Meet Dr. Ekrem Özlü

Dr. Ekrem Özlü is a soil scientist and extension specialist whose work connects advanced soil research with on-farm solutions for climate resilience and agricultural sustainability. Originally from Konya, Türkiye, Dr. Özlü completed his early academic training at Atatürk University before pursuing graduate research in the United States, where he has since established a leading research and extension portfolio in soil health, soil organic matter, biochar, conservation tillage, and salinity management.

Across his international career, he has worked on multi-institutional projects funded by the USDA-NIFA, DOE, NC Commodity Groups, NC State University, and the Ministry of National Education (MEB)—YLSY Graduate Education Abroad Scholarship Program, focusing on improving soil structure, carbon stability, and nutrient cycling in challenging environments such as sandy, saline, and flood-affected soils.

At North Carolina State University, he developed and led the Soil Management and Extension Program, supporting growers, extension agents, and conservation planners in implementing best management practices across the southeastern United States. His recent research investigates the role of biochar in alleviating soil compaction, the effects of saltwater intrusion on coastal farmlands, and adaptive tillage systems for improving soil resilience.

Now, as an Assistant Extension Specialist and Researcher, Dr. Özlü continues to collaborate globally—integrating field data, geophysical tools, and soil carbon modeling to drive sustainable land management practices that serve both farmers and ecosystems.

Philosophy

Dr. Özlü believes that agricultural research achieves its greatest impact when complex soil processes are translated into practical, field-ready actions. His philosophy centers on collaboration: scientists, farmers, and policymakers working hand-in-hand to restore soil function, increase productivity, and mitigate environmental stressors.

He promotes an evidence-driven yet accessible approach—turning soil data into decisions, and field trials into grower confidence. Whether through hands-on workshops, extension factsheets, or applied field experiments, his mission is to make soil science visible, measurable, and actionable.

Education & Career Timeline

  • From 2007 to 2011, Dr. Özlü gain a degre of B.S. in Soil Science and Plant Nutrition from, Atatürk University, Türkiye

  • From 2015 to 2016, Dr. Özlü studied a Masters of Science in Plant Science - Soil Science (Soil Fertility & Management) at South Dakota State University, USA

  • From 2017 to 2020, Dr. Özlü experienced a Doctor of Philosophy in Soil Science at University of Wisconsin–Madison, USA

  • From 2020 to 2022, Dr. Özlü trained in Nitrogen Transformations during a Postdoctoral Research Associate experience at W. K. Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University, and Great Lakes Bioenergy Center, USA

  • Since August 2022, Dr. Özlü runs Soil Management Research and Extension Program at Vernon G. James Center and Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, North Carolina State University, USA

  • Dr. Özlü is currently affiliated with Department of Geological Sciences, East Carolina University as an adjunct professor in Saltwater Intrusion and Sea Level Rise, NC, USA