Research Interests:

Dr. Li is a soil microbiologist with particular research interests in soil health and fertility in agricultural and environmental systems. The Li Lab strives to achieve three primary research goals: First, the Li Lab aims to identify optimal cropping systems and management practices to improve soil health and crop productivity under both desired and stressed environmental conditions. Second, the Li Lab aims to uncover the underlying biogeochemical, microbial, and molecular mechanisms of soil-plant-microbe interactions across various cropping systems, management practices, and environmental conditions. Additionally, the Li Lab works to promote beneficial plant-microbe interactions to enhance soil nutrient cycling, microbial functions, plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and ultimately increase crop yield. To achieve these goals, the Li Lab employs a comprehensive range of approaches, including large-scale field and greenhouse trials, microbial and molecular experiments, and sequencing analysis. Through multidisciplinary efforts, Dr. Li and the Li Lab contribute to the advancement of agricultural production and environmental sustainability.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Soil Science (focus: Soil Microbiology and Bioinformatics), Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
• M.S. in Ecology (focus: Environmental Microbiology and Bioremediation), Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
• B.S. in Biotechnology, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China

Professional Appointments:

• 2023 - present: Assistant Professor of Soil Microbiology and Soil Health. Dept. of Plant and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University.
• 2020 - 2023: Postdoctoral Research Associate. Washington State University.
• 2016 - 2020: Postdoctoral Research Associate. Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center.

Selected Recent Publications:

• Li, X.; Wang, X.; Ma, X.; Sun, W.; Chen, K.; Dou, F. (2024). Effectiveness of nanomaterials and their counterparts in improving rice growth and yield under arsenic contamination. Frontiers in Plant Science. 15:1338530. doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2024.1338530.
• Li, X.; Petipas, R.H.; Antoch, A.A.; Liu, Y.; Stel, H.V.; Bell-Dereske, L.; Smercina, D.N.; Bekkering, C.; Evans, S.E.; Tiemann, L.K.; & Friesen, M.L. (2022). Switchgrass cropping systems affect soil carbon and nitrogen and microbial diversity and activity on marginal lands. GCB Bioenergy, 14(8), 918-940.
• Li, X.; Jiang, J.; Guo, J.; McClung, A.; Chen, K.; Velarca, M.V.; Torbert, H.A.; & Dou, F. (2022). Effect of nitrogen application rate under organic and conventional systems on rice (Oryza sativa) growth, grain yield, soil properties, and greenhouse gas emissions. Journal of Plant Nutrition. doi.org/10.1080/01904167.2022.2093746.
• Li, X.; Tan, A.; Chen, K.; Pan, Y.; Gentry, T.; & Dou, F. (2021). Effect of cover crop type and application rate on soil nitrogen mineralization and availability in organic rice production. Sustainability, 13(5), 2866. doi.org/10.3390/su13052866.
• Li, X.; Deng, S.; Raun, W.R.; Wang, Y.; & Teng, Y. (2020). Bacterial community in soils following century-long application of organic or inorganic fertilizers under continuous winter wheat cultivation. Agronomy, 10(10), 1497. doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10101497.
• Li, X.; Dou, F.; Guo, J.; Velarca, M.V.; Chen, K.; Gentry, T.J.; & McNear, D. (2020). Soil microbial community responses to nitrogen application in organic and conventional rice (Oryza sativa) production. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 84, 1885-1897.
• Li, X.; Dou, F.; Watkins, K.B.; Wang, S.; Chen, K.; Zhou, X.; McClung, A.; Storlien, J.O.; & Hons, F.M. (2020). Seeding rate effects on organic rice growth, yield, and economic returns. Agronomy Journal, 112, 4104-4119.

**The Li Lab welcomes passionate graduate students to join our cutting-edge research team!**

• Li Curriculum Vitae (CV)