Open lecture as part of a mentoring visit by dr. Ilan Stavi (Dead Sea and Arava Science Center)

17 09 2025

Please join us for an open lecture by dr. Ilan Stavi (Dead Sea and Arava Science Center) entitled “Soil Carbon Dynamics and Management in the Israeli Drylands”, prepared as part of the mentoring visit under Action I.1.1/IV.1.1 “Mentoring Programme”.

The soil carbon pool encompasses both organic and inorganic fractions. Specifically, the organic fraction controls multiple functions of the soil. This fraction comprises some sub-fractions, of varied stability/lability, which determine the soil quality and health. Further, this fraction has a major role in the global carbon cycle. Depending on the biophysical conditions and anthropogenic factors, soils can function as either sources or sinks of atmospheric carbon dioxide, thus regulating climate change. In this lecture, some topics related to the soil organic carbon dynamics in the Israeli drylands will be discussed. Among these topics is the relationship of the soil organic carbon pool with the biophysical settings. Examples will be presented from different land uses, including shrublands, afforestation lands, and croplands. Another topic encompasses both supportive and destructive management practices, which affect both the soil organic carbon pool and geo-ecosystem functions.

Dr Ilan Stavi is a researcher at the Dead Sea and Arava Science Center, specializing in dryland geo-ecology, soil science, and environmental sustainability. He has led and collaborated on numerous national and international projects addressing biochar applications, dryland forestry, rangeland management, geodiversity, and soil restoration. His research spans agronomy, geo-archaeology, and ecosystem services, including studies on ancient runoff harvesting systems, the ecological impacts of land-use change, and climate change adaptation. Through extensive grant funding from various agencies, he has developed innovative approaches to sustainable land management in arid regions.

The lecture will take place on Monday, 22 September 2025 at 11:00 in the Room 0.36 (Miejsce Dobrych Spotkań) at the Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw.