Katharina Keiblinger

Katharina Keiblinger serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Soil Research at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), where she holds teaching authorization in Geoecology. Her work bridges fundamental soil science with practical agricultural applications, focusing on sustainable land management solutions across diverse global contexts from European croplands to Galápagos volcanic soils and Indonesian post-mining landscapes.

Her research program centers on soil carbon dynamics, microbial ecology, and conservation farming systems. Key interests include soil organic carbon sequestration mechanisms, microbial community responses to agricultural practices, and the development of nature-based soil management strategies. She investigates how cover cropping, reduced tillage, and organic amendments influence soil health indicators, nutrient cycling efficiency, and ecosystem resilience, with particular emphasis on translating findings to on-farm applications through pioneer farm collaborations.

Analysis of her 2023-2025 publication record reveals strong methodological diversity combining meta-analyses, field experiments, and microbial profiling. Her work consistently connects soil physical structure with biological processes, demonstrating how functional pore spaces and microbial necromass drive carbon sequestration. Recent studies highlight innovative approaches like biochar-amended biofilters for groundwater remediation and circular systems integrating livestock, crops, and mushrooms to enhance resource efficiency.

Dr. Keiblinger leads the iBOFO Soil Research group at BOKU, directing projects on soil rehabilitation in degraded lands and participating in international collaborations addressing soil health challenges. Her team employs interdisciplinary approaches spanning soil physics, microbiology, and agronomy to develop practical tools for soil health assessment and carbon farming initiatives.