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KEYNOTE ADDRESS: The Transformation of the Worst Soil on the Farm to the Best – The Critical Role of Managing Soil Fertility

Tracks
Thursday, July 24, 2025
11:00 AM - 11:20 AM

Overview

Craig Scanlan | Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development


Speaker

Dr Craig Scanlan
Principal Research Scientist
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

The Transformation of the Worst Soil on the Farm to the Best – The Critical Role of Managing Soil Fertility

Biography

I’m working on soil fertility with a focus on the changes that grain producers can make to improve their profitability. My research interest is in how plants and soils interact and recently I have worked on the interactions between soil constraints, soil acidity and soil water repellence, and crop growth response to fertilisers. I have also done work in simulation modelling and decision support – my main interest here is how season interacts with yield and profit response to fertiliser management. My science capability is the interface between agronomy and soil science. Most of my research has utilised field experiments with a focus on how ameliorating soil constraints has changed the chemical and physical properties of soils and the impact of these changes on crop growth. Research interests include how roots modify water flow through soils. Expertise in nutrition modelling, crop nutrition, phosphorus and nitrogen cycling.
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