Louise Barton

After spending many childhood hours following the lives of ants on farms, and wondering what their underground homes held, it is probably not surprising that I became a soil scientist. I have spent much of my professional career researching nitrogen cycling in various land-uses. My research has focused on developing land-management strategies that minimise undesirable losses of nitrogen, such as nitrous oxide emissions and nitrate leaching, into the environment. My understanding of soil nitrogen cycling has been achieved by seeking to understand the interactions between soil biology, chemistry and physics on the fate of nitrogen applied to a variety of land-uses in agriculture, forestry, and horticultural in a range of environments (e.g., Mediterranean, semi-arid and temperate climates). Throughout my career I have enjoyed working collaboratively with Industry and scientists to ensure my research results in practical outcomes for Industry, and publications in well regarded scientific journals. I have recently taken an active role in introducing undergraduate and postgraduate students to the wonders of soil science, and are learning a lot along the way!