Dr. John Kirkegaard is a farming systems agronomist who applies his expertise in agricultural research to develop practical solutions to Australia’s farming challenge – to produce more crop with less inputs while protecting the environment. For example, Dr. Kirkegaard is currently investigating ways to improve the productivity of no-till farming systems, increase the profitability of rotation crops such as canola, develop dual-purpose crops that can be used for grazing and grain production, and improve the use of deep-stored water by crops.

Dr. Kirkegaard joined CSIRO as an agronomist in 1990 to improve the productivity and sustainability of dry-land mixed farming systems in southeast Australia. During his career he and his research teams have combined detailed studies of soil-plant interactions, with broader considerations at the farming system level to develop innovative new approaches to improve farm productivity.