Aarhus University has appointed Lars J. Munkholm professor of sustainable soil management at the Department of Agroecology with effect from 1 September 2019. He has been a senior researcher since 2002.

In his research, Lars J. Munkholm has a strong focus on the soil functioning and the threats that are related to it. He has a particular focus on soil tillage and soil compaction. Soil compaction is a current problem that can, among other things, restrict transport of water and air. It can hinder root growth as well as cause oxygen deficiency, which can ultimately significantly reduce soil yield. Lars J. Munkholm has a particular focus on the consequences of soil compaction and how to use plants to recover soil that has been damaged.

Compaction of the soil is just one of three major threats under Danish conditions for soil functioning Erosion is another, while the third is decrease in soil carbon content. But Lars J. Munkholm's main focus is the soil compaction and carbon loss.

An important part of the research for Lars J. Munkholm is to find solutions to the above-mentioned threats, which is why he also has a strong focus on the development of new intelligent solutions for tillage and traffic in the field. It includes decision support systems, robots and sensors.

The main headline for Lars J. Munkholm's research is soil structure, root growth and soil quality. Throughout his research career, he has focused extensively on investigating the effect of measures such as fertilization, crop rotation, cover crops, tillage and traffic. Both his PhD and doctoral thesis dealt with soil friability and how this property is affected by water regime and management.

Lars J. Munkholm earned his master degree (cand. agro.) from the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, after which he worked 4 years as a plant advisor. In 1996 he was hired as a researcher at Foulum, where interest in the soil functioningbecame a permanent part of his work.

Lars J. Munkholm hopes that his research will lead to the development of solutions and technologies to optimize plant production and reduce the environmental impact.

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For more information please contact

Professor Lars J. Munkholm, Department of Agroecology, email: lars.munkholm@agro.au.dk telephone: +45 2515 2716