Adjunct Professor Ram Dalal AM
Adjunct Professor

Ram Dalal AM

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Background

Professor Ram Dalal is a Professor in the School of Agriculture and Food Science at the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. He has contributed significantly to create awareness in the farming, scientific and general community to the seriousness and insidious nature of soil degradation. As a consequence, restorative practices for sustainable land management were developed and promoted. The international nature of the program was demonstrated by the fact that it was part of the Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Program. It is now nationally recognized by policy makers and politicians that land degradation and sustainable land management are the national and international priorities. These projects have made significant contribution towards these issues.

In the last 30 years Dr Dalal has worked towards sustainable land management systems, nitrogen management and soil carbon dynamics. He was the co-leader of soil carbon program in the CRC for Greenhouse Accounting (199-2006), leader of soil carbon changes following land clearing funded by the Australian Greenhouse Office (1998-2002), reviewer for the IPCC Good Practice Guidance (2006) for the land sector, and leader of the National Soil Carbon Program (2012-2015) and Soil Constraints Initiative - Management of Sodic, Magnesic or Dispersive Soils (2015). He has been a consultant and project research contributor to the International Atomic Energy Agency (2004-2009). Recently, he has led a number of projects on estimating soil carbon stock following land use change from native vegetation to croplands, grazing lands, and management of croplands and grazing lands and rangelands (2009-2015) funded by the Department of Environment and Heritage, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Department of Agriculture, Commonwealth of Australia. In addition, he has also been involved in estimating nitrous oxide and methane emissions/ uptake from different ecosystems including agriculture, grassland, plantation forestry and estuarine/ mangrove systems (2000 – 2015). He led the National Soil Carbon Program from 2012 to 2015.

Availability

Adjunct Professor Ram Dalal AM is:
Available for supervision

Fields of research

Crop and pasture production Environmental Sciences

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Indian Agricultural Research Institute

Research interests

  • Soil and Land Management

    Soil fertility, soil biology, soil chemistry, soil and water conservation, landscape restoration, soil carbon sequestration in cropping, pasture and forestry systems and nitrogen management in cropping and pasture systems, phosphorus and zinc nutrition, soil constraints including sodicity and salinity

  • Crop and Pasture Production

    Sustainable crop rotations, sustainable pasture production systems, crop and pasture rotations, crop and pasture nutrition, fertiliser use and nutrient use efficiency, water use efficiency

  • Greenhouse Gases Mitigation

    Carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane emissions and uptake in soil-plant systems, carbon sequestration

Research impacts

My research programs created or contributed significantly to create awareness in the rural, scientific and general community in Queensland, nationwide and internationally to the seriousness and insidious nature of land degradation, carbon loss, sustainability indicators and landscape processes that lead among others, to poor soil and land quality, fertility decline and stream and groundwater quality deterioration. For the last 25 years, landscape restoration, soil organic matter management, carbon sequestration and nitrogen management, and site-specific management for soil and subsoil and other constraints and sustainable crop and pasture rotations and vegetation management have been the central research platforms across cropping, rangelands and forestry ecosystems. The international nature of the program is demonstrated by the fact that it was one of only two sites listed from Australia with the International Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Program. The Fertility Restoration Site of this program was frequently visited by national and international scientists.

Policy makers and politicians now nationally recognize that land degradation, carbon loss and landscape degradation processes lead to deteriorating water quality, and that sustainable land, vegetation and water use, and greenhouse gas mitigation and climate change are the state and national priorities. These projects have been pioneer in Australia in these fields and made significant contribution towards resolving these issues, and provided impetus to initiating similar studies in Australia and worldwide.

