Thorsten Knappenberger, Ph.D.
Professor for Soil Physics, Department of Crops, Soil & Environmental Sciences, Auburn University
Dr. Knappenberger is a Professor for Soil Physics in the Department of Crops, Soil & Environmental Sciences at Auburn University, where he has been on faculty since 2014. He was promoted to Professor in 2026, after serving as Associate Professor (2020–2026) and Assistant Professor (2014–2020).
His research and teaching center on soil physics, environmental contaminant transport, stormwater management, and precision agriculture, and increasingly on applying artificial intelligence and machine learning methods to environmental science problems such as digital soil mapping and invasive species prediction. He is the developer of ENVI 5200/6200, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Environmental Science, a course that introduces environmental science students to AI/ML tools and their applications without requiring a programming or statistics background.
Education
Ph.D., Agricultural Engineering, University of Hohenheim, Germany, 2009
Thesis: The influence of seeding depth on emergence and yield of corn
M.S., Agricultural Engineering, University of Hohenheim, Germany, 2003
Thesis: Design of a development system for autonomous control of a farm tractor using CASE tools
B.S., Agricultural Engineering, University of Hohenheim, Germany, 2001
Appointments
2026–present: Professor for Soil Physics, Department of Crops, Soil & Environmental Sciences, Auburn University
2020–2026: Associate Professor for Soil Physics, Department of Crops, Soil & Environmental Sciences, Auburn University
2014–2020: Assistant Professor for Soil Physics, Department of Crops, Soil & Environmental Sciences, Auburn University
2014: Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Washington Stormwater Center, Washington State University, Puyallup, Washington
2011–2013: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Puyallup, Washington
Selected Awards & Recognition
- Member, National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils (NTCHS), 2025–present
- Member, Board of Directors, Soil Science Society of America, 2024–2026
- ASCE Outstanding Reviewer Award, Journal of Sustainable Water in the Built Environment, 2024
- Member, Auburn University Global Teaching Academy / Phi Beta Delta International Honor Society, 2024
- Guthrie’s Award for Excellence in International Agriculture, College of Agriculture, Auburn University, 2022
- Dean’s Award for Excellence in Instruction, College of Agriculture, Auburn University, 2021
- Associate Editor, Vadose Zone Journal, 2020–2028 (renewed)
- Chair, Urban & Anthropogenic Soils Division, Soil Science Society of America, 2021
- Editorial Board Member, Soil and Tillage Research, 2018–present
Professional Service
Dr. Knappenberger has performed roughly 91 peer reviews for journals including Soil and Tillage Research, Agricultural Water Management, Journal of Hydrology, and Water Resources Research, alongside these editorial and society roles:
- Associate Editor, Vadose Zone Journal, 2020–2028
- Editorial Board Member, Soil and Tillage Research, 2018–present
- Member, American Geophysical Union (AGU), since 2011
- Member, Soil Science Society of America (SSSA), since 2011
- Member, American Ecological Engineering Society (AEES), since 2019
Contact
2274 STEM & Ag Complex, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849
Email: knappi@auburn.edu
Phone: (334) 844-3997