
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
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.
2010
Journal Article
Modelling the nitrogen-driven trade-off between nitrogen utilisation efficiency and water use efficiency of wheat in eastern Australia
Sadras, V.O. and Rodriguez, D. (2010). Modelling the nitrogen-driven trade-off between nitrogen utilisation efficiency and water use efficiency of wheat in eastern Australia. Field Crops Research, 118 (3), 297-305. doi: 10.1016/j.fcr.2010.06.010
2010
Journal Article
Measuring and predicting canopy nitrogen nutrition in wheat using a spectral index-The canopy chlorophyll content index (CCCI)
Fitzgerald, G., Rodriguez, D. and O'Leary, G. (2010). Measuring and predicting canopy nitrogen nutrition in wheat using a spectral index-The canopy chlorophyll content index (CCCI). Field Crops Research, 116 (3), 318-324. doi: 10.1016/j.fcr.2010.01.010
2010
Journal Article
Quantification of wheat water-use efficiency at the shire-level in Australia
Doherty, A., Sadras, V. O., Rodriguez, D. and Potgieter, A. (2010). Quantification of wheat water-use efficiency at the shire-level in Australia. Crop and Pasture Science, 61 (1), 1-11. doi: 10.1071/CP09157
2009
Conference Publication
Simulation of whole farm management decisions
De Voil, P. G., Rodriguez, D., Power, B. and Rossing, W. A.H. (2009). Simulation of whole farm management decisions. Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand Inc. (MSSANZ).
2009
Journal Article
Adaptation science for agriculture and natural resource management - urgency and theoretical basis
Meinke, Holger, Howden, S. Mark, Struik, Paul C., Nelson, Rohan, Rodriguez, Daniel and Chapman, Scott C. (2009). Adaptation science for agriculture and natural resource management - urgency and theoretical basis. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 1 (1), 69-76. doi: 10.1016/j.cosust.2009.07.007
2009
Book Chapter
Dynamic and functional monitoring technologies for applications in crop management.
Rodriguez, Daniel, Robson, Andrew J. and Belford, Robert (2009). Dynamic and functional monitoring technologies for applications in crop management.. Crop physiology: Applications for genetic improvement and agronomy. (pp. 489-584) edited by Victor Sadras and Daniel Calderini. Burlington, U.S.A.: Elsevier Academic Press. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-374431-9.00019-0
2008
Conference Publication
A national benchmark for the Australian wheat industry: accounting for overlooked climate drivers
Doherty, Alistair, Rodriguez, Daniel, Andries Potgieter and Sadras, Victor (2008). A national benchmark for the Australian wheat industry: accounting for overlooked climate drivers. 2008 14th ASA: The 14th Australian Society of Agronomy Conference, Adelaide, SA, Australia, 21-25 September, 2008. Gosford, NSW, Australia: The Regional Institute.
2008
Conference Publication
Shire scale impacts and adaptation options for Australian cereal crops affected by climate change
Potgieter, Andries, Doherty, Alistair, Crimp, Steven, Rodriguez, Daniel, Hammer, Graeme L., Meinke, Holger and Fearweather, H. (2008). Shire scale impacts and adaptation options for Australian cereal crops affected by climate change. 2008 14th ASA: The 14th Australian Society of Agronomy Conference, Adelaide, SA, Australia, 21-25 September, 2008. Gosford, NSW, Australia: The Regional Institute.
2008
Journal Article
Quality and potential utility of ENSO-based forecasts of spring rainfall and wheat yield in south-eastern Australia
Anwar, M. R., Rodriguez, D., Liu, D. L., Power, S. and O'Leary, G. J. (2008). Quality and potential utility of ENSO-based forecasts of spring rainfall and wheat yield in south-eastern Australia. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 59 (2), 112-126. doi: 10.1071/AR07061
2007
Journal Article
The limit to wheat water-use efficiency in eastern Australia. II. Influence of rainfall patterns
Sadras, V. O. and Rodriguez, D. (2007). The limit to wheat water-use efficiency in eastern Australia. II. Influence of rainfall patterns. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 58 (7), 657-669. doi: 10.1071/AR06376
2007
Journal Article
The limit to wheat water-use efficiency in eastern Australia. I. Gradients in the radiation environment and atmospheric demand
Rodriguez, D. and Sadras, V. O. (2007). The limit to wheat water-use efficiency in eastern Australia. I. Gradients in the radiation environment and atmospheric demand. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 58 (4), 287-302. doi: 10.1071/AR06135
2007
Conference Publication
Remote sensing of nitrogen and water stress in wheat
Tilling, Adam K., O'Leary, Garry J., Ferwerda, Jelle G., Jones, Simon D., Fitzgerald, Glenn J., Rodriguez, Daniel and Belford, Robert (2007). Remote sensing of nitrogen and water stress in wheat. 13th Biennial Conference of the Australian Society of Agronomy, Perth, Australia, 10-14 September 2006. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.fcr.2007.03.023
2006
Journal Article
Detection of nitrogen deficiency in wheat from spectral reflectance indices and basic crop eco-physiological concepts
Rodriguez, D., Fitzgerald, G. J., Belford, R. and Christensen, L. K. (2006). Detection of nitrogen deficiency in wheat from spectral reflectance indices and basic crop eco-physiological concepts. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 57 (7), 781-789. doi: 10.1071/AR05361
2006
Journal Article
Impact of subsoil constraints on wheat yield and gross margin on fine-textured soils of the southern Victorian Mallee
Rodriguez, D., Nuttall, J., Sadras, V. O., van Rees, H. and Armstrong, R. (2006). Impact of subsoil constraints on wheat yield and gross margin on fine-textured soils of the southern Victorian Mallee. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 57 (3), 355-365. doi: 10.1071/AR04133
2006
Conference Publication
Spectral and thermal sensing for nitrogen and water status in rainfed and irrigated wheat environments
Fitzgerald, G. J., Rodriguez, D., Christensen, L. K., Belford, R., Sadras, V. O. and Clarke, T. R. (2006). Spectral and thermal sensing for nitrogen and water status in rainfed and irrigated wheat environments. 5th European Conference on Implementation of Precision Agriculture, Uppsala, Sweden, 9-12 June 2005. Secaucus, NJ, United States: Springer. doi: 10.1007/s11119-006-9011-z
2005
Journal Article
Spatial assessment of the physiological status of wheat crops as affected by water and nitrogen supply using infrared thermal imagery
Rodriguez, D., Sadras, V. O., Christensen, L. K. and Belford, R. (2005). Spatial assessment of the physiological status of wheat crops as affected by water and nitrogen supply using infrared thermal imagery. Australian Journal of Agicultural Research, 56 (9), 983-993. doi: 10.1071/AR05035
2005
Conference Publication
Temporal prediction of nitrogen status in wheat under the influence of water deficiency using spectral and thermal information
Christensen, L. K., Rodriguez, D., Belford, R., Sadras, V., Rampant, P. and Fisher, P. (2005). Temporal prediction of nitrogen status in wheat under the influence of water deficiency using spectral and thermal information. 5th European Conference on Precision Agriculture/2nd European Conference Precision Livestock Farming, Uppsala, Sweden, 9-12 June 2005. Wageningen, The Netherlands: Wageningen Academic Publishers.
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
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
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Doctor Philosophy
Improving the reliability and profitability of sorghum in north west NSW
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
De-risking Broadacre Cropping Options in Northern Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Adam Komarek
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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
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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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Residue Management Strategies for the Rainfed N-Deprived Maize-legume Cropping Systems of Central Mozambique
Principal Advisor
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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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