Search Professor Ram Dalal AM’s works on UQ eSpace

310 works between 1972 and 2025
All (310) Journal Article (264) Book Chapter (12) Conference Publication (31) Book (3)

261 - 280 of 310 works

1996

Journal Article

Sowing time and tillage practice affect chickpea yield and nitrogen fixation 2. Nitrogen accumulation, nitrogen fixation and soil nitrogen balance

Horn, C. P., Dalal, R. C., Birch, C. J. and Doughton, J. A. (1996). Sowing time and tillage practice affect chickpea yield and nitrogen fixation 2. Nitrogen accumulation, nitrogen fixation and soil nitrogen balance. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 36 (6), 701-706. doi: 10.1071/EA9960701

Sowing time and tillage practice affect chickpea yield and nitrogen fixation 2. Nitrogen accumulation, nitrogen fixation and soil nitrogen balance

1996

Journal Article

Sowing time and tillage practice affect chickpea yield and nitrogen fixation 1. Dry matter accumulation and grain yield

Horn, C. P., Birch, C. J., Dalal, R. C. and Doughton, J. A. (1996). Sowing time and tillage practice affect chickpea yield and nitrogen fixation 1. Dry matter accumulation and grain yield. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 36 (6), 695-700. doi: 10.1071/EA9960695

Sowing time and tillage practice affect chickpea yield and nitrogen fixation 1. Dry matter accumulation and grain yield

1996

Journal Article

Nitrogen fertiliser residues for wheat cropping in subtropical Australia

Strong, W. M., Dalal, R. C., Weston, E. J., Cooper, J. E., Lehane, K. J. and King, A. J. (1996). Nitrogen fertiliser residues for wheat cropping in subtropical Australia. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 47 (5), 695-703. doi: 10.1071/AR9960695

Nitrogen fertiliser residues for wheat cropping in subtropical Australia

1996

Journal Article

Comparison of legume-based cropping systems at Warra, Queensland. II. Mineral nitrogen accumulation and availability to the subsequent wheat crop

Hossain, S. A., Strong, W. M., Waring, S. A., Dalal, R. C. and Weston, E. J. (1996). Comparison of legume-based cropping systems at Warra, Queensland. II. Mineral nitrogen accumulation and availability to the subsequent wheat crop. Australian Journal of Soil Research, 34 (2), 289-297. doi: 10.1071/SR9960289

Comparison of legume-based cropping systems at Warra, Queensland. II. Mineral nitrogen accumulation and availability to the subsequent wheat crop

1996

Journal Article

Zinc speciation in soil solutions of Vertisols

Dang, Y. P., Tilled, K. G., Dalal, R. C. and Edwards, D. G. (1996). Zinc speciation in soil solutions of Vertisols. Australian Journal of Soil Research, 34 (3), 369-383. doi: 10.1071/SR9960369

Zinc speciation in soil solutions of Vertisols

1995

Journal Article

Sustaining Productivity of a Vertisol at Warra, Queensland, with Fertilisers, No-Tillage, or Legumes. 1. Organic Matter Status

Dalal, R. C., Strong, W. M., Weston, E. J., Cooper, J. E., Lehane, K. J., King, A. J. and Chicken, C. J. (1995). Sustaining Productivity of a Vertisol at Warra, Queensland, with Fertilisers, No-Tillage, or Legumes. 1. Organic Matter Status. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 35 (7), 903-913. doi: 10.1071/EA9950903

Sustaining Productivity of a Vertisol at Warra, Queensland, with Fertilisers, No-Tillage, or Legumes. 1. Organic Matter Status

1995

Journal Article

Estimates of nitrogen fixations by legumes in alternate cropping systems at Warra, Queensland, using enriched - 15N dilution and natural 15N abundance techniques

Hossain S.A., Waring S.A., Strong W.M., Dalal R.C. and Weston E.J. (1995). Estimates of nitrogen fixations by legumes in alternate cropping systems at Warra, Queensland, using enriched - 15N dilution and natural 15N abundance techniques. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 46 (3), 493-505. doi: 10.1071/AR9950493

Estimates of nitrogen fixations by legumes in alternate cropping systems at Warra, Queensland, using enriched - 15N dilution and natural 15N abundance techniques

1994

Journal Article

Soil fertility research in response to the demand for sustainability

Scholes, M. C., Swift, M. J., Heal, O. W., Sanchez, P. A., Ingram, J. S.I. and Dalal, R. (1994). Soil fertility research in response to the demand for sustainability. The biological management of tropical soil fertility, 1-14.

