Researcher Highlight
Ben Rigby Theme 4
“Outside academia, my main hobbies are bass guitar, archery and sailing, and I greatly enjoy socialising with friends over good food and drink. Before my science journey began, I was an aspiring musician.”
Research Area
I am a PhD candidate in soil science with a background in agronomy. I am particularly interested in soil nutrient dynamics. My current research is investigating the impact of soil chemical, physical and biological variables on nitrification inhibitor efficacy. The research is focussed on factors which limit nitrification inhibitor performance when added to soil.
Research Impact
The main aim of my research is to clarify whether soil properties can be useful indicators of nitrification inhibitor efficacy, or not. Understanding the limitations to inhibitor efficacy could allow for both the more targeted use of nitrification inhibitors and provide information useful for the development of new inhibitors.
“The best thing about soil science is that its cross-disciplinary and there is always more to learn. Through working with the Hub, I have had many conversations with experts from different fields and their perspectives have proven invaluable in informing my research.”
Ben’s Science Journey
I completed a bachelors degree in agricultural science with honours at La Trobe University. There I worked with the Crop Agronomy and Soil Plant Interactions Groups on research investigating the influence of crop species on plant nitrogen utilisation from soil sources and fertiliser. My interest in soil nutrient dynamics led to me starting my PhD research on nitrification inhibitors before the Hub was launched.
