I'm interested in how soils and plants interact in response to climate change, and how we can exploit soil processes to minimise the effects of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.
I use my research-based understanding of how soils and their constituent minerals interact with the biosphere in two contexts: 1) carbon capture (through carbonate precipitation or biochar addition), and 2) plant nutrient supply (especially novel sources of K).
I use my earlier work on granites and petroleum systems to develop novel sources of carbon-neutral geoenergy, including deep geothermal power generation in northern England.
Background
By training I'm a geologist (specialising in geochemistry and mineralogy), bringing skills from that area to the field of soil science whilst maintaining activity in mineral raw materials, energy and waste management.
Professional Qualifications and Service
A member of the Institution of Geologists since 1979, I became a Chartered Geologist in 1993, a Chartered Scientist in 2005, and a European Geologist in 2005. From 2008 - 2011 I was Professional Secretary of the Geological Society of London, the person responsible for the award of Chartered Geologist, Chartered Scientist and European Geologist status to competent professionals. I remain a Member of Council of the European Federation of Geologists, which awards professional qualification in geology across Europe.
During my service as Professional Secretary, I oversaw the establishment of the Register of Ground Engineering Professionals, and implemented new procedures for the Chartership process, focusing on the UK and Hong Kong. I oversaw the accreditation of undergraduate and taught postgraduate programmes in geology in the UK and overseas, and the introduction of accredited company training schemes.
Roles and Responsibilities
Director, Institute for Research on Environment and Sustainability, 2008-2010.
Professional Secretary, Geological Society of London (2008-2011), responsible for all aspects of professional development (degree accreditation, chartership, cpd etc).
Advisory Committee Member, International Biochar Initiative.
B.Sc. (Geology), class 2:1, Durham, 1976 Ph.D. (Geology), Manchester, 1979 Fellow of the Geological Society of London (since 1976). Chartered Geologist (since 1993). Chartered Scientist (since 2005). European Geologist (since 2005).
Previous Positions
2000 Professor in Environmental Geochemistry, University of Manchester 1996 -2000 Reader in Geology, University of Manchester 1992-1996 Senior Lecturer in Geology, University of Manchester 1988-1992 Lecturer in Geology, University of Manchester 1983-1988 New Blood Lecturer in Geology, University of Newcastle upon Tyne. 1981-1982 Post-doctoral research fellow (chercheur assimilé) Centre de Recherches Pétrographiques et Géochimiques, Nancy (funded by CNRS ATP Internationale). 1979-1981 Post-doctoral research fellow (NERC GT5/F/79/GS/3), Department of Geology, University of Manchester.
Visiting appointments, directorships and fellowships: 2001-2002 Leverhulme Research Fellow 1996 Visiting Scientist (NSERC-Royal Society exchange programme), Geological Survey of Canada (Calgary) and Associate, University of Calgary 1996 onwards Director, Mineral Solutions Ltd 1994-2000 Associate, Greater Manchester Geological Unit 1988-1989 Nuffield Science Research Fellow.
Industrial experience
Director, Mineral Solutions Ltd (1996-2006; www.mineralsolutions.co.uk)
Over 30 years global experience working with extractive industries in connection with the production, processing and use of mineral raw materials. Mineral raw material sourcing, processing, manufacture and sales of a fertiliser product (MSL-K). Pre-production processing of expanding pumice. Testing and advice on landfill design, specifically landfill drainage systems, in collaboration with TerraConsult Ltd. Substantial experience in consultancy and mineral/environmental project management.
Memberships
Geological Society of London (Chartered) Mineralogical Society Geochemical Society International Association of Geochemists and Cosmochemists Societe Francaise de Mineralogie et de Cristallographie Mineralogical Association of Canada
Honours and Awards
Mineralogical Society Distinguished Lecturer, 2009-2010. Schlumberger Medal, Mineralogical Society, 2004. Wollaston Fund (Geological Society of London), 1993
Languages
French (rusty)
Informal Interests
Rowing (www.cambois-rowing.org) Music (cello, violin; Scottish and Northumbrian tradition)
Research Interests
My goal is to use my understanding of the reactions that take place in soils to provide benefits that help sustain human populations. The work focuses (a) on carbon capture - through the artificially-influenced precipitation of carbonate minerals and through use of poorly-reactive carbons such as biochar, and (b) on novel methods to build soil fertility - exploiting the weathering of minerals. Effectively, this is passive Geoengineering.
To this end, I focus on mineral-water reactions in biologically-active systems including soils, sediments, aquifers, petroleum reservoirs and landfill sites.
