Helene Larsson Jönsson

I am a biologist (LU) who grew up on a crop farm in the fertile soil of Skåne. I have specialized in plant physiology (PhD), but have also broadened my knowledge in agriculture and horticulture (studies at SLU). My research interests are plant nutrition strategies and how these affect the quality of plants, both agricultural and horticultural. In recent years, I have mainly studied the effect of different types of biochar on plant nutrient availability and the product quality of agricultural crops. I also have a keen interest in the learning and well-being of our doctoral students and students, and for the past few years I have been the faculty director of doctoral studies in natural sciences and technology, as well as the study director for LMP (Agricultural and rural management program). In these roles, I enjoy working with strategies and faculty-wide issues where we jointly try to improve the education and working environment of doctoral students and students.

I am currently involved in several biochar projects, including “The impact of biochar on microbial communities and its effect on different soil types and crops in a temperate climate.” 

In the recently completed Residues to Best Use (Vinnova) project, I was responsible for the agricultural part of the project, which included both field and pot experiments with different types of biochar and agricultural crops.

I mainly teach plant physiology, plant anatomy, plant protection, sugar beet and potato cultivation, and I lead field excursions, examine damage symptom collections (digital) and supervise/examine project work and degree projects. Currently, most of my teaching is within the Agricultural and rural management program, but I also teach plant physiology in the Horticultural management program. Since 2003, I have taught in a number of areas and programs, been course coordinator/examiner for several courses, and am now examiner for “Crop production instruments with applied law for the agricultural sciences”. For two years, I was also responsible for teaching crop production at YH in Svalöv, which gave me important breadth in my agricultural expertise.

PhD in Plant Physiology, Lund University 2001
MSc in Biology, Lund University, 1996

Study director for the doctoral education at LTV faculty and at BT Dept

Study director for the Agricultural and rural management program

Vice chair of FUN (Doctoral education committee) at LTV

In my role as study director for the Agricultural and rural management program, I collaborate both externally and internally with students, the Lantmästare association, the industry, and other SLU programs. I am the SLU representative in an implementation group within an AKIS group focusing on skills provision and lifelong learning, where we try to increase the interest among young people for a future career in the green sector.

In the latest research project, Residues to best use, collaboration was a key factor, as around 50 companies and organizations were involved. I was responsible for investigating the potential of different types of biochar in an agricultural context and collaborated with biochar producers, food companies, and municipalities.

I have supervised around 30 students and examined approximately the same number of BSc and MSc theses in agricultural science, horticultural science, agroecology, and biology. I have also been an assistant supervisor to doctoral students.