DB (David) Kottelenberg, MSc

I specialise in modelling diversified cropping systems, focusing on crop mixtures and rotations. My work involves synthesising above- and below-ground data from field trials with mechanistic models to scale insights from individual plants to the field and farm. Furthermore, I develop frameworks to assess transitions within agroecological systems, ensuring these changes are accurately integrated across scales to quantify their broader impacts.

During my doctoral research, I examined the mechanisms of weed suppression within cereal-legume intercropping. By combining field experiments with functional-structural plant (FSP) modelling, I quantified the role of phenotypic plasticity in weed suppression and crop yield across diverse system configurations. I leveraged deep learning to predict complex responses to plant-plant and plant-environment interactions. Additionally, I employed simulation and optimisation modelling to refine intercrop designs for enhanced performance.

I completed my bachelor Biology at Utrecht University, specialising in molecular biology and theoretical ecology. I then completed my MSc Biology at Wageningen University, specialising in ecological modelling. I completed my MSc thesis at CSA (Centre for Crop Systems Analysis) and Biometris on the modelling of the olive tree disease in southern Italy caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa. Before my PhD position, I worked as a data analyst and developer of a plant breeding simulation platform at KeyGene, a plant breeding research company.