Markus Kleber

Markus Kleber is a Professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Science at Oregon State University, where he investigates mineral-organic matter interactions, soil carbon dynamics, and environmental impacts on soil systems. His work spans biogeochemical processes, biochar applications, and soil health assessment in diverse ecosystems.

• Education: Habilitation (2004, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg); Dr. sc. agr. (1997), Diplom-Agrarbiologe (1992), both from University of Hohenheim.

His research focuses on carbon cycling, mineral-microbial interactions, and soil organic matter stabilization, with projects funded by SERDP, Northwest Potato Research Consortium, and Natural Resources Conservation Service. Recent work explores PFAS retention mechanisms, biochar properties, and cover crop impacts on soil quality.

Key article trends analyze soil carbon stabilization pathways, mineral-organic bonding, and microbial community responses to environmental stressors like tillage and drought. Collaborations include Advanced Light Source and Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory.

• Scientific Awards: Soil Science Society of America Journal 2024 Outstanding Paper Award; CSS Teacher of the Year (2010-2011).

Advising Contributions: Mentored students including PhD candidate Pedro Henrique Rodrigues de Moraes Martinez and PhD student Tom Wanzek. Grants include Laspau for Ferralsol carbon studies and SERDP for PFAS research.

Labs: Leads Central Analytical Laboratory at OSU, specializing in soil chemical analysis and mineral-organic characterization. Collaborates with national facilities like Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory and Lawrence Berkeley National Lab.