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Government of South Australia SARDI - South Australian Research and Development Institute

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Ross Ballard

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Senior Scientist, Pasture Microbiology

B.Ag.Sc. (Hons). M.Ag. Sci.

Phone: +61 8 8303 9388
Email: ross.ballard@sa.gov.au

Roles and expertise:

Leader of Pasture Microbiology

Principal interest is in improving the nitrogen fixation of pasture legumes in the field through the development of better strains of rhizobia, plants with enhanced nitrogen fixation capacity, and by reducing constraints to nodulation such as root disease. 

Experience:

  • Ecology/selection of root nodule bacteria
  • Symbiotic nitrogen fixation
  • Pasture legume development
  • Pasture pathology  

Current and recent projects:

  • Rhizobia for pasture legumes (National Rhizobium Program).
  • Improving the acidity tolerance of the lucerne symbiosis.
  • Defining root disease constraints to lucerne establishment
  • Selection of rhizobia for Melilotus siculus.
  • Pratylenchus tolerance in annual medic.
  • Development of innovative composts for disease suppression.