Meet our people - Dr David Page

At the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), our vision is to enable Tasmanian food producers and processors to accelerate primary sector productivity while maintaining and improving Tasmania’s land and water quality for future generations.

In 2024, we started a new research program to boost sustainability and profitability for Tasmanian farmers through the efficient use of irrigation. The project 'Growing value from irrigation for Tasmanian agriculture' received $1.6 million through the Tasmanian Government's Agricultural Innovation Fund and was announced in August 2024.

Leading the project is Dr David Page, who has recently been appointed as a Research Fellow in Irrigation Science at TIA. In this edition of 'Meet Our People', David shares an insight into his background and passion for agricultural science.

Name:

David Page

Job title:

Research Fellow Irrigation Science

Can you provide a brief summary of your project?

Irrigation in Tasmania has expanded rapidly, thanks to significant government investment. My current three-year project, funded by the Tasmanian Government's Agricultural Innovation Fund, aims to evaluate the economic impact of this investment on agriculture, working with TIA and key stakeholders across the state.

We’re looking at how irrigation infrastructure has driven value at both the state and farm levels, focusing on benchmarking irrigation efficiency through research on centre pivot irrigators and grower-led trials.

The goal is to improve soil and water management, boost farm profits, and build resilient, sustainable farming systems for the future by minimising impact and maximising return through effective, efficient irrigation.

What excites you the most about your job?

I am particularly motivated by the opportunity to further improve soil health capacity and understanding in Tasmania via research and extension into optimising the efficiency of our irrigation systems.

This is an area I believe is essential for the future of environmentally sustainable and maximal agriculture production in the region. I feel incredibly privileged to have been appointed to this position.

What do you consider your most significant research or teaching accomplishments?

Published in the Journal of Forest Ecology and Management, the results of my Honours study were indicative of a key mechanism driving bark stripping by wallaby in Tasmania and led to recommendations to industry that led to the implementation of a browser management strategy that replaced and/or reduced the use of poisons and baited traps.

My PhD study necessitated forming partnerships, liaising, and working with Indonesian Government and Indonesian industry to attain new knowledge which led to the adoption of guided protocols for deployment of biological control methods and other disease management strategies. Effecting robust science in remote Indonesian jungle presented a unique set of challenges.

This work experience afforded me understanding of how to bridge language and cultural barriers, how to mobilise people and create dynamic teams that leveraged individual member’s strengths and supported their weaknesses.

I developed a method to germinate spores in vitro, and therefore harvest genetically distinct material of Ganoderma philippii, something that the researchers in the literature had been trying to reliably do for half a century.

I am currently finalising a collaborative research project to investigate the effects of application of sea urchin waste to soil physical properties, bringing together soil scientists, IMAS researchers, and agricultural producers.

By facilitating regular interdisciplinary discussions and ensuring open communication channels, I have helped integrate diverse perspectives, which will lead to understanding of the potential for sea urchin waste to become a commercial soil amendment. This collaboration is not only enhancing the quality of our research but is also strengthening the professional network between TIA and other research institutions.