Dr
Ron Yates
Research Officer, Integrated Farming Systems
Ron Yates

My role in the department

I am a Research Officer working within the Grains Research and Innovation Program on two collaborative GRDC funded projects. My role in the program is as a rhizobium and legume ecologist specialising in the selection of elite rhizobial strains, assessing legume nodulation and measuring the legumes biologically fixed nitrogen (N) and its transfer into subsequent crops. Ultimately I support the development and delivery of high quality rhizobial inoculants to WA farmers for efficient nitrogen fixation and provide optimal legume production for profitable and sustainable farming.

Contact information

+61 (0)8 9368 3665
+61 (0)427 550 125

My background

I have researched legume and rhizobial development in WA for over 20 years and currently I am the only trained and experienced rhizobiologist employed by DPIRD. I have a deep understanding of functions and processes of N fixation by agricultural legumes and its associated rhizobia, and their high importance for sustainable agriculture. My research has had a major impact in WA agriculture through the selection of elite rhizobial strains which have resulted in more efficient and robust N fixing bacteria for both crop and pasture legumes. In my present position I principally work towards optimal nodulation and symbiotic performance of legumes in WA agriculture and nationally.

Projects

  • Optimising nitrogen fixation of grain legumes – Western region: GRDC project DAW00221
  • The Focus Paddocks Project

Key Expertise

rhizobia, microbiology, nitrogen fixation, inoculants, nodulation, acid tolerance, legumes, new field pea inoculant, crop legumes, pasture legumes, farming systems, pasture agronomy, grain protein, agricultural education, project management

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Biological Sciences), Murdoch University, 2009
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Geographic and Land Information Systems (GIS), Curtin University,1992
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (Biology), Curtin University, 1989