About

Paul Nelson is soil scientist with research, education and leadership experience in industry, government and university sectors. He does research and teaching in land and water science, and coordinates the Sustainable Tropical Agriculture Flagship of James Cook University’s Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science.

Paul's current research focusses on how human management and natural processes influence the sustainability and environmental impact of agriculture and aquaculture, including productivity, soil condition, water quality, carbon and nutrient cycling, greenhouse gas emissions, and other biogeochemical processes.

Prior to joining James Cook University, Paul led the Agronomy program of the Papua New Guinea Oil Palm Research Association. He has also worked with CSIRO, the Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations, the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines, the Australian Centre for Water Treatment and Water Quality Research, the French National Agricultural Research Institute (INRA) and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.

 

 

Teaching
  • EA2007: Soil Properties and Processes for Management (Level 2; CNS & TSV)
  • EA3007: Field Studies in Tropical Land and Water Science (Level 3; CNS)
  • EA3207: Soil Properties and Processes (Level 3; CNS & TSV)
  • EA5017: Soil Properties and Processes (Level 5; CNS)
  • EA5018: Field Studies in Tropical Land and Water Science (Level 5; CNS)
  • EA5026: Special Studies (Level 5; CNS & TSV)
  • EV1005: Environmental Processes and Global Change (Level 1; CNS)
  • EV2401: Australian Landscape Processes and Evolution (Level 2; CNS)
  • SC5900: Special Topic (Level 5; CNS)
  • SC5901: Special Topic 1 (Level 5; CNS)
  • SC5902: Special Topic 2 (Level 5; CNS)
  • SC5903: Literature Review (Level 5; CNS)
  • SC5909: Minor Project and Seminar (Level 5; CNS)
Interests
Research
  • Carbon sequestration in agricultural soils, particularly through enhanced mineral weathering
  • Reducing nutrient and contaminant export from agriculture and aquaculture using novel techniques such as denitrifying bioreactors
  • Understanding and managing effects of soil physicochemical conditions on soil biological health, particularly suppressiveness/ conduciveness to Panama disease in bananas
  • Modelling and managing water and nutrient cycling in tropical agriculture and aquaculture
Teaching
  • Soil matters: it is the most biologically diverse and active part of the earth, where minerals, water, air and living things interact in complex and fascinating ways that are critical for human well-being and ecosystem functioning. Having a good grasp of soil properties and processes is invaluable for graduates in environmental science and management.
Experience
  • 2015 to present - Associate Professor, James Cook University (Cairns, Australia)
  • 2010 to 2014 - Senior Lecturer, James Cook University (Cairns, Australia)
  • 2004 to 2009 - Lecturer/Senior Lecturer (50%), James Cook University (Cairns, Australia)
  • 2004 to 2009 - Senior Scientist (50%), Department of Natural Resources and Mines (Mareeba, Australia)
  • 2001 to 2003 - Senior Agronomist, PNG Oil Palm Research Association (Papua New Guinea)
  • 1999 to 2001 - Research Scientist, CSIRO (Townsville, Australia)
  • 1997 to 1999 - Research Officer, BSES/CRC Sugar (Ayr, Australia)
  • 1993 to 1996 - PhD candidate, University of Adelaide (Adelaide, Australia)
  • 1991 to 1992 - Research Officer, INRA (Dijon, France)
  • 1991 - Technical Officer, Swedish Uni of Agricultural Sciences (Uppsala, Sweden)
  • 1987 to 1990 - Research Officer, Australian Centre for Water Treatment and Water Quality Research (Adelaide, Australia)
Research Disciplines
Socio-Economic Objectives
Honours
Awards
  • 2012 - Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning (Australian Office for Learning & Teaching and JCU)
Fellowships
  • 2015 - Fellow, The Cairns Institute
Publications

These are the most recent publications associated with this author. To see a detailed profile of all publications stored at JCU, visit ResearchOnline@JCU. Hover over Altmetrics badges to see social impact.

Journal Articles
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ResearchOnline@JCU stores 147+ research outputs authored by A/Prof Paul Nelson from 1990 onwards.

Current Funding

Current and recent Research Funding to JCU is shown by funding source and project.

