our team
soil scientists
Glenn McDonald
Senior Research Scientist, DPIRD
+61 (0)8 9892 8524
My role
I am a research agronomist working on Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) research projects focused on soil management and soil rerengineering that increases crop productivity and profitability throughout the WA rainfed production systems.
I work closely with growers, researchers and industry to provide the best quality information to improve agricultural knowledge.
My background
I have been involved in a diversified range of projects, beginning my research career in cereal agronomy before expanding my research to crop waterlogging tolerance and physiology.
I have spent time in projects scoping new industries, representing DPIRD on industry boards and committees, and developing and facilitating grower groups.
Prior to my current role in soil research, I managed a national drought tolerance project with staff and activities across Australia.
My current research interests include soil modification to address soil constraints such as compaction, soil water repellence, hostile soils and root growth limitation.
Projects
- Soil Water and Nutrition (SWAN) Collaboration: Transforming Water and Nutrient Use Efficiency in WA Grain Production (DAW2407-001SPX)
- Re-engineering Soils to Improve the Access of Crop Root Systems to Water and Nutrients Stored in the Subsoil (DAW1902-003RTX) (completed)
- Delivering Enhanced Agronomic Strategies for Improved Crop Performance on Water Repellent Soils in Western Australia (DAW00244) (completed)
- Characterising Water Deficit and Benchmarking Genetic Diversity in Wheat for Key Adaptive Traits at Merredin, Yanco and Narrabri Managed Environment Facilities (MEFs) (DAW00215) (completed)
Key expertise
Agronomic strategies, crop physiology, soil water repellence, soil modification, extension practices, event planning, group facilitation, research and development
Qualifications
BSc Agriculture (Hons), The University of Western Australia