Research interests

• soil biological processes, properties and measurement
• evaluation of soil health, combining soil chemistry, physics and biology
• soil erosion control in perennial horticulture
• beneficial effects of compost addition to soil and plant properties

Background

Justine Cox joined NSW Agriculture* in 2002 as a soil scientist at the Centre for Tropical Horticulture in Alstonville. She has previous experience in evaluating soil ecological process in mining wastes. Justine has undertaken research collaborations with colleagues from Queensland and Western Australia in evaluating soil biological process in agricultural lands.

Justine is particularly involved in developing useful soil biological indicators to assist industries monitor their environmental status as well as sustainable production. She has spoken to many different grower groups on the role of soil biota in plant production, and the effects of management practices on those organisms. Justine has contributed to many advisory publications encompassing soil biology, from the microorganisms to the macro fauna.

Justine has interests in important soil functions, such as organic matter decomposition, nutrient mineralisation, carbon dynamics and the relationship between organisms and soil structure.

*NSW Department of Primary Industries was formed on July 1, 2004 through an amalgamation of NSW Agriculture, NSW Fisheries, State Forests of NSW and the NSW Department of Mineral Resources.

Qualifications

B.Sc. Hons (Biol) – University of Adelaide 1992

Current projects

• Improving soil erosion and orchard floor management in macadamia orchards
• Comparison of plastic woven weedmat and woodchip fines as mulch on soil and plant properties in blueberries
• determining effective soil biological indicators for evaluating improved soil management in vegetables

Recent Publications

Cox J, Keen B, Vimpany I, Slavich P and Robertson D (2007) Soil erosion rehabilitation and prevention project update. Australian Macadamia Society Bulletin, Sept 07 pp 41-44.

Jenkins A and Cox J (2006) Healthy soils – workshop. Proceedings of Australian Macadamia Society 2006 Conference, Broadbeach Qld p 38-42

Cox J (2005) Soil health in olives. 5th annual olive harvest workshop proceedings. Protecting and sustaining the olive industry. 8-9 September 2005, Rylstone NSW, pp 80-83

Cox J, Van Zwieten L, Ayres M and Morris S (2004) Macadamia husk compost improves soil health in sub-tropical horticulture. Australian Soil Science Society Conference Proceedings 5-9 Dec 2004 Sydney NSW, http://www.regional.org.au/au/asssi/supersoil2004/s12/oral/1460_coxj.htm#TopOfPage

Stephenson R, Cox J, Searle C, Moody P, Pattison T, Cobon J, O”Farrell P and Van Zwieten L (2004) Develop a benchmark for soil health in macadamia orchards. Final report to HAL (MC 02035).

Van Zwieten L, Ayres M, Kingston T, Cox J, Moody P, Pattison T, Stephenson R, Cobon J, Searle C, O’Farrell P and Morris S (2003) Benefits of healthy soils in macadamia orchards. Proceedings of the 2nd International Macadamia Symposium, 29 Sept- 4 Oct Tweed Heads NSW, pp 101-106.

Professional associations and activities

• Australian Soil Science Society Inc
• Ecological Society of Australia

Fields of Research

• 050303 Soil Biology
• 050302 Land Capability and Soil Degradation

Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC)

Keyword/phrase list of research interests

• soil biology
• mulch
• soil microbial activity
• soil erosion
• macadamias
• microbial decomposition