Søren Husted

Søren Husted is a Professor in the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences at the University of Copenhagen, specializing in plant nutrition and trace element physiology. His research group focuses on understanding the functional role of trace elements in plants, particularly manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) in agricultural crops.

His research interests center on plant nutrition, with particular emphasis on the physiological and biochemical processes involved in mineral acquisition from soil and their functional roles in plant metabolism. Husted has developed innovative approaches integrating nanotechnology with plant science to understand nanoparticle-plant interactions and develop next-generation fertilizers. His group has pioneered advanced analytical techniques for mass-spectrometry-based analysis of mineral elements, their stable isotope ratios, chemical binding forms, and cellular localization.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward nanotechnology applications in plant nutrition, with significant focus on foliar fertilization, nutrient uptake mechanisms, and the development of more efficient fertilizer systems. His work bridges fundamental plant physiology with practical agricultural applications, particularly in improving nutrient use efficiency in crops.

• SPPS Innovation Prize (2022)

Husted has received significant recognition for his research, with multiple publications garnering substantial attention in both academic and policy circles. His work on plant-microbe interactions and fertilizer industry practices has generated notable media coverage and policy discussion. The Husted Lab maintains an active research program studying plant nutrition using nanotechnology, with a vision to provide the scientific basis for improved fertilizers that benefit farmers, the environment, and climate.