Bernhard Wehr is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist and Principal Soil Scientist at Verterra Ecological Engineering, with deep expertise in soil constraints, growth media design, and mine rehabilitation.

Bernhard holds a PhD from the University of Queensland, where his research investigated the effects of heavy metals on plant root cell walls to understand mechanisms limiting plant growth in contaminated environments.

 

He subsequently worked in the biotechnology sector, developing nursery and tissue culture propagation systems for forestry and horticultural species, with a focus on large-scale propagation of plants suitable for revegetation of degraded land.

Returning to the University of Queensland, Bernhard worked as a Project Officer on the revegetation of alkaline sodic mine spoil, which led to broader applied research into soil physical, chemical and nutritional constraints across mining, agricultural and forestry systems.

 

This work underpins his strong understanding of the soil–plant–water continuum and his ability to diagnose and remediate complex growth limitations in challenging landscapes.

Bernhard spent over 15 years teaching Soil Science and Ecology at the University of Queensland, integrating real-world case studies to emphasise the role of soil as the foundation of sustainable ecosystems.

Since joining Verterra in 2023, Bernhard has worked across the mining, energy and agricultural sectors, designing and delivering practical, science-based solutions to improve vegetation establishment, rehabilitation performance and post-mining land use outcomes.

 

As Sector Leader for Mining and Energy, he manages and delivers projects for a range of mining and energy clients, focusing on soil reconstruction, growth media development, landform rehabilitation and ecosystem restoration.

A passionate advocate for soil as the foundation of all ecosystems, Bernhard is committed to developing evidence-based, practical solutions that improve environmental outcomes and support productive land use across the mining, energy and infrastructure sectors.