Nicole Wagner, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor,
Department of Agricultural Sciences
Translational Terra Project (AKA Biochar Project)
Faculty Fellows Project:
Dr. Nicole Wagner aims to understand the application of biochar, a form of charcoal made from organic waste or biomass, to improve soil health and plant microbial diversity, water retention, and the nutritional density of crops. The project will explore the application of biochar at scale and determine best practices for rangeland restoration, plant growth, and soil health using biochar soil amendments. In addition, she aims to learn how Biochar application economically works for small/large acreage. Dr. Wagner hopes to foster resilient agricultural systems by combating the issue of highly degraded croplands, which negatively impacts the health and resilience of people, animals, and the environment.
Background:
Dr. Wagner has over 16 years of sustainable agriculture and agroecology experience, including academic, government, and nonprofit research in the field. She joined Texas State University in 2014 at the Office of Research Development, and later became an Adjunct Faculty member at the Department of Agriculture. Today, Dr. Wagner is an Assistant Professor and a Graduate Program Coordinator at the Department of Agriculture, as well as the Project Director & Faculty Advisor at Bobcat Farm in Freeman Ranch, where she conducts her THRC Faculty Fellow Biochar research.
Research Interest:
Resilient agricultural systems, fruit and vegetable production, soil health, soil ecology, nutrient recycling through organic waste
Office Hours Podcast
Faculty Fellow Nicole Wagner speaks on how she became a researcher and future projects including Biochar.