Dr Joseph Chimungu

Joseph Chimungu is an Associate Professor in Soils and Plant Nutrition at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. He is an environmental soil scientist with a special passion on exploring the interaction of humans with the pedosphere as well as critical aspects of the biosphere, the lithosphere, the hydrosphere, and the atmosphere. He is currently, Co-Principal Investigator in the Critical Zone Africa (CZA) Project, funded by DELTAS Africa II grant from the Science for Africa Foundation (SFA). The operational paradigm for Joseph’s work is near-surface soil monitoring, using measurements across contrasting soils to piece together how they work and what properties might be improved. Joseph has used different techniques (instrumentation, software and methodologies) to characterize and map soils. Joseph has also used Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) surveys to monitor water infiltration under different cropping systems. In addition, has co-developed a number organo-mineral soil amendment. This body of work ties to the circular economy whereby materials never become waste and nature is regenerated to drive crop productivity and ecological restoration. In this project, Joseph is interested to investigate the interconnection of anthropogenic activities and environmental degradation.