Birhanu Iticha Ayanssa is a dedicated soil and environmental scientist with extensive expertise in soil management, soil amendments, biogeochemical cycles, and carbon capture. He studied PhD in Soil Science at the University of Adelaide, where his research focused on the interaction effects of lime and organic amendments on coupled soil acidity neutralisation and carbon cycling. His work integrates advanced ¹³C isotope tracing techniques to unravel the biogeochemical mechanisms governing lime dissolution, alkalinity generation, and CO2 dynamics in amended acidic soils. He has also applied digital soil mapping for precise and site-specific management of soils.
He also worked as an Assistant Professor at Wollega University for more than five years. His teaching and mentoring roles have fostered student engagement in soil science and environmental sustainability.

Birhanu is currently conducting field experiments across Queensland, Western Australia, Victoria, and South Australia to assess the role of enhanced rock weathering in improving carbon capture, soil health, and crop performance.
Birhanu’s research interests encompass carbon sequestration, enhanced rock weathering, soil amendments, and soil health. His broader vision integrates the sciences of biogeochemistry, agriculture, climate change, and artificial intelligence to drive innovation in sustainable land management.