Soil fertility research in response to the demand for sustainability

1994

Journal Article

Zinc buffer capacity of vertisols

Dang, Y. P., Dalal, R. C., Edwards, D. G. and Tiller, K. G. (1994). Zinc buffer capacity of vertisols. Australian Journal of Soil Research, 32 (6), 1231-1242. doi: 10.1071/SR9941231

Zinc buffer capacity of vertisols

1994

Journal Article

Kinetics of zinc desorption from vertisols

Dang, Y. P., Dalal, R. C., Edwards, D. G. and Tiller, K. G. (1994). Kinetics of zinc desorption from vertisols. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 58 (5), 1392-1399. doi: 10.2136/sssaj1994.03615995005800050016x

Kinetics of zinc desorption from vertisols

1993

Journal Article

Understanding zinc reactions in vertisols to predict zinc responses by wheat

Dang, Y. P., Dalal, R. C., Edwards, D. G. and Tiller, K. G. (1993). Understanding zinc reactions in vertisols to predict zinc responses by wheat. Plant and Soil, 155-156 (1), 247-250. doi: 10.1007/BF00025030

Understanding zinc reactions in vertisols to predict zinc responses by wheat

1993

Journal Article

Identification of an index tissue to predict zinc status of wheat

Dang, Y. P., Edwards, D. G., Dalal, R. C. and Tiller, K. G. (1993). Identification of an index tissue to predict zinc status of wheat. Plant and Soil, 154 (2), 161-167. doi: 10.1007/BF00012521

Identification of an index tissue to predict zinc status of wheat

1992

Journal Article

Structural degradation of two Vertisols under continuous cultivation

Cook, G. D., So, H. B. and Dalal, R. C. (1992). Structural degradation of two Vertisols under continuous cultivation. Soil and Tillage Research, 24 (1), 47-64. doi: 10.1016/0167-1987(92)90071-I

Structural degradation of two Vertisols under continuous cultivation

1992

Journal Article

Long-term trends in total nitrogen of a vertisol subjected to zero-tillage, nitrogen application and stubble retention

Dalai, R. C. (1992). Long-term trends in total nitrogen of a vertisol subjected to zero-tillage, nitrogen application and stubble retention. Australian Journal of Soil Research, 30 (2), 223-231. doi: 10.1071/SR9920223

Long-term trends in total nitrogen of a vertisol subjected to zero-tillage, nitrogen application and stubble retention

1991

Journal Article

Organic matter and microbial biomass in a vertisol after 20 yr of zero-tillage

Dalal, R. C., Henderson, P. A. and Glasby, J. M. (1991). Organic matter and microbial biomass in a vertisol after 20 yr of zero-tillage. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 23 (5), 435-441. doi: 10.1016/0038-0717(91)90006-6

Organic matter and microbial biomass in a vertisol after 20 yr of zero-tillage

1990

Journal Article

Long-term trends in fertility of soils under continuous cultivation and cereal cropping in southern queensland. Viii available nitrogen indices and their relationships to crop yield and n uptake

Dalal, R. C. and Mayer, R. J. (1990). Long-term trends in fertility of soils under continuous cultivation and cereal cropping in southern queensland. Viii available nitrogen indices and their relationships to crop yield and n uptake. Australian Journal of Soil Research, 28 (4), 563-575. doi: 10.1071/SR9900563

Long-term trends in fertility of soils under continuous cultivation and cereal cropping in southern queensland. Viii available nitrogen indices and their relationships to crop yield and n uptake

1989

Journal Article

Long-term effects of no-tillage, crop residue, and nitrogen application on properties of a Vertisol

Dalal, R. C. (1989). Long-term effects of no-tillage, crop residue, and nitrogen application on properties of a Vertisol. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 53 (5), 1511-1515. doi: 10.2136/sssaj1989.03615995005300050035x

Long-term effects of no-tillage, crop residue, and nitrogen application on properties of a Vertisol

1988

Journal Article

Fertiliser effectiveness of acid extracted phosphorus from low grade phosphate rock

Dalal, R. C., Oades, J. M. and Lewis, D. G. (1988). Fertiliser effectiveness of acid extracted phosphorus from low grade phosphate rock. Fertilizer Research, 17 (2), 165-176. doi: 10.1007/BF01050277

Fertiliser effectiveness of acid extracted phosphorus from low grade phosphate rock

1988

Journal Article

Cultivation effects on carbohydrate contents of soil and soil fractions

Dalal, R. C. and Henry, R. J. (1988). Cultivation effects on carbohydrate contents of soil and soil fractions. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 52 (5), 1361-1365. doi: 10.2136/sssaj1988.03615995005200050029x

