Agricultural science

Key research areas

• Animal production

  Our researchers investigate extensive rangeland systems and mixed crop-pasture systems in the quest for expansion and improvement opportunities and clean, green and ethical animal production.

• Genetics and breeding

  Research and student training in genetics and breeding spans traditional and molecular genetic approaches to improve economically important production traits in our crops, pastures and livestock. Our work has application in Australia as well as overseas countries including China, India, Bangladesh and Timor Leste.

• Crop and pasture production

  Research in crop and pasture production occurs across molecular and physiological processes, nutrition and disease control, and in-field agronomy, using traditional and state-of-the art technology.

• Soil science and plant nutrition

  Agricultural-based research and teaching in soil science and plant nutrition focuses on land management practices and climate on agricultural soils. By combining molecular, isotopic and spatial imaging techniques, our researchers have gained detailed insights into the day-to-day life of soil and how best to manage and sustain this important resource.

• Farming systems

  Our work in farming systems is targeted towards choosing and breeding the right plants and animals for the right environment to develop management strategies that maximise profitability and minimise the impacts on the environment.