Andrew Margenot

Dr. Andrew Margenot is an Associate Professor in the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and serves as the Associate Director of the Agroecosystem Sustainability Center. His research focuses on soil science, phosphorus cycling, and sustainable agricultural practices in both urban and rural contexts, particularly in the U.S. Midwest and East Africa. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship there before joining UIUC in 2017.

Dr. Margenot's work emphasizes soil as a critical natural capital, exploring how human activities impact soil fertility, carbon sequestration, and nutrient management. His interdisciplinary approach integrates spectroscopic techniques (e.g., FTIR) and spatial modeling to address challenges like phosphorus circularity, legacy phosphorus, and streambank erosion. He also evaluates agricultural practices such as cover crops, enhanced efficiency fertilizers, and precision planting to mitigate environmental impacts while improving crop yields.

Key research areas include soil enzyme activity, phosphorus biogeochemistry, and the long-term effects of crop rotations. His studies often involve field trials, meta-analyses, and collaborations with policymakers to translate findings into actionable strategies for sustainable agriculture. Dr. Margenot currently serves as Senior Associate Editor for Geoderma, further contributing to the scientific community’s knowledge exchange.