Dr. Chris Kucharik

Biography

Chris Kucharik is a Professor in Plant Agroecosystem Sciences at the University of Wisconsin. His research program is largely interdisciplinary, focusing on cropping systems ecology and ecosystem modeling to understand the impacts of climate change and land management on ecosystems. His interests center around understanding how ecosystems contribute to Earth’s carbon, water, nutrient, and energy cycles, particularly in response to future changes driven by human land management and climate variability. Kucharik investigates the role of land management practices, such as planting dates and hybrid selection, on U.S. crop productivity and the ecological consequences of these practices. He also studies biogeochemical cycling in restored prairies, grasslands, and cropping systems in the Midwest U.S., with a focus on carbon sequestration. His teaching program emphasizes systems thinking, using case studies to engage students in discussions about the unpredictable consequences of agricultural practices on natural resources. He employs rigorous quantitative analysis and qualitative assessment in his courses.

Research Interests

Courses