Zhang was previously in our lab as an undergraduate student completing his Honors Thesis for his B.S in Plant Sciences (Crop Production). He has moved on to become a PhD student working on California rice systems in the Linquist lab at UC Davis. However, he is still actively engaged in our group by training other students in GHG work and intellectual discussions/collaborations. 

Undergraduate thesis

My research project aims to identify pragmatic carbon footprint mitigation opportunities for rice systems in Southeast Asia. In the face of increasing rice demand due to population growth coupled with adverse impacts from climate change, there is an urgent need for the region to produce rice sustainably without negatively impacting yield. This study takes an important first step in examining the sustainability of SEA rice cropping systems using a carbon footprint analysis of 4 key components - soil carbon storage, soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, energy inputs, and crop residue management. Through a systematic literature review, crop management practices that lead to the biggest reductions in carbon footprint across these components can be identified for the region.

Background

Zhang was born in Anhui, China, but received his pre-university education and grew up in the Southeast Asian island state of Singapore. Zhang is a passionate student about agriculture and agricultural education. Outside of school, he is currently working with the Blue Lion Preschool in Singapore to develop an edible garden curriculum for young children in a country that otherwise has a reduced emphasis on agroeducation. On campus, he volunteers regularly at the UC Davis Botanical Conservatory, aiding in greenhouse operations as well as engaging with members of public on plant and agricultural knowledge.

PhD Research Interests

I am broadly interested in C:N dynamics and management practices that promote long term soil health for sustained agronomic productivity. My research focuses on nitrogen availability in relationship to rice field management, specifically fallow and continuous flooding. Continuous flooding with winter straw decomposition can cause an accumulation of lignin-derived recalcitrant phenols that bind to mineral nitrogen in the humic faction, making applied nitrogen less available for crop uptake and causing yield losses. The research attempts to understand if increased nitrogen application are needed for continuous flooding to obtain optimal yields and quantify the degree of soil N immobilization caused by soil phenols. Additionally, I am also quantifying greenhouse gas emissions for the two management practices specific to this rice growing region of Sacramento Valley.