Berhe Lab · University of California, Merced
The chemistry of living soil
We study how soil stores carbon, breathes greenhouse gases, and shapes Earth’s climate — where biogeochemistry meets the shape of the land.
Principal Investigator · Asmeret Asefaw Berhe
TED SpeakerFormer Director · U.S. DOE Office of ScienceMember · National Academy of EngineeringFellow · AAAS, AGU & GSA
Our work
We investigate the fundamental processes that regulate the biogeochemical cycles of essential elements in soil — the persistence of soil organic matter, the release of greenhouse gases, and the soil system’s role in maintaining Earth’s climate — integrating biogeochemical and geomorphological approaches.
What we study
Research areas
Theme 01
Soil Organic Matter Persistence
Mechanisms that regulate how organic carbon is stored and stabilized in soil over time.
Theme 02
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
How soils release CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O — and what controls those fluxes to the atmosphere.
Theme 03
Erosion & Soil–Climate Feedbacks
How physical perturbation and landscape processes move carbon and shape climate feedbacks.
Theme 04
Biogeochemistry × Geomorphology
An integrated view linking element cycling to the form and evolution of the land surface.
Keynote & public speaking
From the TED stage to the U.S. Congress
Dr. Berhe is a sought-after science communicator on soil, climate, and the future of science — available for keynotes, panels, commencements, and media.
TED · Vancouver
The climate change solution right under our feet
Her landmark talk on soil and climate — viewed millions of times, and now a comic too.
TED Countdown · Detroit
We actually have a shot at stopping the climate crisis
A hopeful, evidence-based case for soil-centered climate solutions.
TEDRoyal SocietyU.S. CongressNational AcademiesFalling WallsGoldschmidtCommencements
Latest
Recent highlights
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In Science We Trust?
Asmeret was featured by the American Chemical Society, C&EN in a timely piece discussing the importance of cultivating societal trust in science and scientists.
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SOIL = HISTORY
On Juneteenth, 2025, I honor the victims remembered at the Equal Justice Initiative’s Memorial for Peace & Justice. It features soils collected from lynching sites. The memorial demonstrates the rich history embedded in soil and that soil is the ultimate equalizer. The soil collection allows us to renew humanity’s connection to soil and reminds us…
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New Pub alert: How deep-rooted perennials change carbon dynamics in subsoils.
New paper on how deep-rooted perennials regulate microbial respoiration and chemical composition of SOM.
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Asmeret on TED Radio Hour
Asmeret was interviewed about soil, carbon sequestration, and climate change on NPR’s TED Radio Hour
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Zach and Anna receive awards!
Zach received ESA McCarter Graduate Student Policy award & Anna got CONDESA fellowship.
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Asmeret on BBC World Service.
Asmeret discussed the impacts of climate change on women on BBC World Service’s The Conversation.
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UC-HBCU award!!
We received UC-HBCU award “Boosting Representation of African Americans in the Geosciences (BRAAG).”
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Asmeret writes about Soil, Climate change, and Equity in TIME magazine
Asmeret argued for the need to center soils and equity in our efforts to address climate change In the July 20, 2020 issue of TIME.
Soils are beautiful
A palette from the ground
Soil profiles carry the colors of climate, minerals, and time.
Opportunities
Join the lab
Graduate students
We accept about one student per year into Environmental Systems at UC Merced. Reach out with your interests.
Postdoctoral scholars
Occasional funded openings, plus support for joint fellowship and proposal development.
Visiting scholars
We welcome self- or institution-funded international visitors for 2–12 month collaborations.