TASMANIAN scientist, Dr Doris Blaesing has been awarded the AUSVEG Researcher of the Year Award at the National Awards for Excellence, held on the Gold Coast on the weekend.
The award, sponsored by Bayer CropScience, recognised a researcher whose work advanced the industry and offered long-term benefits, AUSVEG chief executive Richard Mulcahy said.
“Dr Blaesing of RM Consulting Group (RMCG) has been awarded the AUSVEG Researcher of the Year Award for her work on the Soil Wealth Project.
"It is a levy-funded project that aims to highlight the importance of soil in the productivity and efficiency of crop growth,” Mr Mulcahy said.
“Dr Blaesing and the Soil Wealth team have invested a significant amount of time to ensure that this project will deliver results to growers throughout the industry that they can use to improve the efficiency and the productivity of their crops.”
“It is also a tremendous recognition for Dr Blaesing’s active involvement in a number of industry research and development workshops for both the Australian vegetable and potato industries, and a tireless commitment to promoting horticultural R&D to levy payers,” he said.
Dr Blaesing was based in Penguin, Tasmania.
The Soil Wealth project was jointly run by RMCG and Applied Horticultural Research (AHR) and supported by Horticulture Innovation Australia.
The project aimed to encourage growers to manage their soils in an environmentally and economically sustainable way.
Growers had identified management of soil-borne disease, biofumigation, interpretation of soil test reports and training in soil biology as key areas where they would like to improve their skills.
Mr Mulcahy said to receive the award, researchers must have actively communicated outcomes and encouraged on-farm uptake.
They were also expected to have contributed research or extension work that advanced the reputation of Australian science internationally.
“Dr Blaesing has a track record of participating in research projects which have significantly advanced the industry, and has promoted their results extensively throughout the industry,” Mr Mulcahy said.
AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body representing Australia’s 9,000 vegetable and potato growers.