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COX, Justine
Research interests
- Soil biological function
- Compost and biochar for soil management
- Mulch management in horticulture
- Greenhouse gas production processes from soil
- Soil carbon sequestration
- Soil health indicators
Background
Justine Cox is a soil Scientist for the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and works predominantly in the horticultural arena. Her work includes research into soil issues for the macadamia, blueberry, vegetable, melon and banana industries. Justine has worked on soil erosion for the macadamia industry, mulches for the blueberry industry, including compost and biochar and is currently evaluating compost and biochar for soil carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas reduction in the banana, melon and blueberry industries. She has been involved in evaluating biological indicators for soil health, root assessments and compost for carbon. Justine believes in looking at soil as a living system, with an ecological approach in the agricultural environment.
Qualifications
B.Sc. Hons (Biol) – University of Adelaide 1992
Current projects
Funding body | Brief description | Collaborative links include | Key project activities |
|---|---|---|---|
Horticulture Australia Ltd | Evaluating biochars, compost in blueberry production for soil carbon | University of Queensland | Assess impact of different biochars and a compost, plus a combination of biochar and compost on soil properties (including soil carbon), plant growth and berry yield in blueberry production |
Dept Agriculture, Action on the Ground (2013 – 2017) | Compost and biochar for increasing soil carbon and reducing soil GHG emissions | Southern Cross University, DAFF Qld, ABGC, ABGA, AMA | Determine effectiveness of biochar, compost and combination on soil carbon and nitrous oxide emissions, in fertigated melon, banana and blueberry industries |
Horticulture Australia Ltd (2013 – 2017) | Improving soil health in bananas for increased nematode control | QDAFF | Demonstration trials to address soil constraints and improve soil health for improved plant health and subsequently improve nematode control in bananas |
Recent publications
Cox, J.A., Morris, S. and Dalby, T. 2014. Woodchip or weedmat? A comparative study on the effects of mulch on soil properties and blueberry yield. Acta Hort. (ISHS) 1018:369-374
http://www.actahort.org/books/1018/1018_39.htm
Justine Cox, Adriana Downie, Abigail Jenkins, Mark Hickey, Rebecca Lines-Kelly,
Anthea McClintock, Janine Powell, Bhupinder Pal Singh, Lukas Van Zwieten (2012) Biochar in horticulture: Prospects for the use of biochar in Australian horticulture. NSW Trade and Investment for Horticulture Australia Ltd.
Brad Keen, Justine Cox, Stephen Morris and Tina Dalby (2010) Stemflow and soil erosion at the base of macadamia trees. International Soils Congress, Aug 1-6, Brisbane 2010
Tina Dalby, Justine Cox and Stephen Morris (2010) Harvest equipment and soil erosion in a macadamia orchard. International Soils Congress, Aug 1-6, Brisbane 2010
Cox J (2009) Comparison of plastic weedmat and woodchip mulch on low chill blueberry soil in New South Wales, Australia. Acta Hort. 810(Vol 2): 475-482.
YouTube videos
- How to reduce steamflow in a macadamia orchard
- Macadamia harvesting with sweepers and blowers: effect on soil movement
Professional associations and activities
- Soil Science Australia
- International Society for Horticultural Science
- International Biochar Initiative
Fields of research
- 040104 Climate Change Processes
- 050301 Carbon Sequestration Science
- 050303 Soil Biology
- 050304 Soil Chemistry
- 050302 Land Capability and Soil Degradation
- 070107 Farming Systems Research
Keywords/phrase list of research interests
- Soil biological function
- Biochar
- Compost
- Greenhouse gas
- Soil health
Contact details
Email: justine.cox@dpi.nsw.gov.au
