Meet the team: Dr James Nuttall
What is your background?
I grew up in Melbourne and completed a B.Sc at the University of Melbourne. I moved to Horsham in 1994 and worked with Agriculture Victoria as a Research Agronomist and Soil Scientist. I then undertook a PhD between 1999 and 2001, studying the effects of subsoil chemical and physical constraints within alkaline soils on wheat growth in the southern Mallee.
Since then, I have worked for CSIRO Black Mountain, Canberra as a post-doc researching the effectiveness of ‘primer crops’ to break up hard alkaline soils to improve annual crop water use and growth. I then returned to Horsham and worked for Agriculture Victoria researching abiotic constraints of high temperature, frost and elevated carbon dioxide (FACE programme) on wheat and lentil growth.
What is your role at BCG and what will you be doing?
As a Senior Scientist with BCG, I hope to be able to contribute to the existing pool of Research, Development and Extension talent within BCG. This will include managing several Agronomic Systems trials within BCG’s research portfolio, help mentor younger scientists within the team and contribute to the strategic direction of BCG into the future.
What about the role interested you in applying?
Undertaking applied research that is focused on industry delivery to growers by distilling results into practical outputs.
What are your interests outside work?
Tinkering with old cars (mainly early Commodores, Leyland P76), renovating an even older house and general woodwork with reclaimed/recycled timber. Really love tending to the garden to attract native birds to the place.
What are you looking forward to whilst working at BCG?
Getting to know a new and vibrant team that is BCG, learn some new things about research delivery and look to impart some knowledge which benefits the crew and the organisation more broadly.
