Research focused on the morphology, genesis, classification, and functions of soils in relation to anthropogenic land use alterations. Dr. Ricker works on projects related to landscape reconstruction using multi-proxy approaches in depositional soils (floodplains/wetlands), soil carbon sequestration and storage, water quality improvement functions provided by riparian zones, ancient anthropogenic soils in the Maya region of Mesoamerica, and onsite water protection in North Carolina.