Overview
Background
My research is focused on exploring the functioning of agricultural systems. My projects are often carried out in multidisciplinary teams and with the participation of multiple stakeholders e.g. farmers, private consultants, agribusinesses, policy. My aims are to understand how people make decisions and act, how those decisions can be informed, and how the final actions affect the performance of crops, animals, farm businesses, the broader environment and the social and food systems. I also provide science leadership to a multidisciplinary team of crop physiologists, agronomists, modellers and socio-economists i.e. QAAFI Farming Systems Research Group. The key mission of this group is to identify pathways for the sustainable intensification of agriculture in Australia and in low-income countries.
Availability
- Professor Daniel Rodriguez is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Masters (Research) of Science, Wageningen University
- Doctor of Philosophy, Wageningen University
Research interests
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Risk management in agriculture
My research is focused on exploring the functioning of agricultural systems. My projects are often carried out in multidisciplinary teams and with the participation of multiple stakeholders e.g. farmers, private consultants, agribusinesses, policy. This presents unique challenges, including longer lead times to publication compared to disciplinary research. My aims are to understand how people make decisions and act, how those decisions can be informed, and how the final actions affect the performance of crops, animals, farm businesses, the broader environment and the social and food systems.
Research impacts
Evidence of his impact include, the development of whole farm simulation capacity within the APSIM model, which lead to UQ’s participation in a $40M project, resulting in the increased food security of 240,000 smallholder farmers in Africa; the production of evidence on how improved crop designs could deliver large profit gains (~$140 ha-1year-1) in Queensland’s 600,000 ha sorghum industry; and the identification of farm business designs that are more profitable, sustainable and resilient in face of increasing climate variability and change. He achieved this in partnerships with farmers, National and International donors and the private sector. His leadership in research is also evidenced by receiving 5 invitations as a keynote speaker at international conferences in the last 5 years. He annually present at industry forums, and he is active with government groups in the translation of his research into industry practice; and in informing policy. Prof Rodriguez leads and mentors a team of 5 full time researchers. He has successfully graduated 6 PhD students since starting at the University of Queensland in 2010, and mentored multiple Honours, MSc and MPhil students in collaboration with UQ Schools. He is presently the President of the Australian Society of Agronomy (2019-21) and organiser of the Australian Agronomy Conference, Toowoomba October 2021. Prof Rodriguez was member of the Local Confirmation and Promotions Committee at UQ’s Faculty of Science (2014-2016); he is member of the College of Experts at UQ’s Global Change Institute; he was Editor-in-Chief of Agricultural Systems 2013-2018 (IF 3.19); he is member of the Editorial Board of Agricultural Systems, and Associate Editor of Field Crops Research; he is one of the permanent organisers of the International Symposium for Farming Systems Design since 2009, the Global Food Security Conference in 2015 and 2017, and the World Congress on Conservation Agriculture in 2011; and organiser of the 2021 Australian Agronomy Conference in Toowoomba Queensland.
Works
Search Professor Daniel Rodriguez’s works on UQ eSpace
2013
Conference Publication
Beyond science and engineering: Tackling socio-environmental issues in the resources industry
Everingham, J., Collins, N., Baumgartl, T., Vink, S., Mulligan, D., Rifkin, W., Rodriguez, D. and Cavaye, J (2013). Beyond science and engineering: Tackling socio-environmental issues in the resources industry. Sustainable Development in Minerals Industry Conference (SDIMI), Milos Island, Greece, 30 June - 3 July 2013.