Extending to greater depths, I use my long-standing interests in water-rock reaction in granitic and petroleum systems to develop novel geothermal opportunities. Most recently these include a 1000 m deep hole in Weardale, drilled in 2004, and a second 420 m hole nearby for injection, drilled in 2010.
The publications listed here are a small subset of what you can find in a database such as Web of Knowledge. Search on 'Manning DAC', which is a unique identifier that will give you the vast majority of publications produced throughout my career.
Other Expertise
Thermal analysis; mineral raw materials, including fuels such as coal; geothermal energy; commercial development of minerals; granitic rocks.
Current Work
Understanding the extent, rates and mechanisms of carbonation of calcium silicates in soils and rock weathering, addressing carbonation of urban soils, steel slags and basic rocks.
Investigation of the use of crushed rocks as sources of K, including agronomic benefit for developing countries.
Novel techniques for the characterisation of soil organic matter and related materials from sediments, using thermal analysis connected to on-line isotope ratio and evolved gas mass spectrometry.
Future Research
Understanding changes in organic matter in response to changes in land use or due to sediment burial history.
Postgraduate Supervision
I welcome applications from students wishing to work on carbon capture or soil fertility, interested in developing skills in the investigation of organic matter in soils and sediments, of interactions between plants and soils, and of agricultural mineral raw materials.
Esteem Indicators
Mineralogical Society Distinguished Lecturer, 2009-2010. Schlumberger Medal, Mineralogical Society, 2004. Wollaston Fund (Geological Society of London), 1993. Leverhulme Research Fellow, 2001-2. Nuffield Science Research Fellow, 1988-9.
Vice President, Geological Society of London, 2005-7. Professional Secretary, Geological Society of London, 2008-2011. Gordon Conference, Organic Geochemistry, invited speaker, 2006.
Steering Committee member (on behalf of NERC) on ESF MOLTER programme (www.molter.no).
International Biochar Initiative Science Advisory Committee and convenor of 2nd International Conference on Biochar, Newcastle, 2008 (www.biochar-international.org).
International Advisory Committee for the following conferences: Organic Matter Stabilisation 2010
Continuous NERC funding in one way or another since 1983, for experimental geochemistry and work on wastes. EPSRC and BBSRC funding for technique development and work on contaminated land and water. EPSRC funding on carbon capture by carbonate mineral precipitation in soils. BBSRC funding on soil organic matter-microbe interactions
Industrial Relevance
Mineral raw materials, geothermal energy, landfill design.
I teach environmental Earth science: ACE1102 Earth surface materials: contribute to this module.
Postgraduate Teaching
I teach business-focussed modules relating to consultancy skill development: CEG8607 The Environment Business module leader.
I contribute to modules on applied hydrogeology, engineering geology, and waste management: CEG8511 Groundwater Assessment Lead; MSc projects on landfill and related topics.
Schmidt MWI, Torn MS, Abiven S, Dittmar T, Guggenberger G, Janssens IA, Kleber M, Kogel-Knabner I, Lehmann J, Manning DAC, Nannipieri P, Rasse DP, Weiner S, Trumbore SE. Persistence of soil organic matter as an ecosystem property.
Nature 2011, 478(7367), 49-56.
Hughes PN, Glendinning S, Manning DAC, White ML, Dixon M. Alkali-activated waste based binders for use in ground improvement.
In: Proceedings of the 6th International Congress on Environmental Geotechnics (6ICEG). 2010, New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited, New Delhi..
Hammes K, Schmidt M, Smernik R, Currie L, Ball W, Nguyen T, Louchouarn P, Houel S, Gustafsson O, Elmquist M, Cornelissen G, Skjemstad J, Masiello C, Song J, Peng P, Mitra S, Dunn J, Hatcher P, Hockaday W, Smith D, Hartkopf-Fröder C, Böhmer A, Lüer B, Huebert B, Amelung W, Brodowski S, Huang L, Zhang W, Gschwend P, Flores-Cervantes D, Largeau C, Rouzaud J, Rumpel C, Guggenberger G, Kaiser K, Rodionov A, Gonzalez-Vila F, Gonzalez-Perez J, de la Rosa J, Manning DAC, Loopez-Capeel E, Ding L. Comparison of quantification methods to measure fire-derived (black-elemental) carbon in soils and sediments using reference materials from soil, water, sediment and the atmosphere.
Global Biogeochemical Cycles 2007, 21(3), -.
