Ray Weil

Professor Ray Weil at the University of Maryland is a leading expert in soil science, specializing in nutrient cycling, soil organic matter, and cover crop systems for soil health and water quality. His work includes developing methods for soil microbial biomass and active carbon testing (POXC), widely adopted by USDA/NRCS and global researchers. Weil's research on multi-purpose cover crops and ecological soil management benefits both large-scale farms and smallholder operations, particularly in Africa and other developing regions.

• Teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in soil science, soil fertility, and sustainable agriculture.
• Author of the globally used textbook The Nature and Properties of Soils.
• Recipient of the 2022 FoodShot Global Groundbreaker Prize for soil sulfur research.

Research Interests

Weil's research integrates soil health management, sustainable farming systems, and nutrient cycling to improve productivity and environmental outcomes. Key areas include:

• Organic Matter Management
• Soil Quality Assessment
• Regenerative Agriculture for Smallholder Farmers
• Global Food Security through Soil Health

Scientific Awards

• FoodShot Global Groundbreaker Prize (2022)

Lab & International Work

Weil leads the Soil Quality Lab at the University of Maryland, focusing on soil carbon, nutrient cycling, and water quality. His international projects span Africa (Uganda, Liberia, Chad, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Malawi, Senegal), China, Mexico, Brazil, and Bangladesh, addressing ecological farming, soil fertility, and climate change mitigation.