Basic research interests have included plant physiological response to environmental stress (e.g., temperature, water), plant acclimation to elevated carbon dioxide, and spectroscopy and geostatistical methods for monitoring soil health and soil carbon change. More applied research has focused on improved soil health and water management, and climate change solutions for managed and natural ecosystems. From 2011 to 2017 he was lead project director for a $4.7M USDA-NIFA project to identify new tools for carbon, nitrogen, and greenhouse gas management in agroecosystems. He has been part of Cornell’s soil health leadership team since the early 1990s, and from 2017 to 2021 served as co-project leader for the state-funded New York Soil Health program. His field work has included several soil conservation and food security projects in East Africa.
Outreach Focus
In addition to peer-reviewed research publications, Dr. Wolfe has maintained a significant Extension program throughout his career, with a multitude of publications, presentations, websites, and conference organization activities focused on reaching farmers. Outreach to the general public also includes news media interviews, writing commentary for the popular press, and responding to policy-maker requests, such as co-authoring the 2008 and 2014 National Climate Assessments sponsored by the U.S. Global Change Research Program, and providing oral and written testimony at state and national government hearings. He is also author of the award-winning popular science book on soil ecology, Tales From the Underground: A Natural History of Subterranean Life (Spanish, Japanese, and Korean translations available).
Teaching Focus
In addition to graduate and undergraduate student advising, Dr. Wolfe has served on the Curriculum Committee for the Environment and Sustainability major, and for the Climate Change minor. Courses taught include: “Climate Change and Food Security” (PLSCI 3600, 2013-2020); “Nature Writing” (HORT 1160, 2008-2012); “Cropping Systems Ecology” (HORT 460, 2000-2010); “Science Communication” (BIOEE 771, 2007); “Quantitative Methods in Agric. Research” (HORT 615, 1988-2008), and “Vegetable Varieties and Their Evaluation” (HORT 465, 1987-2000).
Selected Journal Publications
Google Scholar profile and publications.
- Raj S., Roodbar S., Brinkley C., Wolfe D.. 2022. Food security and climate change: Differences in impacts and adaptation strategies for rural communities in the Global South and North. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. 5:691191. doi: 10.3389/fsufs.2921.691191
- Wolfe, D. W., DeGaetano, A., Peck, G., Carey, M., Ziska, L., Lea-Cox, J., A Kemanian, M., & Hollinger., D. (2018). Unique challenges and opportunities for Northeastern U.S. crop production in a changing climate. Climatic Change. 146:231-245.
- Sweet, S., Wolfe, D. W., DeGaetano, A. T., & Benner, R. (2017). Anatomy of the 2016 drought in the Northeastern United States: Implications for agriculture and water resources in humid climates. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology. 247:571-581.
- Kolech , S. A., Halseth, D. E., Perry, K. L., Wolfe, D. W., Douches, D., Coombs, J., & De Jong, W. S. (2016). Genetic diversity and relationship of Ethiopian potato varieties to germplasm from North America, Europe, and the International Potato Center. American Journal of Potato Research. 93:609-619.
- Sherpa, S., Wolfe, D. W., & van Es, H. (2016). Sampling and data analysis optimization for estimating soil organic carbon stocks in agroecosystems. Soil Science Society of America Journal. 1377-1392.
- Beem-Miller, J., Kong, A., Ogle, S., & Wolfe, D. W. (2016). Sampling for soil carbon stock assessment in rocky agricultural soils. Soil Science Society of America Journal. 80:1411-1423.
- Wang, J., Wang, C., Xiong, Z., Wolfe, D. W., & Zou, J. (2015). Response of rice to elevated CO2 and it interaction with rising temperatures or nitrogen supply: a meta-analysis. Climatic Change. 130:529-543.
- Hatfield, J. L., Boote, K. J., Kimball, B. A., Izaurralde, R. C., Ort, D., Thomson, A., & Wolfe, D. W. (2011). Climate impacts on agriculture: implications for crop production. Agronomy Journal. 103:351-370.
- Dietzel, R., Wolfe, D. W., & Thies, J. E. (2011). The influence of winter soil cover on spring nitrous oxide emissions from agricultural soil. Soil Biology and Biochemistry. 43:1989-1991.
