Soil Environmental Biogeochemistry Research Group

From soils and interfaces to resilient landscapes and circular solutions

We are a research group based in the School of Environment and Science at Griffith University, Brisbane. Our work sits at the intersection of soil science, environmental biogeochemistry, ecology and waste management. We study how carbon, nutrients, water and pollutants move through soils and landscapes – and how these processes shape ecosystem productivity, environmental quality and climate resilience.

Our research spans from microscopic interfaces on mineral surfaces and within biofilms, through field sites in croplands, forests and grazing systems, to catchments, rivers and coastal zones. We are particularly interested in soil environmental biogeochemistry, soil health under drought and climate extremes, and the transformation and circular use of plastics and other wastes. By combining field experiments, laboratory analyses, molecular and isotopic tools, and modelling, we seek to generate robust evidence that can inform better land management, waste reduction and policy decisions.

The group is led by Distinguished Professor Chengrong Chen and brings together academic staff, postdoctoral researchers, postgraduate students and collaborators from universities, government agencies and industry partners in Australia, China and beyond. We play an active role in national and international initiatives, including cooperative research centres and the Australia–China Environmental Biogeochemistry Forum (ACEBF). Across all of our activities, we aim to co-develop solutions with stakeholders, build capacity for the next generation of scientists and practitioners, and contribute to healthier soils, cleaner waters and more resilient landscapes.