Örjan Berglund

I hold an MSc in Soil Science and obtained my PhD in 2011 from SLU, with a dissertation entitled “Greenhouse gas emissions from cultivated peat soils in Sweden”. Since then, I have worked as a researcher at the Department of Soil and Environment, focusing on the climate impact of agriculture and soil physical properties.

Beyond research, several international and national assignments complement my academic role. These include having served as Scientific Officer for the International Peatland Society and as a greenhouse gas expert for the World Bank’s Global Methane Reduction Platform for Development (CH4D). Nationally, I am Deputy Coordinator for SLU’s Climate EMA programme and a board member of TORVFORSK. I also have extensive experience in academic service, such as being a member of the SACO council at SLU and serving on expert panels. My professional profile combines deep scientific expertise with a strong engagement in both applied environmental work and international collaboration.

My research focuses primarily on greenhouse gas emissions from cultivated peat soils and how these emissions can be quantified, understood, and mitigated through changes in land management. I study how factors such as drainage depth, soil compaction, and amendments (e.g., lime, sand) as well as nutrient additions affect emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane. A key objective is to identify mitigation strategies that reduce emissions while maintaining agricultural productivity.

I also conduct research on soil structure in mineral soils and indicators of soil health. I have contributed to the development of assessment tools for soil structure and function, including the mobile application “Hur mår min jord?” (“How is my soil doing?”). Additionally, I apply GIS and remote sensing to map the extent of peat soils and evaluate potential areas for restoration and improved management.

I have participated in several major research projects at the national and European level, including the EU projects PEATWISE and RECARE, and Swedish initiatives such as KLIMASMART and KLIMAEFF. My research output includes numerous peer-reviewed articles, technical reports, and conference contributions. I am an active member of the scientific community, presenting regularly at international conferences and reviewing for journals in soil and environmental sciences.

Within SLU’s Environmental Monitoring and Assessment (EMA) programme, I work on monitoring and evaluating the environmental impacts of agriculture, with a focus on climate-related aspects. As Deputy Coordinator of the Climate programme, I help coordinate efforts to measure and analyse greenhouse gas emissions from soils and agricultural landscapes.

A key part of my work involves evaluating the effectiveness of various land management measures aimed at reducing climate impact from agriculture. These may include strategies to reduce emissions, enhance soil carbon retention, or adjust farming practices to better align with environmental targets.

My role also includes applied environmental research and knowledge transfer. I collaborate closely with authorities such as the Swedish Board of Agriculture and county administrations, translating research findings into practical guidelines and advice. By bridging the gap between science and practice, I aim to support farmers and policymakers in developing more climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.

I have extensive experience teaching at SLU in subjects related to soil science and sustainable agriculture. I am the course coordinator for the interdisciplinary course “From Field to Beer”, and I lecture in other courses such as “Soils in Crop Production” and “Crop and Soil Management”, focusing on topics such as soil structure, peat soils, and land use sustainability. I integrate current research into my teaching and connect theory to real-world examples in agriculture.

I have supervised numerous bachelor’s and master’s theses, particularly in the areas of peat soils and climate mitigation, and have hosted many student interns. Through individual supervision and mentoring, I support students in developing scientific and analytical skills throughout the research process. In all my teaching, I emphasise active learning and critical thinking to foster a deeper understanding of the role of soils in sustainable land use and climate adaptation.

I have developed broad pedagogical skills through both formal training and practical experience. I have completed SLU’s university teaching qualification courses and participated in further education on active learning and digital tools. I have also taken courses in PhD supervision to enhance my capacity to support doctoral students.

In my teaching practice, I focus on methodological development and pedagogical innovation. For example, I designed the interdisciplinary course “From Field to Beer”, which combines theory with applied components such as field visits, lab work, and student projects. I also incorporate digital tools such as the mobile app “Hur mår min jord?”, originally developed as a research tool, which now serves as an educational aid for soil structure and health.

My teaching philosophy is rooted in scientific rigour and student-centred learning. I aim to create engaging and interactive learning environments that encourage student participation, critical thinking, and connections between scientific theory and practical challenges in agriculture and environmental management.