Joseph Blankinship

Dr. Joseph 'Joey' Blankinship is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Science at the University of Arizona's College of Agricultural, Environmental, and Life Sciences (CALES). He leads the Desert Agriculture Soil Health Initiative (DASHI), focusing on soil microbial roles in ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas regulation. His research spans biogeochemistry, arid agriculture, and climate change impacts.

Education:

• B.A. Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia (2002)
• Ph.D. Biology, Northern Arizona University (2009)
• Postdoctoral studies at UC Merced and UC Santa Barbara

Research Interests:

Blankinship's work integrates biology, chemistry, and engineering to address desert soil challenges. Key areas include soil aggregate stability, microbial-driven nutrient cycling, and biochar applications. Recent studies explore irrigation impacts on soil carbon in arid croplands and post-wildfire reforestation using biochar and nurse shrubs.

Article Trends:

Publications emphasize soil carbon dynamics, biochar optimization, and desert agroecosystem resilience. Key themes include threshold effects of biochar rates, synergies between organic amendments and microclimate, and practical soil health metrics for arid regions.

Awards:

• First Place Graduate Poster SWESx (2018)
• Second Place Undergraduate Poster SWESx (2018)

Grants/Advising:

Leads projects funded by USDA, NSF, and industry partners. Advised numerous graduate students in soil ecology and biogeochemistry.

Labs/Teams: The Blankinship Soil Health Group collaborates with USDA NRCS, Arizona Dust Coalition, and international soil databases like ISRaD.