This week, the WA Agricultural Scientist Spotlight turns its attention to Dr Nanthi Bolan, Professor of Soil Science at The University of Western Australia, whose work is helping to improve soil health and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
With decades of experience in soil science, Dr Bolan has contributed significantly to research on soil fertility, carbon sequestration, and sustainable farming practices.
A passion for agriculture from the ground up
For Dr Nanthi Bolan, a career in agricultural science was a natural choice, shaped by his early experiences growing up on a family farm.
“I came from a farming family growing tea and coffee, which was our main source of income,” he said.
“I used to help my parents on the farm during school holidays, and that motivated me to study agriculture as part of my undergraduate program at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) in India.”
His passion for soil science was further reinforced through the ‘Earn While You Learn’ program at TNAU, where students gained practical experience by growing marketable crops.
“This learning experience consolidated my interest in an agriculture career,” Dr Bolan said.
Dr Bolan’s academic journey has been marked by excellence and opportunity.
Thanks to his strong undergraduate performance, he was awarded the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Junior Fellowship to undertake a master’s degree in Soil Science at TNAU.
This was followed by a PhD at The University of Western Australia (UWA), supported by the UWA Research Training Program.
At UWA, Dr Bolan was fortunate to be mentored by some of the field’s leading soil scientists, including Professor Alan Robson, Professor Lyn Abbott, and Dr Jim Barrow.
“That experience was the stepping stone for what has become a fruitful and rewarding career in soil science, with a particular emphasis on soil fertility and soil health,” he said.
Before returning to UWA, Dr Bolan held academic positions at the University of Newcastle, the University of South Australia, and Massey University in New Zealand.
He also served as Program Leader of the Soil Cooperative Research Centre (Soil CRC), working on industry-led research to improve soil performance and agricultural productivity.
Teaching, research, and mentorship at UWA
Today, as Professor of Soil Science at UWA’s School of Agriculture and Environment, Dr Bolan plays a key role in educating the next generation of agricultural and environmental scientists.
“My main role is teaching soil and environmental science units to undergraduate and postgraduate students majoring in agriculture and environmental sciences,” he said.
Beyond teaching, he leads research initiatives and supervises PhD students, fostering collaboration in the pursuit of innovative solutions to soil-related challenges.
His passion for education is deeply rooted in his belief that knowledge-sharing is crucial for advancing the field.
“As Leonardo da Vinci once said, ‘We know more about the movement of celestial bodies than about the soil under our feet’,” Dr Bolan said.
“The most fulfilling part of being an agricultural scientist is passing on my soil knowledge and research experience to the next generation of academics and researchers.”
A focus on soil carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation
Dr Bolan’s research focuses on one of the most pressing global challenges: climate change.
“One of the key contributors to climate change is greenhouse gas emissions, and soil serves as both a source and a sink for these emissions,” he said.
His work examines pathways to enhance soil carbon sequestration – a process that not only helps mitigate climate change but also improves soil health and farm productivity.
With a continued decline in arable land, Dr Bolan believes that food security can only be achieved by safeguarding soil health.
“We need to maintain soil’s physical, biological, and chemical fertility to ensure sustainable agricultural production,” he said.
His research aims to identify the causes of soil degradation and develop innovative methods to restore soil function, particularly in Western Australia, where sandy soils are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts.
While Dr Bolan’s research has global implications, its impact on Western Australian agriculture is particularly significant.
“Enhancing soil carbon sequestration not only contributes globally to mitigating climate change but also improves soil health and farm productivity in Western Australia,” he said.
“Our research team aims to identify the causes of soil health decline and develop innovative methods to improve soil health, ensuring that agricultural systems remain productive and resilient.”
He cites Dr Jonathan Swift’s famous words: “Whoever could make two ears of corn, or two blades of grass grow upon a spot of ground where only one grew before would deserve better of mankind.”
For Dr Bolan, this sentiment captures the essence of his work – finding ways to increase agricultural productivity while protecting the natural environment.
Advice for future agricultural scientists
For students and early-career scientists interested in agriculture, Dr Bolan offered clear guidance and said to engage with the end-user community and collaborate widely.
“Aim to collaborate with national and international researchers, as this leads to better research outputs,” he said.
“Building strong partnerships with farmers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders ensures that research remains practical and impactful.”
His own career stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and dedication in tackling some of the most critical challenges in agricultural science.
Through education, research, and mentorship, Dr Bolan continues to shape the future of soil science – one discovery at a time.
Through the WA Agricultural Scientist Spotlight series, WAARC celebrates the contributions of researchers like Dr Nanthi Bolan, whose work exemplifies the dedication and innovation needed to advance agricultural science in Western Australia.
By sharing their stories, the series aims to inspire a new generation to pursue careers in this vital field, ensuring the state remains at the forefront of agricultural research and sustainability.