2013
Journal Article
Spatial impact of projected changes in rainfall and temperature on wheat yields in Australia
Potgieter, A., Meinke, H., Doherty, A., Sadras, V. O., Hammer, G., Crimp, S. and Rodriguez, D. (2013). Spatial impact of projected changes in rainfall and temperature on wheat yields in Australia. Climatic Change, 117 (1-2), 163-179. doi: 10.1007/s10584-012-0543-0
2013
Conference Publication
Forecasting the major crops for Australia and crop yield insurance: an integrated climate, biophysical and remote sensing approach
Potgieter, Andries, Hammer, Graeme, Rodriguez, David, Doherty, Alastair, Davis, Peter, Power, Brendan and Book, Peter (2013). Forecasting the major crops for Australia and crop yield insurance: an integrated climate, biophysical and remote sensing approach. The Challenges of Index-Based Insurance for Food Security in Developing Countries: A Technical Workshop organised by JRC & IRI, Ispra Varese, Italy, 2-3 May, 2012. Luxembourg, Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Union, European Commission. doi: 10.2788/713
2013
Conference Publication
From information to actionable knowledge: hotspots of food insecurity in Eastern Africa
Potgieter, Andries, Rodriguez, Daniel, Davis, Peter and Dimes, John (2013). From information to actionable knowledge: hotspots of food insecurity in Eastern Africa. The Challenges of Index-Based Insurance for Food Security in Developing Countries: A Technical Workshop organised by JRC & IRI, Ispra Varese, Italy, 2-3 May 2012. Luxembourg, Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Union, European Commission. doi: 10.2788/713
2012
Journal Article
Comparing water options for irrigation farmers using Modern Portfolio Theory
Gaydon, D. S., Meinke, H., Rodriguez, D. and McGrath, D. J. (2012). Comparing water options for irrigation farmers using Modern Portfolio Theory. Agricultural Water Management, 115, 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.agwat.2012.08.007
2012
Journal Article
The best farm-level irrigation strategy changes seasonally with fluctuating water availability
Gaydon, D. S., Meinke, H. and Rodriguez, D. (2012). The best farm-level irrigation strategy changes seasonally with fluctuating water availability. Agricultural Water Management, 103, 33-42. doi: 10.1016/j.agwat.2011.10.015
2011
Journal Article
A multi-field bio-economic model of irrigated grain–cotton farming systems
Power, B., Rodriguez, D., deVoil, P., Harris, G. and Payero, J. (2011). A multi-field bio-economic model of irrigated grain–cotton farming systems. Field Crops Research, 124 (2), 171-179. doi: 10.1016/j.fcr.2011.03.018
2011
Journal Article
Opportunities from integrative approaches in farming systems design
Rodriguez, D. and Sadras, V.O. (2011). Opportunities from integrative approaches in farming systems design. Field Crops Research, 124 (2), 137-141. doi: 10.1016/j.fcr.2011.05.022
2011
Journal Article
The intrinsic plasticity of farm businesses and their resilience to change. An Australian example
Rodriguez, D., deVoil, P., Power, B., Cox, H., Crimp, S. and Meinke, H. (2011). The intrinsic plasticity of farm businesses and their resilience to change. An Australian example. Field Crops Research, 124 (2), 157-170. doi: 10.1016/j.fcr.2011.02.012
2011
Other Outputs
CO2 is food for plants! What will higher emissions mean for crop productivity?
Rodriguez, D. (2011, 11 03). CO2 is food for plants! What will higher emissions mean for crop productivity? The Conversation
2011
Conference Publication
Adapting to change: More realistic quantification of impacts and better informed adaptation alternatives
Rodriguez, D., deVoil, P., Power, B. and Cox, H. (2011). Adapting to change: More realistic quantification of impacts and better informed adaptation alternatives. 5th World Congress on Conservation Agriculture and Farming Systems Design, Brisbane, Australia, 26-29 September 2011. Canberra, ACT, Australia: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.
2011
Conference Publication
Initial results on the response of maize and pigeonpeas to conservation agriculture at Karatu-Tanzania
Bashir, M., Mmbaga, T., Kanampiou, F. and Rodriguez, D. (2011). Initial results on the response of maize and pigeonpeas to conservation agriculture at Karatu-Tanzania. 5th World Congress on Conservation Agriculture and Farming Systems Design, Brisbane, Austalia, 26-29 September 2011. Canberra, Australia: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.
2011
Conference Publication
Intercropping maize and mungbean to intensify summer cropping systems in Queensland, Australia
Eyre, J. X., Routley, R., Rodriguez, D. and Dimes, J. (2011). Intercropping maize and mungbean to intensify summer cropping systems in Queensland, Australia. 5th World Congress on Conservation Agriculture and Farming Systems Design, Brisbane, Australia, 26-29 September 2011. Canberra, Australia: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.
2011
Conference Publication
Evaluation of APSIM to simulate maize-bean cropping systems in eastern and southern Africa: an alternative approach
Dimes, J., Achien, J., Mesfin, T., Abeya, T., Makoko, B., Nhantumbo, N. and Rodriguez, D. (2011). Evaluation of APSIM to simulate maize-bean cropping systems in eastern and southern Africa: an alternative approach. 5th World Congress on Conservation Agriculture and Farming Systems Design, Brisbane, Australia, 26-29 September 2011. Canberra, Australia: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.
2011
Conference Publication
Sustainable intensification of maize-bean production among smallholder farmers in western Kenya
Achien, J., Kanampiu, F., Chauhan, Y. and Rodriguez, D. (2011). Sustainable intensification of maize-bean production among smallholder farmers in western Kenya. 5th World Congress on Conservation Agriculture and Farming Systems Design, Brisbane, Australia, 26-29 September 2011. Canberra, Australia: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.
2011
Conference Publication
The expected value of seasonal stream-flow forecasts to a grain-cotton irrigator in the Condamine-Balonne catchment
Power, B., Rodriguez, D., Perkin, J. and Hawksworth, C. (2011). The expected value of seasonal stream-flow forecasts to a grain-cotton irrigator in the Condamine-Balonne catchment. World Congress on Conservation Agriculture and Farming Systems Design, Brisbane, Australia, 26-29 September 2011. Canberra, Australia: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.
