Studied medicine and natural sciences at the University of Göttingen. Earned a doctorate in medicine in 1774. Practiced as a physician in Celle for several decades. From the 1780s onward, developed a growing interest in agricultural issues. Founded a model agricultural estate and an agricultural training institute in Celle (1802). Moved to Prussia in 1804. Opened an agricultural teaching and research institute in Möglin near Wriezen in 1806. Appointed associate professor at the newly founded University of Berlin in 1810, where he lectured on agriculture for students of cameralistics. Ceased teaching in Berlin in 1819. Transformed the Möglin institute into a Royal Academy of Agriculture. Published around 400 works on a wide range of agricultural topics. Played a decisive role in the emergence of modern agricultural science in Germany.

He can be considered the last prominent representative of the humus theory. Laid the foundation for the targeted development and maintenance of humus content in arable soils (humus management).