Soil Science and Agronomy

Farming systems need to be profitable, socially acceptable, and environmentally robust if they are to be sustainable. Climate change and the increasing frequency of catastrophic weather events are impacting sustainable farming systems.

The challenge

Integrated, innovative and multi-level approaches to agriculture are needed across all aspects of production to maximise yields, achieve sustainability and deliver on-farm solutions that lower costs and increase effectiveness.

Consequently, this domain focuses on three major research challenges:

• abiotic stress sensitivity for future climates,
• the influence of C02 on nutrient (nitrogen/ phosphorous/ seed protein and micronutrients) content of crops, and
• improved farming practices for soil health and optimised plant/ crop outcomes for farmers and consumers.

Our mission

To develop innovative on-farm solutions, better crop establishment and growth, and sustainable management of soil to minimise soil degradation and maximise the water stored in the soil.

Our research initiatives