Matthias C. Rillig

Berlin Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Matthias C. Rillig is a pioneering ecologist whose work bridges fundamental ecosystem science and pressing environmental challenges. His research centers on soil microbial ecology, global change biology, and the emerging threat of micro- and nanoplastic pollution. Rillig is perhaps best known for advancing the concept of "microbial biospherics," a framework for experimentally studying ecosystem function and evolution in self-sustaining systems—a visionary approach that has garnered significant attention. His recent work on tire wear particles (TWPs) has been particularly impactful, demonstrating that these pervasive contaminants can alter soil biogeochemistry by enriching labile dissolved organic matter and reshaping microbial communities, with direct implications for denitrification and nutrient cycling. With over 29,000 citations, Rillig’s contributions have shaped modern soil ecology. He also explores the agricultural parameter space for crop yield and sustainability, revealing that classical management options remain underexplored. A professor at Freie Universität Berlin and director of the Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research, Rillig’s work is essential reading for anyone interested in the intersection of soil health, global change, and sustainable agriculture.