our team
soil scientists
Gaus Azam
Principal Research Scientist, DPIRD
+61 433 883 837
My role
I lead two research programs focused on surface and deep re-engineering of a wide range of soil types and improving water-use efficiency in broadacre cropping systems – while ensuring the soil management practices we develop are low in emissions intensity and meet social licence requirements.
My background
I grew up on a small farm in remote Bangladesh that inspired me to pursue my career in agricultural sciences.
After completing BSc (Ag) from one of the top-ranked Bangladeshi universities I went to take an MSc degree from Asia’s most prestigious institute, AIT. Finally, I completed my highest degree, PhD, from Waite Research Institute (University of Adelaide).
Most of my research works covered the area of soil-plant interactions, soil and water conservation, plant physiology and ecology.
Projects
- Novel and Readily Adoptable Soil Management Approaches that Overcome Soil Constraints to Increase Water Use Efficiency (current) – lead
- Re-engineering Soils to Improve the Access of Crop Root Systems to Water and Nutrients Stored in the Subsoil (completed) – lead
- Impact of Soil Amelioration on Weed Ecology and Control (completed) – co-investigator
- Innovative Approaches to Managing Subsoil acidity in Western Region (completed) – lead
Key expertise
- Soil-plant interactions
- Research excellence and publication
- Industry and government engagement
- Competitive grant acquisition
- Multidisciplinary and cross-cultural experience
- Science communication and leadership in societies
- Advanced technical and analytical skills
- Mentorship and capacity building
Qualifications
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Soil Physics and Plant-Soil Interactions
Master of Science (MSc), Agricultural Systems and Engineering
Bachelor of Science (BSc), Agrotechnology
Diploma, Project Management