Muhammad Ahmed Waqas' interest in agriculture began early, inspired by his father's work as a farmer in Pakistan. "My curiosity about why things happen the way they do led me to agricultural sciences," he recalls. After completing his Master's degree in Pakistan, he received a fellowship for a PhD in Agricultural Meteorology and Climate Change at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. 

During his PhD, Muhammad Ahmed Waqas focused on the interaction of soil organic carbon sequestration, nutrient management practices, climate change, and crop production. "We conducted meta-analysis studies and field experiments to evaluate the impact of future climate conditions on soil nitrogen and carbon cycling," he explains. His research in China laid a strong foundation for his future work and brought him to Denmark in 2021.  

Innovative research for a sustainable future 

Muhammad Ahmed Waqas has worked on several projects at Aarhus University. One of his key areas of focus is the life cycle assessment (LCA) of agroforestry systems, which integrate crops, livestock, and trees. "We aim to fairly include the carbon sequestration potential of these systems in LCA," he says. This research is crucial for developing sustainable agricultural practices that can mitigate climate change.  

Another exciting project involves the use of seaweed biostimulants to recycle nutrients back into the soil. "Seaweed absorbs a lot of nutrients from the sea, and we can reincorporate these nutrients into our fields to promote sustainability," Muhammad Ahmed Waqas explains. This innovative approach supports a circular bioeconomy by utilizing leftover seaweed from various industries.  

Challenges and achievements 

One of the most challenging aspects of Muhammad Ahmed Waqas' research is developing methodologies to include soil-related parameters in LCA. "It's difficult to incorporate all these factors in a fair way," he admits. However, his work is vital for creating transparent tools that can guide policy and funding decisions in agriculture. 

Muhammad Ahmed Waqas is particularly proud of his PhD research, where he developed optimized levels of carbon sequestration in the soil to maximize crop yields. "This study was conducted on a national scale in China, one of the world's largest agricultural countries," he says. His findings provide valuable insights for farmers and stakeholders on how to manage soil carbon levels effectively. 

The drive to innovate 

Muhammad Ahmed Waqas’ motivation for research stems from his curiosity and desire to make a difference. "Research is a journey where you constantly learn new things and solve problems," he says. He is particularly fascinated by how research evolves, starting with one idea and often leading to unexpected discoveries. 

Despite his busy schedule, Muhammad Ahmed Waqas finds time to enjoy his personal life. "When you love what you do, it becomes a part of you," he says. He balances his work with hobbies like playing table tennis, cooking, and spending time with friends. "I work intensely each day, but I make sure to relax and enjoy my free time as well," he adds.  

Muhammad Ahmed Waqas' journey from Pakistan to China, and Denmark is a testament to his resilience and passion for research. His work not only aims to improve agricultural practices but also to inspire others to pursue their curiosity and make a difference. "I hope my research can help create a greener and more sustainable future," he concludes.