Our research aims to improve the productivity potential and environmental outcomes of food production systems for future food security.
We work to develop nutrient management solutions for diverse agricultural systems from subsistence farming to high production farming. Our research investigates the pathways of nutrient loss, including greenhouse gases and other losses, the role of soil organic matter for nutrient delivery, and the importance of soil health for long-term nutrient supply. We take a multidisciplinary approach and work closely with industry in the development of smarter, more efficient fertilisers and alternative nutrient sources, which will have a significant impact on the profitability and sustainability of agriculture.
Contact
For enquiries, please email Helen Suter - helencs@unimelb.edu.au
Academics and researchers in the Nitrogen Management and Fertiliser Technology research group.
Academic staff
Prof Deli Chen
Deli Chen has expertise in water and nutrient dynamics in plant-soil systems, GIS based agroecosystem modelling and decision support systems for optimal irrigation and fertiliser management; and the measures, models and mitigates greenhouse gas emissions from land sources, impact of climate on agro-ecosystems, agricultural ‘big data’ and sustainable indices.
delichen@unimelb.edu.au +61383448148A/Prof Tony Weatherley
Tony Weatherley's research areas include phosphorous cycling in pasture systems, urban waste management, biochar, soil health and nutrient cycling.
anthony@unimelb.edu.au +61383444642Dr Emma Liang
Xia (Emma) Liang’s research focuses on reactive nitrogen assessment, nitrogen footprint quantification, sustainable agriculture indicators and food credentialing at multiple scales, from local through to global levels. She also has expertise in global data synthesis and GIS. Her work is an exciting new research field nationally and internationally.
liang.xia@unimelb.edu.auDr Baobao Pan
Baobao Pan's research focuses on soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics in agro-ecosystems by integrating big data analytics, machine learning techniques and process-based models.
baobao.pan@unimelb.edu.au
Graduate researchers
Ben Rigby
Jon Baird