Dr. Nicole Wagner
Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Sciences
Research Areas:
Resilient agricultural systems, fruit and vegetable production, soil health, soil ecology, and nutrient recycling through organic waste.
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.
About Faculty Fellows Projects
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 variety, 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 impact the health and resilience of people, animals, and the environment.
Research Impact Highlights
Exploring how biochar can improve soil health, strengthen agricultural resilience, and support sustainable resource management.
Climate-Smart Solutions
Research evaluates biochar’s potential to store carbon, recycle organic waste, and reduce environmental impacts.
Healthier Soils
Biochar improves soil health, water retention, and beneficial microbial activity to support stronger crop growth.
Scalable Applications
The project identifies best practices for farms, rangelands, and industry while assessing economic feasibility at different scales.
Featured Media
Faculty Fellow Nicole Wagner speaks on how she became a researcher and future projects including Biochar.
Featured Media
The State of Biochar Research | Environmental Heath for Economic Resilience