Peter Almond

Peter Almond is an Associate Professor in the Department of Soil & Physical Sciences at Lincoln University, New Zealand, where he previously served as Head of Department (2012-2017). His research bridges soil science and earth sciences with a focus on earth surface processes, biogeochemistry, and climate change impacts.

His research interests center on understanding how soils integrate earth surface processes and record past environments. Key areas include CO₂ fluxes in Antarctic soils, rock weathering rates, and silicate weathering as a carbon dioxide removal mechanism. Recent work involves field trials for Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) in New Zealand primary industries, contracted by the Ministry of Primary Industries.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals strong interdisciplinary work connecting geomorphology, soil science, and climate change. His research frequently employs glacial retreat zones as natural laboratories, examining ecosystem development, carbon cycling, and soil formation processes. Significant contributions appear in high-impact journals including Nature, New Phytologist, and Global Change Biology.

Almond actively supervises postgraduate research with completed projects spanning soil aluminum studies, virtual field trip development, aquifer recharge impacts, and viticulture optimization. His teaching philosophy emphasizes building knowledge frameworks resilient to technological disruption, grounded in scientific method and cultural knowledge systems.

Professional contributions include co-Chairing the Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū Geopark Trust (aiming for UNESCO recognition), and membership in the New Zealand Society of Soil Science, Geosciences New Zealand, Australasian Quaternary Association, and American Geophysical Union.