Huadong Zang
College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing
zanghuadong [at] cau.edu.cn (zanghuadong[at]cau[dot]edu[dot]cn)
Summary of my work
Food security, efficient resource utilization, and environmental protection are synergistic goals essential for the sustainable development of agriculture in China and around the world. Crop diversification is internationally recognized as a vital technical approach to achieving sustainable agriculture. Compared to conventional intensive agriculture, diversified cropping not only enhances the productivity of farmland but also reduces the application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which contributes to the enhancement of multifunctionality in agroecosystem services. However, there are knowledge gaps regarding the aboveground-belowground interactions, the mechanisms for synergistically enhancing yield and ecological services, and the targeted design of patterns in diversified cropping systems. Therefore, my research endeavors to address the knowledge gaps in diversified cropping by integrating multiple perspectives, including big data analysis, long-term field experiments, lab incubation and process-based models to unravel these fundamental mechanisms.
During my stay at Cornell university, my goal is to enhance my research and teaching capabilities, particularly in the areas of sustainable agriculture and soil biogeochemistry. I aim to explore innovative techniques and methodologies that can contribute to the development of intelligent solutions for sustainable agriculture.
Impact in China
China's agriculture is confronting challenges like monotonous cropping patterns, deteriorating soil quality, and inefficient resource use, which raise ecological costs and diminish competitiveness. My research focuses on developing diverse cropping systems that enhance grain productivity and optimize natural resource use, aligning with the green and sustainable development of agriculture. These systems aim to balance agricultural output with environmental impacts and address various demands, including food, feed, and ecosystem services, at both field and landscape levels.