Cultivation effects on carbohydrate contents of soil and soil fractions

1987

Journal Article

Long-term trends in fertility of soils under continuous cultivation and cereal cropping in southern queensland. VII. Dynamics of nitrogen mineralization potentials and microbial biomass

Dalai, R. C. and Mayer, R. J. (1987). Long-term trends in fertility of soils under continuous cultivation and cereal cropping in southern queensland. VII. Dynamics of nitrogen mineralization potentials and microbial biomass. Australian Journal of Soil Research, 25 (4), 461-472. doi: 10.1071/SR9870461

Long-term trends in fertility of soils under continuous cultivation and cereal cropping in southern queensland. VII. Dynamics of nitrogen mineralization potentials and microbial biomass

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2027
    Role of nitrogen-rich compounds for increasing carbon sequestration in soil
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2028
    Enhancing soil health and climate resilience in the Northern Territory
    Climate-Smart Agriculture Program ¿ Capacity Building
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2027
    Mineral Biosequestration of Organic Carbon in Early Pedogenesis of Tailings
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2025
    Phosphorus in soil used for long-term agriculture: Increasing efficiency and food production
    Soil Science Challenge
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2022 - 2024
    Improving the drought resilience of Queensland cropping soils by removing barriers to the identification and management of soil constraints
    Future Drought Fund: Drought Resilient Soils and Landscapes Grants
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2023
    Carbon ID: A remote sensing decision support tool to identify the impact of agricultural land management on soil carbon stock
    Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2024
    Breaking critical barriers in soil formation of bauxite residues
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2022
    Economics of ameliorating soil constraints in the Northern Region: Spatial soil constraint diagnoses in the northern region (Project A)
    Grains Research & Development Corporation
    Open grant

Availability

Adjunct Professor Ram Dalal AM is:
Available for supervision

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Available projects

  • Sustainable and resilient farming systems intensification in the eastern Gangetic plains

    The overall aim of the project is to reduce poverty in the eastern Gangetic plains by improving the productivity, profitability and sustainability of smallholder agriculture.

    The project has four objectives that will lead towards sustainable and resilient farming systems intensification in the EGP:

    1. Understand farmer circumstances with respect to cropping systems, natural and economic resources base, livelihood strategies, and capacity to bear risk and undertake technological innovation.

    2. Develop, with farmers more productive and sustainable technologies that are resilient and profitable for smallholders.

    3. Catalyse, support and evaluate institutional and policy changes that establish an enabling environment for the adoption of high-impact technologies from Objective 2.

    4. Facilitate widespread adoption of sustainable, resilient and more profitable farming systems.

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Understanding the mechanisms of general disease suppressiveness in organic fields

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Peter Kopittke

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Ameliorating soil constraints using inorganic and organic amendments under rainfed conditions

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Bernhard Wehr, Dr Yash Dang

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Exploring the influence of long-term land use change on the chemical speciation of C, S and P in SOM fractions isolated using density and physical fractionation

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Brigid McKenna, Dr Tim McLaren, Professor Peter Kopittke

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Investigating the Impact of Fungal Activity on Soil Carbon Dynamics - Tracing Carbon Fluxes Across Plant-Fungi-Mineral Networks

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Vijaya Singh

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Ameliorating soil constraints using inorganic and organic amendments under rainfed conditions

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Bernhard Wehr, Dr Yash Dang

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Mechanisms driving the persistence of soil organic matter

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Tim McLaren, Professor Peter Kopittke

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Understanding the mechanisms of general disease suppressiveness in organic fields

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Peter Kopittke

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Understanding the mechanisms of general disease suppressiveness in organic fields

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Peter Kopittke

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Dynamics of Soil Organic Matter: Storage, Composition, and Responses to Land Use Change

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Han Weng, Professor Peter Kopittke

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Dynamics of Soil Organic Matter: Storage, Composition, and Responses to Land Use Change

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Han Weng, Professor Peter Kopittke

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Organic matter decomposition and turnover in rhizobiomes of bauxite residue technosols

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Longbin Huang, Dr Fang You

Completed supervision

Enquiries

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