Successful Defence | Congratulations to Simran Sekhri

18 February 2026

Photo: privat

Simran Sekhri has successfully completed her graduate thesis titled “Land-use and land management effects on the soil water dynamics of northern Namibia.”

In her research, Simran examined how different land-use and farming practices influence soil water dynamics in northern Namibia. The region is characterised by sandy soils that drain water rapidly and retain very little moisture, creating significant challenges for agriculture under conditions of high heat and frequent drought. Her work investigated how conservation-oriented practices—particularly mulching, reduced soil disturbance, and biological inoculation—affect the movement and retention of water in these soils.

Her findings show that such practices can substantially improve soil moisture retention, especially in the topsoil, thereby supporting plant survival during drought periods. Notably, the research also revealed that under extremely dry conditions plants may utilize water vapor from the soil, enabling them to survive even after liquid water in the soil has largely disappeared.

The thesis was supervised by Prof. Dr. Annette Eschenbach and Dr. Joscha N. Becker, whose guidance supported this research at the intersection of soil science, land management, and climate resilience.

Looking ahead, Simran plans to continue working in applied research on soil–water processes and climate resilience while remaining closely connected to the academic environment. In parallel, she is developing a science communication and visualization startup that aims to translate complex environmental research into clear, visual, and impactful formats, bridging rigorous science with creative expression.
Congratulations on this important achievement, Simran, and best wishes for the exciting paths ahead!