Desirée Jans’ research interests
have focused on carbon and nitrogen cycling in agro-ecosystems.
Following an undergraduate degree in Plant Sciences (UBC), and
some time as a Soil Conservation Agrologist in Alberta, she completed
her PhD in Soil Biology and Biochemistry (U of Alberta) in 1995.
Desirée’s research explored plant residue decomposition
in soil, specifically the interactions among substrates, microorganisms
and the soil environment. She has spent considerable time studying
legumes; from their role as green manures to developing commercial
inoculant formulations of Rhizobium.
More recently, Desiree managed Saskatchewan’s agricultural
funding programs in the areas of soil, organic and horticulture
research. She was also involved in the development of Saskatchewan’s
applied research and extension program.
Now living in Nova Scotia, Desirée has become involved
with the OACC as an instructor of their web-based courses, Transition
to Organic Agriculture and Organic Field Crop Management. This
has been a great experience, with students from across Canada
and beyond. Desiree enjoys sharing her interest in ecology and
looks forward to further exploring and promoting the principles
of organic agriculture.
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