our team
soil scientists
Shuangxi Zhou
Senior Research Scientist, DPIRD
+61 (0) 436 190 141
My role
I am a senior research scientist in crop and soil science, currently working on the Soil Water and Nutrition (SWAN) Collaboration.
In my previous project, I helped the Department of Primary Industries (DPIRD) source, contract and bring in a revolutionary autonomous orchard sprayer into Manjimup; the first of its kind to be tested in Western Australia and to benefit tree crop growers across Australia.
I enjoy working with growers, stakeholders, and national and international collaborators to develop and validate solutions to complex soil and agronomic challenges.
My background
I hold about 20 years’ experience leading agri-food research, development and extension (RD&E) projects in sustainable production systems and practices within government, commercial and university environments. I have worked in Australia, New Zealand, China and Spain.
I have contributed to the RD&E innovation of a diverse range of broadacre and horticultural industries, and hold more than 60 publications and over 20 international conference invited-speaker experiences.
I serve on the editorial boards for two international agricultural journals and have been invited to host a few special issues for a collection of international journals.
My formal recognition from industry and academia nationally and internationally includes Crawford Fund Scholar (2015), scholar recognition by the XIX International Botanical Congress (2017), Primary Industries New Zealand ‘Science & Research Award’ for the team’s ‘The Future Orchard Production System’ (2020), and Curtin Ignition Scholar (2024).
Projects
- Soil Water and Nutrition (SWAN) Collaboration: Transforming Water and Nutrient Use Efficiency in WA Grain Production (DAW2407-001SPX)
- Narrow Orchard Systems for Future Climates (AS22002; Australia) (completed)
- Better Tree Performance and Water Use Efficiency through Root System Resilience (AL13009; Australia) (completed)
- Enhancing Productivity and Resilience of Fruit Production while Reducing their Environmental Footprint (New Zealand) (completed)
Plant Architecture and Water Use (New Zealand) (completed) - Less Water Use in Apple (New Zealand) (completed)
- Quantifying and Modelling the Responses of Leaf Gas Exchange to Drought (Australia, China, Spain) (completed)
- Effects of Changed Precipitation Patterns on Pasture Species in Inner Mongolia Grassland (China) (completed)
Key expertise
Soil-root-canopy interaction under changed climate (e.g. drought, changed rainfall patterns) and soil management (e.g. against soil salinity and sodicity)
Testing science-driven hypotheses on soil, root and canopy management to enhance produce yield, quality, water and nutrient use efficiency, and stress resilience
Translating research outcomes into adoptable sustainable practices and production systems to enhance farmers’ return on investment
Commercial client management and business development
Qualifications
PhD Plant Physiology, Macquarie University
MSc Ecology (by research for 3 years), Chinese Academy of Sciences
BSc Agriculture (Hons), Inner Mongolia Agricultural University
Certificate: Curtin Ignition Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Curtin University
Certificate: Stable Isotopes in Biosphere Systems, University of Sydney