Leverhulme Trust - Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation

Sequestering carbon and improving sugarcane productivity by enhanced weathering of basalt

Indicative Funding
$479,169 over 9 years (administered by University of Sheffield)
Summary
Arresting the build-up of atmospheric CO2 is one of humanity's biggest challenges. In geological time, the weathering of rocks consumes CO2, which is then sequestered as limestone in the ocean, but the natural rate of this process is very slow. In this project we will determine the feasibility of accelerating weathering by introducing crushed basalt (a common and easily weathered rock) into the place on earth with highest CO2 production and potential weathering rates - topsoil in the humid tropics. We will also examine the effects on soil condition and crop growth, which are likely to be beneficial.
Investigators
Paul Nelson, Michael Bird and David J Beerling (College of Science & Engineering and University of Sheffield)
Keywords
Carbon sequestration; Soil Fertility; Sugarcane; Water Quality; Great Barrier Reef; Agricultural Sustainability

Sugar Research Australia - Contract Research

Optimising mill mud and ash applications for soil improvement and carbon sequestration

Indicative Funding
$94,920 over 3 years
Summary
Negative carbon dioxide emission technologies are urgently required to offset emissions from fossil fuel burning. Weathering of alkaline metal oxides such as those in ash is a promising technology as it consumes carbon dioxide. This project aims to determine carbon sequestration when sugar mill ash, either alone or mixed with mill mud, is applied to soil in sugarcane fields. The project expects to generate knowledge about the rates of carbon sequestration and the factors controlling it, employing field experiments and geochemical modelling. The main outcome expected is a carbon sequestration methodology that is permanent and unlimited (given continued application mill by-products), unlike soil organic carbon sequestration. Adoption will facilitate trade in carbon credits through the Emissions Reduction Fund and facilitate market access through increased ability of the sugar industry to meet consumer expectations regarding environmental responsibility.
Investigators
Hannah Green, Paul Nelson and Peter Larsen (College of Science & Engineering and Wilmar Sugar Australia)
Keywords
carbon dioxide; climate change; soil management; sugar mill by-products; sugarcane; weathering

Queensland Department of Environment and Science - Tender

Modelling unseen flow pathways of water and contaminants in the Wet Tropics: the role of alluvial palaeochannels

Indicative Funding
$44,982 over 1 year
Summary
Approximately 50% of nitrogen loss from agricultural landscapes in the Wet Tropics occurs via subsurface flow pathways. We know little about the partitioning of subsurface flows, especially through palaeochannels where field evidence shows them to be zones of preferential pathways of water movement and likely nutrients. This project, led by JCU, seeks to develop an adequate understanding of the role palaeochannels play in subsurface flow movement. We then make recommendations to the modelling community on how to model these landscapes better in order to guide intervention measures (e.g. bioreactors, constructed wetlands) to reduce nutrient release into environmentally sensitive coastal areas (GBR).
Investigators
HanShe Lim, Paul Nelson, Alex Cheesman, Tony Weber, Liz Owen, Dennis Ah-Kee, Marcus Bulstrode and David Morrison (College of Science & Engineering, Alluvium Consulting, Jaragun Pty Ltd, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and Department of Natural Resources and Mines)
Keywords
Palaeochannels; Contaminant transport; Subsurface flow; Wet Tropics

Department of Industry - Innovations Connections

Improving performance of bioreactors for treating effluent from land- based aquaculture.

Indicative Funding
$50,000 over 1 year, in partnership with Mainstream Aquaculture ($50,685)
Summary
Effluent from land-based aquaculture is problematic because of its nutrient content. This project aims to enhance the performance of `denitrification bioreactors? designed to remove nitrogen from effluent. It will be carried out on a barramundi farm near Innisfail. Availability of carbon appears to limit bioreactor performance, so the effect of adding molasses will be tested, under different conditions of salinity and retention time. The ability of the bioreactors to eliminate algae and parasites will also be tested. The results will be applicable to aquaculture farms throughout the tropics, facilitating more effective treatment of water leaving farms or being recirculated.
Investigators
Alex Cheesman, Paul Nelson and Kelly Condon in collaboration with Marty Phillips (College of Science & Engineering and Mainstream Aquaculture Pty Ltd)
Keywords
carbon; Barramundi (Lates calcarifer); water quality; Denitrification; Nitrate; pathogens

Department of Industry - Innovations Connections

Improving the quality of water for release from land-based aquaculture in northern Australia

