Research Interests
Soil Chemistry Soil Sciences Carbon capture and storage Environmental biogeochemistryMr Birhanu Iticha Ayanssa
Research Associate
Future Industries Institute
Future Industries Institute
I am an enthusiastic researcher and lifelong learner with a strong drive for rigorous, mechanism-based science. My PhD explored the interaction effects of lime and organic amendments on coupled soil acidity neutralisation and carbon dynamics, using state-of-the-art ¹³C isotope tracing to elucidate the underlying biogeochemical mechanisms. This research has equipped me with a comprehensive mechanistic and applied understanding of soil acidity dynamics, amendment–soil interactions, and carbon biogeochemistry, which are highly relevant to advancing climate-smart agriculture.I am currently a Research Associate at Adelaide University, where I investigate the potential of enhanced rock weathering (ERW) as a dual solution for atmospheric carbon capture and soil rejuvenation within a DAFF-funded research program. The project spans a wide range of research activities, from laboratory studies to field experimentation across multiple locations in Australia, including Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia.I am strongly motivated to contribute to problem-solving research in soil science and am enthusiastic about new ideas. I enjoy connecting with researchers, industry partners, and domain experts. I can be reached at birhanuiticha.ayanssa@adelaide.edu.au.
| Date | Position | Institution name |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 - ongoing | Research Associate | University of South Australia |
| 2015 - 2015 | Natural Resources Management/Climate Change Technical Specialist | United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Ethiopia branch |
| 2008 - 2022 | Academic | Wollega University |
| Date | Type | Title | Institution Name | Country | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Scholarship | University of Adelaide Research Scholarship | University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| 2023 | Achievement | National Soil Judging Competition, Australia | Soil Science Australia | Australia | - |
| 2021 | Recognition | Outstanding Researcher Award | Wollega University | Ethiopia | - |
| Language | Competency |
|---|---|
| English | Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review |
| Date | Institution name | Country | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 - 2025 | University of Adelaide | Australia | PhD |
| 2013 - 2015 | Haramaya University | Ethiopia | MSc in Soil Science |
| Date | Title | Institution name | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Acid Sulfate Soils Professional Short Course | Southern Cross University | Australia |
| 2015 | Higher Diploma Programme | Wollega University | Ethiopia |
| Date | Role | Membership | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 - ongoing | Member | Australian Society of Soil Science | Australia |
| 2022 - ongoing | Member | International Union of Soil Sciences | Italy |
| Date | Engagement Type | Partner Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 - ongoing | Collaboration | Carbonaught Pty Ltd |
| 2023 - 2025 | Collaboration | Departmet of Primary Industries and Regions, South Australia |
| Date | Topic | Presented at | Institution | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 - ongoing | Measuring alkalinity of alternate liming products | - | GRDC | Australia |
| 2024 - 2024 | Water-extractable alkalinity to estimate the acid-neutralising capacity of organic amendments | HDR Symposium | University of ADelaide | Australia |
| 2023 - 2023 | Combining lime and organic amendments based on their titratable alkalinity for efficient amelioration of acidic soils | National Conference | Soil Science Australia | Australia |
| 2018 - 2018 | Digital soil information for precision agriculture | Conference | Wollega University | Ethiopia |