| Mark Liebig |
|
AFFILIATIONS
Research Soil Scientist, USDA-ARS, Mandan, ND
Adjunct Faculty, Department of Soil Science, North Dakota State University
BIOSKETCH
Dr. Liebig works with a multidisciplinary team of scientists to develop soil, crop, and animal management practices for the Great Plains to overcome limitations to productivity while maintaining or enhancing environmental quality. As a team member, he leads basic and applied research to quantify management effects on soil properties and processes. In addition to core research responsibilities, Dr. Liebig develops decision aides and evaluation tools for producers, conservationists, and scientists, and regularly contributes to research networks within and outside USDA-ARS.
CURRENT RESEARCH
- Cropland Production Systems: Quantification of conservation management effects on soil properties and processes in rainfed cropping systems.
- Grazing Land Production Systems: Quantification of soil property dynamics in response to grazing and fire management.
- In-Field Soil Assessments: Application of Visual Soil Assessment methods to semiarid agroecosystems.
- Long-Term Agroecosystem Research Network: Facilitate collaborative adaptive management framework for ‘Prevailing’ and ‘Aspirational’ treatments as part of the Northern Plains LTAR Cropland Common Experiment.
All research seeks to provide information and guidance to create a more sustainable agriculture.
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
1999 - present: Research Soil Scientist, USDA-ARS Mandan, ND.
1998 - 1999: Postdoctoral Research Associate, USDA-ARS, Lincoln, NE.
1992 - 1994: Research Technologist, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE.
EDUCATION
1998. Ph.D. University of Nebraska; Agronomy
1992. M.S. University of Nebraska; Agronomy
1990. B.A. University of Colorado; MCD Biology
SYNERGISTIC ACTIVITIES
- Co-Chair of Long-Term Agroecosystem Research Network Croplands Common Experiment (2015 – 2025).
- Editorial board member: Technical Editor, Forage and Grazinglands (2006-2008); Associate Editor, Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems (2003-2011); Soil Science Society of America Journal (2010-2015); Special Section Associate Editor, Journal of Environmental Quality (2024).
- Service to professional societies: Soil and Water Conservation Society Council Representative (2001-2003); Soil Science Society of America Soil & Water Management & Conservation Division Chair (2011).
- Co-advisor for environmental studies students at United Tribes Technical College (Bismarck, ND) and Sitting Bull College (Fort Yates, ND).
- Initiated and served as presenter for Environmental Wellness Festival in cooperation with Gateway to Science Center and Bismarck State College, reaching >1000 5th graders annually (2000-2019).
JOURNAL ARTICLES
DECISION AIDS
AgroEcosystem Performance Assessment Tool
DATASETS
Ag Data Commons (2026)
Documenting soil archive use in peer-reviewed publications: 1915– 2021 (2022)
PODCASTS
Soil Health Dynamic Duo, Part 1: Cover crops
Soil Health Dynamic Duo, Part 2: Measuring soil quality