Jan Willem van Groenigen

The 2024 Philippe Duchaufour Medal is awarded to Jan Willem van Groenigen for his outstanding work on the integration of agricultural management and environmental science as they relate to global change.

Jan Willem van Groenigen’s research contributions reflect a remarkably broad approach to soil science. His research endeavors to develop a comprehensive understanding of soil processes and functions by integrating field and plot studies, monitoring greenhouse gas emissions, testing management options and analyzing nutrient cycles in agricultural systems. His perspective on what he terms “natural cycles in unnatural soils” has propelled fundamental research in agriculture to a new level. His research translates effectively into management practices for highly managed soils which commonly start with optimizing fertilliser application and water management and end with newly defined and effective soil management systems. van Groenigen combines excellent work in soil biology (earthworms), biogeochemistry (linking soil carbon and nutrient cycles), with rigorous soil chemistry. His work on elemental cycles of N and P and how to link these cycles to effective soil management is highly respected. He has conducted pioneering studies on the role of earthworms in soil quality and he has been a leader in communicating his research to laypersons. Jan Willem van Groenigen’s nomination and supporting letters from leading scientists, reflect his stellar contribution.