Through the WA Agricultural Scientist Spotlight, we share the career journeys, research, and personal insights of scientists shaping the future of food and farming in Western Australia.
This fortnight, we shine the spotlight on Dr Tom Edwards, Senior Research Scientist at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
From an unconventional start in conservation and land management to a leading role in applied soil science, Dr Edwards has built a career that combines curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering practical solutions for farmers.
An indirect educational and career journey
Unlike many scientists who take a straight path from school into university, Dr Edwards’ journey took a more winding route.
In high school, academic achievement was not his strength, though he did enjoy biological sciences.
Unsure of where to go next, he turned to vocational training.
“I took a non-linear path to agricultural science,” he said.
“Following school, I did a TAFE course in conservation and land management which helped me develop some practical skills and the confidence to eventually attempt a university degree.”
That confidence led him to Murdoch University, where he studied biological science as a mature-age student.
It was here that a turning point occurred.
In his final year, he secured work experience with the Centre for Rhizobium Studies (CRS), where he was introduced to agricultural research.
“I was lucky enough to get some work experience with the CRS that was working on agricultural research projects,” Dr Edwards said.
“From there, I was quickly converted into an agricultural scientist and completed an honours degree and then a PhD in agricultural science.”
Dr Edwards’ original plan was to become an environmental scientist, aiming to understand ecosystems and apply that knowledge to improve the natural world.
That ambition led him to a CRS project on Christmas Island, where legumes were being used to regenerate soils degraded by mining.
“This project and the people I collaborated with opened my eyes to how impactful agricultural science can be,” Dr Edwards said.
“Improving the sustainability and efficiency of food production can have huge benefits to the environment.”
It was a revelation that shifted his focus and sparked a long-term commitment to agricultural science.
Building foundations in Esperance
After his honours work, Dr Edwards accepted a position with CRS as a research assistant while finishing his degree.
This combination gave him valuable experience and connections within the industry.
Soon after, he joined DPIRD in Esperance, working with the soil science and crop nutrition group.
“From the start, the agriculture industry in Esperance was incredibly supportive and fantastic to work with,” Dr Edwards said.
While leading work on soil water repellence, he noticed something unexpected.
Deep tillage methods designed to address repellence were sometimes causing crop damage linked to herbicide behaviour in disturbed soils.
This observation grew into the basis for his PhD, which he undertook part-time while continuing his DPIRD research.
“Completing my PhD while working with DPIRD was a very rewarding experience,” Dr Edwards said.
“It gave me the opportunity to challenge myself and improve my knowledge, while helping to solve issues that were relevant and important to the Esperance farming community.”
Life as a soil scientist
Today, as a Senior Research Scientist, Dr Edwards enjoys the variety of his role.
His weeks span fieldwork, laboratory analysis, data processing, and sharing results with farmers and industry.
“For me, a good week involves lots of variety and includes all the main elements of my work,” he said.
“I really enjoy spending time in the field taking various measurements to quantify how the treatments are influencing the plant and soil.”
That hands-on research is balanced with time in the lab, working through samples and running measurements, before moving into the office to analyse data and write up results.
Equally important is extension – presenting at field days and conferences, and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
For all the science involved, it is the people who matter most to Dr Edwards.
“My research relies on close collaboration with farmers, and I’m constantly inspired by their resourcefulness and commitment to continual improvement,” he said.
Having recently completed his PhD, he now takes pride in mentoring others within DPIRD.
“I have a great opportunity to start mentoring and supervising DPIRD researchers who undertake postgraduate study, building on DPIRD’s world-class applied soil science capacity,” he said.
“It is a privilege to help prepare the next generation of scientists to tackle emerging challenges in agriculture.”
Dr Edwards’ current research focuses on understanding how tillage changes the behaviour of soil-applied herbicides.
Strategic deep tillage methods such as mouldboard ploughing and spading often alter soil composition, which can make herbicides more potent and increase the risk of crop damage.
“I am attempting to develop methods to measure herbicide and soil interactions to provide farmers with strategies to minimise the risk of damage, while optimising their weed control,” Dr Edwards said.
The goal is a practical one – to equip farmers with the tools and knowledge they need to continue adopting soil amelioration techniques without unintended consequences.
Local and global importance
Western Australia’s soils are some of the least fertile in the world, yet the State has built a globally recognised grains industry.
This has only been possible through decades of investment in applied soil science.
“WA has some of the least fertile soils used for grain production in the world,” Dr Edwards said.
“This has necessitated DPIRD to develop world-class applied soil science capacity with a long lineage of amazing scientists and leaders.”
Recent advances in soil management such as strategic deep tillage, are already transforming production in WA.
“These methods were pioneered in WA and could have an enormous impact on the millions of hectares of infertile soils around the globe,” he said.
Among his proudest career milestones, Dr Edwards highlights being invited to join the Executive Committee of South East Premium Wheatgrowers Association (SEPWA) – Esperance’s grower group.
The role allows him to work closely with farmers to identify pressing research questions and co-design meaningful solutions.
“This has given me the opportunity to work closely with farmers to identify the most important research questions, and work with them to come up with meaningful solutions to their problems,” he said.
Mentoring and moving forward
For students or early-career scientists considering a career in agriculture, Dr Edwards offers a simple piece of advice.
“Do it,” he said.
“I have found it to be a great career with impactful work, great people, lots of variety and tons of opportunity.”
From early beginnings in conservation and land management to a senior role in applied soil science, Dr Edwards’ career reflects the value of persistence, curiosity, and collaboration.
His work in understanding soil–herbicide interactions, mentoring the next generation, and working alongside growers highlights the critical role of agricultural scientists in building resilient, sustainable farming systems for WA and beyond.
Through the WA Agricultural Scientist Spotlight series, WAARC celebrates the contributions of researchers like Tom Edwards, 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.