Indicative Funding
$50,000 over 1 year, in partnership with Mainstream Aquaculture ($52,594)
Summary
Effluent from land-based aquaculture farms is problematic because of its nutrient content. This project will be the first in Australia and the tropics to assess the ability of 'denitrification bioreactors' (woodchip-filled trenches) to remove suspended solids and nitrogen from effluent leaving an aquaculture farm. It will be carried out on a barramundi farm the Great Barrier Reef catchment in North Queensland. Changes in quality of water flowing through bioreactors will be measured under a range of likely operating conditions, including differences in salinity and effluent retention rate. The results will be applicable to aquaculture farms throughout the tropics, enabling a reduction in negative environmental impacts, and facilitating intensification and expansion of fish production without increasing nutrient export.
Investigators
Paul Nelson and Alex Cheesman in collaboration with Shannon Todd (College of Science & Engineering)
Keywords
fish farming; Barramundi (Lates calcarifer); Water Quality; Wet Tropics; Nitrate; Great Barrier Reef

Department of Environment and Heritage Protection - Tender

Denitrification bioreactor trial in the Russell catchment of the Wet Tropics

Indicative Funding
$235,087 over 3 years (administered by Jaragun Pty Ltd)
Summary
This project will establish the effectiveness of denitrification bioreactors as an on-farm technology for removing dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) in waters draining the Babinda Swamp Drainage Area. The region has been identified as a hotspot for DIN in the Great Barrier Reef catchment. This will be the first trial of denitrification bioreactors in the Wet Tropics. Denitrifying bioreactors route water through a high-carbon substrate under anaerobic conditions to encourage denitrification (the conversion of DIN to atmospheric N2). Two bioreactor configurations will be tested at two sites, and the potential for broader adoption will be assessed.
Investigators
Paul Nelson, Alex Cheesman, Liz Owen, HanShe Lim, Bithin Datta, Colin MacGregor and Ian Layden in collaboration with Nathan Waltham, Bart Dryden and Mark Bayley (College of Science & Engineering, Jaragun Pty Ltd, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, TropWater, Terrain Natural Resource Management and Australian Wetland Consulting)
Keywords
sugarcane; Water quality; nitrate; runoff; Wet Tropics; Great Barrier Reef

Horticulture Innovation Australia - Research Grant

Activity 2.6 (Banana soil physico-chemical properties) of 'Fusarium wilt Tropical Race 4 Research program (BA14014)'

Indicative Funding
$350,000 over 4 years (administered by DAF)
Summary
The project will determine the influence of soil physiocochemical conditions on growth and infectivity of the banana disease-causing fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Cubense (Foc. Foc is one of the world's most destructive banana diseases and Tropical Race 4, which attacks the Cavendish variety, was recently detected in the Tully valley in the heart of the North Queensland banana production region. This project is part of a larger program aimed at providing new information and practices to address key areas of need with a medium to long-term view of developing management practices for banana growers affected by Tropical Race 4.
Investigators
Paul Nelson and Rosalie Hocking in collaboration with Tony Pattison and Anna McBean (College of Science & Engineering and Department of Agriculture and Fisheries)
Keywords
Soil Chemistry; banana disease; sil physics; Fusarium oxysporum (Netriaceae); soil biology; agricultural soil management

Terrain Natural Resource Management - Contract Research

Soil/landscape assessment and monitoring design for WTMIP 'Catchment Repair and Treatment Systems Design Phase 2'

Indicative Funding
$13,740 over 1 year (administered by Australian Wetland Cnsulting)
Summary
The 'Catchment repair and treatment systems phase 2' activity of the Wet Tropics Major Integrated Project (WTMIP) aims to reduce nitrogen loads in runoff from agricultural landscapes by installing treatment wetlands as well as 'denitrification bioreactors' in the Tully and Johnstone catchments. Aspart of this consortium submission (partners include AWC, Alluvium, Premise/Turbid) to Terrain JCU will be involved in assessing soil and landscape features at the proposed sites, collecting and analysing information on soil profiles and helping in the design and implementation of 1 treatment wetland and 5 denitrifying bioreactors.
Investigators
Paul Nelson and Alex Cheesman (College of Science & Engineering)
Keywords
Sugarcane; Water Quality; Nitrate; Runoff; Wet Tropics; Great Barrier Reef

Terrain Natural Resource Management - Contract Research

Johnstone bioreactor data analysis ? first 6 months

Indicative Funding
$15,000
Summary
In the Wet Tropics Major Integrated Project (WTMIP), bioreactor 'walls' are being trialled for their ability to remove nitrate from shallow groundwater leaving sugarcane fields. Bioreactor walls consist of a woodchip-filled trench, approximately 30 m long x 2 m deep x 1 m wide, perpendicular to groundwater flow direction. To determine their effectiveness, the removal of nitrate from water flowing through them must be measured. In this project we will calculate nitrate removal in a bioreactor in the Johnstone catchment during the Jan-Jun 2019 period, using topographic survey, rainfall, water table depth and solute concentration data.
Investigators
Paul Nelson, Bithin Datta and Alex Cheesman (College of Science & Engineering)
Keywords
Water Quality; Nitrate; Bioreactor; Groundwater; Sugarcane; Hydrology

