further studies in the field.”

Her academic journey took her far from home. She pursued a master’s degree at the University of Padova in Italy, where she also took part in an Erasmus exchange program, studying in the Czech Republic and in Belgium. It was during her thesis research at Ghent University that she focused on soil physical properties and compost’s effect on soil resilience.

“The research made me realise how crucial soil health is in the face of climate change,” she says. “In dry regions, we need to prepare our soil for the future. Water retention, soil structure, and emissions all play a role in sustainability.”

A PhD with global impact

Now a PhD student at Aarhus University’s Department of Agroecology, Harika Bommisetty is deep into her project on nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from agricultural soils. N2O is a potent greenhouse gas, and agriculture is one of its largest sources. Her work examines how different management practices influence emissions, aiming to develop strategies that both reduce environmental impact and maintain crop yields.

“I look at how conservation agriculture, reduced tillage, and cover cropping affect N2O emissions,” she explains. “Danish farmers are already mandated to grow cover crops in Denmark, but we need to understand how these practices influence emissions and soil health.”

Her research is hands-on. She regularly collects gas samples from experimental fields, braving the cold Danish winters to measure emissions. “It’s challenging in winter when everything is covered in snow, but we need to track how emissions behave year-round,” she says.

Bridging science and farming

Harika Bommisetty’s research doesn’t stay confined to the lab. She works closely with farmers through collaborations with SEGES Innovation (a Danish agriciltural consultancy company), measuring emissions directly from their fields.

“Farmers focus on their soil and yields, but they can’t always see the bigger picture of how their practices influence emissions,” she explains. “By working together, we can recommend strategies that reduce emissions without sacrificing productivity.”

One key finding from her research so far is the relationship between soil compaction and N2O emissions. “When soil gets compacted from heavy machinery, oxygen levels decrease, creating the perfect conditions for N2O production,” she explains. Another surprising result is how cover crops, like oil radish, influence emissions differently depending on the season.

A future in research

Harika Bommisetty envisions a long career in research. “I want to continue investigating soil health and climate change mitigation,” she says. “I also want to learn more about writing research proposals and securing funding because, in academia, having your own funding gives you independence.”

She is already learning from experienced researchers at Aarhus University. “My supervisors are great at securing grants and writing papers. We have journal clubs and grant-writing workshops where senior researchers share their knowledge,” she notes.

A global perspective

Having studied and worked in multiple countries, Harika Bommisetty values the diversity of perspectives she has gained.

“Every country approaches research differently,” she says. “In Italy, I saw one approach, in Belgium another, and in Denmark yet another. Each experience has shaped the way I think about science and sustainability.”

Outside of research, she enjoys painting, doodling, and cooking – a passion rooted in her love for food. She also values the social community at Aarhus University, where PhD students gather for activities, fostering friendships and collaboration.

Inspiring the next generation

For aspiring PhD students considering Aarhus University, Harika Bommisetty has simple advice:

“Be curious. Ask questions. Agriculture and climate change are deeply connected, and we need researchers who are passionate about making a difference.”

As she continues her research, Harika Bommisetty hopes to contribute not only to scientific knowledge but also to real-world agricultural practices that help combat climate change.