Neha Begill

Neha Begill successfully defended her doctoral thesis entitled “Exploring the limits of mineral-associated organic carbon formation in temperate soils” at Leibniz University Hannover on 4 July 2025. The dissertation was supervised by PD Dr. Christopher Poeplau and Prof. Dr. Georg Guggenberger as part of the EJP-Soil project (Carboseq).

Soils store nearly three times more organic carbon than the atmosphere, making them a critical component of global climate strategies. In her doctoral research, Neha Begill critically examined the widely accepted concept of soil organic carbon saturation and uncovered new insights into the stability and storage potential of mineral associated organic carbon (MAOC). Through three complementary studies, she demonstrated that there is no clear upper limit for MAOC storage in temperate agricultural soils, that soils can stabilize organic carbon even beyond theoretical saturation thresholds, and that sustained carbon input rather than mineral surface limitations primarily governs MAOC formation.

These findings challenge long-standing assumptions and highlight the vast theoretical potential for long-term soil carbon sequestration. Neha’s research underscores the importance of adopting innovative soil management strategies that prioritize continuous organic inputs, paving the way for climate-smart agriculture. Her work not only provides a scientific basis for enhancing soil carbon stocks but also contributes to global efforts in mitigating climate change and securing sustainable food systems for the future.