Born in Udine 1962, he graduated in Agricultural sciences in 1986. PhD in Productivity of agricultural crops in 1992 at University of Udine. MS student in Agronomy and Environmental Physics at Kansas State University (1994). From 1995 scientific researcher at University of Udine and from 2016 full professor in Agronomy and Crop Sciences.
His scientific interest is on ecology and environmental sciences. He is studying the impact of climatic changes on agricultural and natural ecosystems, the mitigation potential of agricultural practices and the adaptation of natural and agricultural systems to global changes. His specific expertise is on water, CO2 and energy fluxes in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. Recently his work focused on the effects of biochar additions in agricultural soils specifically looking at: i) the relationship between biochar properties and quality and crop yields; ii)the nutrient and water use efficiency in presence of biochar and the eco-physiological response of plants; iii)the influence of biochar of greenhouse gas emissions from soils (CO2, CH4, NO2); iv)the functional interactions between biochar and soil microorganisms; v)the sustainability of biochar systems in developing countries.
He is project coordinator of the European project Biochar Plus FED/2013/330-236 ENERGY, HEALTH, AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS FROM BIOCHAR USE: BUILDING CAPACITIES IN ACP COUNTRIES and was project coordinator of the European project BEBI (EU ACP S&T 2008-157): “Agricultural and Environmental Benefits from biochar use in ACP countries” (2009-2011) and subcontractor in the European project EUROCHAR (ENV.2010.3.1.8.1): "Biochar for Carbon sequestration and large-scale removal of greenhouse gases (GHG) from the atmosphere" Coordinator Francesco Miglietta IBIMET- Firenze.
He has a long experience as head of a Research Unit of the past European research programs and participated to:
1.EXPEER (FP7-INFRASTRUCTURES-2010-1): "Distributed Infrastructure for EXPErimentation in Ecosystem Research" (2010-2013) Coordinator Abbad Chabbi INRA – Paris.
2.GHG EUROPE (FP7-ENV-2009-1): “Greenhouse gas management in European land use systems” Coordinator Max Plank Instituut, Iena (Germany) (2009-2014)
3.CARBOEXTREME (FP7-ENV-2009-6.1.1): "The terrestrial Carbon cycle under Climate Variability and Extremes a Pan-European synthesis " Coordinator Max Plank Instituut Iena (Germany) (2009-2013)
4.NITROEUROPE (FP6 – ENV- 2006): "The nitrogen cycle and its influence on the European greenhouse gas balance Responsabile" Coordinator Center for Ecology and Hidrology NERC (UK) (2006-2011)
5.AGENTS OF CHANGE (USA National Science Foundation Human and Social Dynamics Program): “Towards an Integrated Framework for Climate Impact Assessments for International Market Systems with Long-Term Investments” Coordinator Michigan State University , USA (2009-2012)
6.CARBOMARK (LIFE+ Environment 2007): “Improvement of Policy towards local volountary Carbon markets for climate change mitigation”.Coordinator Veneto Region (2009-2011).
He is member of the International Biochar Initiative Board and of the Italian Biochar association.
