Murray Unkovich

Murray Unkovich

School of Agriculture, Food and Wine

Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology


Murray has a BSc in Biology (Murd.) and MSc and PhD in Botany (UWA).

My research career has primarily focussed on the application of stable isotope techniques to study biological processes and the functioning of ecosystems. I have worked for the Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean Agriculture (1991-1998), contributed to the National Land and Water Resources Audit, and the National Sate of the Environment Report, and worked with the Departments of Primary Industries (Victoria and South Australia). I was also involved in developing the national environmental guidelines for reclaimed water use in agriculture. From 2005 until 2015 I worked with CSIRO Land and Water and Climate Change Australia, on the National Carbon Accounting System (NCAS) for agriculture. Recent projects have been with The University of Queensland on agricultural development in India, with CSIRO on problems with cropping in sandy soils and with The university of Adelaide on nitrogen mineralisation and nitrogen decision support..

My current interests are in the area of soil conditions and plant growth, especially soil strength, and on biological nitrogen fixation by legumes.

  • Past Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)

    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2010 - 2014 Co-Supervisor Biological nitrogen fixation by cover legumes under oil palm plantations in Papua New Guinea Master of Agricultural Science Master Full Time Ms Rachel Pipai
    2007 - 2011 Co-Supervisor Identifying the Cause of Cereal Yield Decline in Lucerne Companion Cropping Systems; and the Role of Agronomy for Mitigating Cereal Productivity Losses Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Robert Harris

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