Terrain Natural Resource Management - Contract Research

WTMIP Johnstone Catchment Bioreactor Site-01 Piezo Survey

Indicative Funding
$862
Summary
In the Wet Tropics Major Integrated Project (WTMIP), bioreactor 'walls' are being trialled for their ability to remove nitrate from shallow groundwater leaving sugarcane fields. Bioreactor walls consist of a woodchip-filled trench, approximately 20m long x 2m deep x 0.6m wide, perpendicular to groundwater flow direction. To determine their effectiveness, the removal of nitrate from water flowing through them must be measured. That involves continuous measurements of water table height and nitrate concentration in piezometers (shallow wells) around the bioreactor, and one-off a) measurements of hydraulic conductivity and b) accurate survey of piezometer locations (ie. this project).
Investigators
Paul Nelson, Alex Cheesman and Shannon Todd (College of Science & Engineering)
Keywords
Water Quality; Nitrate; bioreactor; Groundwater; Sugarcane; Hydrology

Department of Industry - Innovations Connections

Black soldier fly production to convert food waste into protein-rich animal feed

Indicative Funding
$17,659 over 1 year, in partnership with Murray Farming Pty Ltd ($17,659)
Summary
We will evaluate methods of black soldier fly production that have been successful elsewhere and adapt them to the tropical conditions of northern Australia; and evaluate the effects of food source on the growth rates of black soldier fly populations.
Investigators
Lori Lach, Paul Nelson and Stuart Biggs (College of Science & Engineering)
Keywords
black soldier fly Hermetia illucens; Food Waste; Nutrition; insect protein; sustainable food production; Growth Rate

Department of the Environment and Energy - Reef Trust Phase III

Australian Banana Growers Council: Denitrifying Bioreactors

Indicative Funding
$30,000 over 1 year (administered by Australian Banana Growers Council)
Summary
This project in conjunction with Australian Banana Growers Council seeks to establish the effectiveness of denitrification bioreactors as an on-farm technology to remove excess dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) leaving farms in the Wet Tropics bioregion. The Russell River catchment has been identified as a hotspot for DIN loading to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon, and this work represents a novel approach to curb DIN loading to natural systems. Denitrifying bioreactors route drainage water through a high carbon substrate under anaerobic conditions to encourage denitrification (the conversion of DIN to atmospheric N2). This project will involved detailed site monitoring, installation and scientific evaluation of a bioreactor wall in the headwaters of the Russell River catchment.
Investigators
Paul Nelson and Alex Cheesman (College of Science & Engineering)
Keywords
Banana; Water Quality; Nitrate; Runoff; Wet Tropics; Great Barrier Reef
Supervision

Advisory Accreditation: I can be on your Advisory Panel as a Primary or Secondary Advisor.

These Higher Degree Research projects are either current or by students who have completed their studies within the past 5 years at JCU. Linked titles show theses available within ResearchOnline@JCU.

Current
  • The effects of tropospheric ozone on tropical plant growth and functioning (PhD , Secondary Advisor/AM)
  • Effects of sugarcane mill mud and ash on soil properties and processes including inorganic and organic carbon sequestration (PhD , Primary Advisor/AM/Adv)
  • Automatic Generation of Geometry for Simulation and Games (PhD , Secondary Advisor)
  • CATION RETENTION AND SUPPLY BY SUMATRAM SOILS UNDER OIL PALM (PhD , Primary Advisor)
  • Application of modelling tools to study the role of water-sensitive urban design (wsud) technology to mitigate flooding problems in tropical cities (PhD , Secondary Advisor/AM)
Completed
Data

These are the most recent metadata records associated with this researcher. To see a detailed description of all dataset records, visit Research Data Australia.

Collaboration

The map shows research collaborations by institution from the past 7 years.
Note: Map points are indicative of the countries or states that institutions are associated with.

  • 5+ collaborations
  • 4 collaborations
  • 3 collaborations
  • 2 collaborations
  • 1 collaboration
  • Indicates the Tropics (Torrid Zone)

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