2011
Conference Publication
Characterization of soil nutrient levels in smallholder farms in Eastern Kenya
Micheni, A. N., Kanampiou, F. and Rodriguez, D. (2011). Characterization of soil nutrient levels in smallholder farms in Eastern Kenya. 5th World Congress on Conservation Agriculture and Farming Systems Design, Brisbane, Australia, 26-29 September 2011. Canberra, Australia: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.
2011
Conference Publication
Modelling adaptation options for a Western Queensland mixed grain and graze farm – evaluating enterprise options under climate change
Cox, H., Rodriguez, D., deVoil, P. and Power, B. (2011). Modelling adaptation options for a Western Queensland mixed grain and graze farm – evaluating enterprise options under climate change. 5th World Congress on Conservation Agriculture and Farming Systems Design, Brisbane, Australia, 26-29 September 2011. Canberra, Australia: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.
2011
Conference Publication
Breeding better maize germplasm for drier and hotter production environments
Fekybelu, S., Zeppa, A., Chauhan, Y. and Rodriguez, D. (2011). Breeding better maize germplasm for drier and hotter production environments. 5th World Congress on Conservation Agriculture and Farming Systems Design, Brisbane, Australia, 26-29 September 2011. Canberra, Australia: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.
2011
Conference Publication
Conservation Agriculture in dryland agro-ecosystems of Ethiopia
Mesfin, T., Moeller, C., Rodriguez, D. and Temesgen, M. (2011). Conservation Agriculture in dryland agro-ecosystems of Ethiopia. 5th World Congress on Conservation Agriculture and Farming Systems Design, Brisbane, Australia, 26-29 Septmber 2011. Canberra, Australia: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Daniel Rodriguez is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
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Optimising sorghum agronomy
Background
Australia’s climate has warmed by about 1.4 °C since 1910, leading to an increase in the frequency of extreme heat events and the frequency and intensity of water stresses. Climate trends and ongoing climate change provide clear focus on the need to increase crop adaptation to water and heat stresses.
Here we propose that early sowing of sorghum could increase sowing opportunities and simultaneously avoid heat and water stress at flowering in some cropping systems and locations.
Previous research identified that early sown sorghum crops show high yield potentials with increased downside risk due to (i) poorly emerged crops when sown in cold soils, (ii) the likelihood of frost damage, and (iii) stunted growth due to lower than optimum air temperatures. However, there is no clear information on the benefits and trade-offs of the practice. Particularly there is limited information on low temperature thresholds for frost damage, cold temperature impacts on crop establishment, growth and development, water use dynamics, water use efficiency, yield potential and yield components, and the effects on subsequent crops in the cropping system for winter sown sorghum agronomic packages.
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Matching adapted pulse genotypes with soil and climate to maximise yield and profit, with manageable risk in Australian cropping systems
Pulses can increase profits, diversify income and increase sustainability. Megatrends in global food markets favour consumption of plant-based protein. However, significant productivity gaps remain, driven by lack of understanding of pulse physiology and agronomy. This project focuses on chickpea in Queensland, and will deliver location, soil and season-specific management options that optimise production to better enable growers to (i) attain water limited yield potential, (ii) increase profitability and (iii) reduce risk.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Improving the reliability and profitability of sorghum in north west NSW
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
De-risking Broadacre Cropping Options in Northern Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Adam Komarek
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Doctor Philosophy
De-risking the Diversification of Northern Queensland¿s Farming Systems
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Adam Komarek
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Doctor Philosophy
Designing Farming Systems with Whole Farm Models
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Hamish McGowan, Dr Dongxue Zhao
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Doctor Philosophy
Improving the reliability and profitability of sorghum in north west NSW
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Digital technologies to Increase the Sustainability of African Livestock systems under climate risks
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Adam Komarek
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Master Philosophy
Sorghum (Sorghum Bicolor L. Moench) Germination in Cold and Drying Soil
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Yash Dang, Dr Joe Eyre
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Doctor Philosophy
Overcoming the root phenotyping bottleneck in cereals
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Alison Kelly, Professor David Jordan, Dr Dongxue Zhao
Completed supervision
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Managing variable seasonal weather conditions in smallholder agriculture: Exposure, impacts, adaptations
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Christopher O'Donnell, Dr Dong-Hyuk Kim
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2023
Master Philosophy
Crop sensing as a tool to assist data collection in maize agronomic trials
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Joe Eyre, Associate Professor Andries Potgieter
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Risks and opportunities from more productive and resilient cropping system strategies in the Central and Southern Rift Valley of Ethiopia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Joe Eyre
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Residue Management Strategies for the Rainfed N-Deprived Maize-legume Cropping Systems of Central Mozambique
Principal Advisor
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Drivers for high yield in rainfed cropping: A comparative analysis between Manica, Mozambique and Queensland Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Joe Eyre
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
The role of intercropping and sole cropping across environments of contrasting level of productivity in Ethiopia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Shu Fukai
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
From complex to complicated: Addressing global phosphorus inefficiency with field scale agricultural systems models
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Susanne Schmidt
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Options for managing climate variability and market risks for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Thilak Mallawaarachchi
Media
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