A student of A. D. Thaer in Celle. From 1804 to 1808, he worked under Thaer in Möglin, conducting extensive agricultural chemistry experiments together with Heinrich Einhof. Served as manager of agricultural estates from 1808 to 1816. From 1821 to 1828, studied natural sciences, earned his doctorate, and taught at the University of Göttingen. Published the first refutation of the humus theory in 1826. First formulated the mineral theory in 1828. Taught agriculture at the Collegium Carolinum in Braunschweig from 1831 to 1839. Served as Secretary-General of the Pomeranian Economic Society from 1839. Founded an agricultural teaching institute in Regenwalde, Pomerania, in 1842. One of the most significant founders of modern chemical plant nutrition theories. Published numerous works on agricultural chemistry and crop science.

Discovered that soil is generally beneficial for plant growth but can become unproductive if it lacks an element essential for satisfactory growth. This statement became known as the Law of the Minimum, which many authors incorrectly attribute to Justus von Liebig.