OUR TEAM
SOIL SCIENTISTS
Kanch Wickramarachchi
Research Scientist, DPIRD
+61 425 545 870
My role
I have worked as a research scientist at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Western Australia, since 2021.
My research focuses on surface soil amelioration and deep soil re-engineering across a range of soil types to improve crop access to water and nutrients and increase water-use efficiency in broadacre cropping systems.
My background
I hold a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Agriculture from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, and a Master of Science in Agricultural Systems and Engineering from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand.
My postgraduate studies developed my knowledge of sustainable land and watershed management, integrated pest management and sustainable farming systems.
I also pursued further studies at the University of Adelaide (now Adelaide University), focusing on the cereal chemistry of newly-developed wheat lines.
My recent research at DPIRD has focused on soil–root interactions, deep subsoil amelioration, and crop uptake of water and nutrients.
Alongside my research, I enjoy working with growers and industry, communicating research findings, and mentoring students and early-career staff.
Projects
Soil Water and Nutrition (SWAN) Collaboration: Transforming Water and Nutrient Use Efficiency in WA Grain Production (DAW2407-001SPX), 2024–2029 (ongoing)
Re-engineering Soils to Improve the Access of Crop Root Systems to Water and Nutrients Stored in the Subsoil (DAW1902-003RTX), 2020–2024 (completed)
Key expertise
- Soil–root interactions
- Sandy soil management
- Subsoil amelioration using lime, clay and organic manure
- Controlled-environment studies
- Grower and industry engagement
- Science communication
- Mentoring and capacity building
Qualifications
Master of Science (MSc), Agricultural Systems and Engineering — Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand
Bachelor of Science (BSc) with Honours, Agriculture — University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka