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Our Story

KRIS (Knowledge for Regeneration and Innovation in Soil) Systems started in 2017. After a hiatus between 2021-2025, KRIS Systems is (re)launching on Earth Day 2026. This relaunch is focused on soil, carbon and soil function because at the end of day it is the ECONOMY - the CARBON ECONOMY.

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Mission

To champion a shift in agriculture towards enhancing human health, ecosystem services, & producers’ economic viability by utilizing carbon flows in a holistic regenerative system to synergize food, feed, and energy production.

Vision

A future where biologically-based agricultural systems are the standard or ‘conventional’ food, feed, and energy production systems.

Dr. Kris Nichols, Soil Microbiologist

Raised on a grain farm in southwestern Minnesota, Dr. Kris Nichols brings together:

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  • Deep scientific expertise in soil biology and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

  • Extensive experience with USDA-ARS

  • A lifetime connection to farming, land stewardship, and real-world application

 

Her work bridges the gap between science and practice, helping farmers, ranchers, and land managers build systems that are biologically functional, economically viable, and resilient. She is a soil microbiologist, educator, and founder of KRIS (Knowledge for Regeneration and Innovation in Soils) Systems Education & Consultation, where she works to advance regenerative agriculture through practical, science-based solutions. She also serves as a Research Consultant with the Food Water Wellness Foundation in Olds, Alberta, Canada.

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With a career spanning research, consulting, and global outreach, Dr. Nichols has held key roles across the agricultural and scientific community. She previously served as a Senior Science Advisor with Canadian Organic Growers (2020–2022) and as a Research Consultant with MyLand Company in Phoenix, Arizona (2019–2025).  She served as Chief Scientist at the Rodale Institute (2014-2018), where she led approximately fifteen research projects in organic agriculture. Prior to that, she spent 14 years with the USDA Agricultural Research Service, including 11 years as a Soil Microbiologist in North Dakota and 3 years in Beltsville, Maryland.

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Dr. Nichols holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Plant Biology and Genetics & Cell Biology from the University of Minnesota, a Master’s degree in Environmental Microbiology from West Virginia University, and a Ph.D. in Soil Science from the University of Maryland. She has delivered over 350 invited presentations across a dozen countries, authored or co-authored 34 peer-reviewed publications and four book chapters, and has been widely featured in media, podcasts, documentaries, and industry publications. Her contributions to soil science have been recognized with multiple honors and awards including the 2012 Conservation Research Award from the International Soil and Water Conservation Society and the 2026 No-Till Innovator Award for Research & Education from No-Till Farmer. 

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She is widely recognized for developing a carbon-based framework for the six soil health principles:

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  • Maximize days of photosynthesis

  • Increase biological diversity (macro and micro)

  • Manage inputs strategically

  • Integrate livestock systems (macro and micro)

  • Control soil disturbance

  • Protect and armor the soil surface

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