I obtained my MSc in bio-engineering at Gent University, and investigated biocontrol of root-feeding nematodes by soil-borne fungi. I discovered my passion for research and obtained a PhD degree at Utrecht University, focusing on the role of soil fauna in the restoration of grassland biodiversity. Thereafter I performed research in Canada, the UK and The Netherlands, with the goal to better understand the coupling between plant traits, plant diversity, soil biodiversity and soil functioning. My ultimate aim is to be able to predict from (remotely sensed) plant traits how nutrient cycling can be steered to achieve higher nutrient use efficiency and produce more nutritious crops, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from soil and suppress the build-up of pests and diseases. In 2011 I joined Wageningen University & Research to develop this research line further; in 2016 I was promoted to Professor in Soil Ecology.

Combatting world hunger requires major breakthroughs. New systems based on other ways of cultivating and processing food. This is the only way we can continue to change the living conditions in developing countries. But such a major shift could perhaps begin with something very small, even microscopically small. Gerlinde and her team are taking part in the Fundamental Change campaign of Wageningen University and Research to break new ground.

The Jena Biodiversity experiment

Bodemleven in actie!

Bodemleven is divers en vervult heel wat ecosysteem functies. Om dat te illusteren maken we time-lapse clips voor educatieve doeleinden. http://vimeo.com/user2493212 en https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGFFFsNZoZahwQ8UPFIWhFA

Het Global Soil Biodiversity Initiative is een internationaal netwerk van experts in bodem ecologie, met als doel om duurzaam landgebruik ter bevordering van biodiversiteit en ecosysteem functies te bevorderen. http://www.globalsoilbiodiversity.org/

Harnessing trait-based plant combinations to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions under current and future climatic conditions

In dit NWO project onderzoeken we hoe we broeikasgas emissies van grasland wat is bloodgesteld aan extreme regenval kunnen verminderen door gebruik te maken van optimale combinaties van plantensoorten, op basis van hun functionele eigenschappen. https://www.vcard.wur.nl/Views/Profile/View.aspx?id=36345

Clever Cover Cropping

Clever Cover Cropping is een NWO Groen project waarin we onderzoeken hoe we mengsels van groenbemesters kunnen samenstellen zodanig dat we de multifunctionaliteit van de bodem kunnen optimaliseren. Dit project is in samenwerking met CSA (WUR) and NIOO. In het onderdeel bij WUR is de focus op het optimaliseren van N-beschikbaarheid in de bodem met minimale N-verliezen door uitspoeling.

Skin Care for Mother Earth

In dit NWO Open Mind onderzoek gaan we na hoe we met bodem miicroorganismen de bodemstructuur en waterhoudend vermogen kunnen verbeteren. https://www.nwo.nl/en/research-and-results/programmes/open+mind/awards

MOOC Soil4Life