Dr. Charles Merfield
Head of Agronomy
Charles gained a Masters of Applied Science (Hons) in 2000 in biological control in agro-ecosystems, and a PhD in 2006 in organic carrot seed production from Lincoln University (NZ).
His research work has covered a wide range of topics including weed management, tillage (particularly minimum tillage), soil nutrient management, and pest and disease management.
Research work has supported and been complemented by active ‘hands on’ advisory work with farmers and Charles was invited to undertake work in Uruguay advising the Government of Uruguay’s National Agricultural Research Institute (INIA) on the expansion of their organic agriculture programme.
Charles was also contracted by Teagasc, the Irish Government’s Agriculture and Food Development Authority, as the lead organic researcher in Ireland, to undertake a wide range of research and extension work to assist the expansion of Irish organic agriculture.
He has been an invited speaker at a range of conferences and farmer workshops around the world and he has a number of on-going collaborations with scientists and organic agronomists globally.
His current position is founding head of the new Centre for Agricultural and Horticultural Science and Extension (AHSEC) at the Biological Husbandry Unit Organic Trust based at Lincoln University in New Zealand.
In addition, he is actively advising and managing on behalf of one of New Zealand’s largest and most successful organic farmers; specifically to refine production systems with a particular focus on improving nitrogen fixation rates and row crop system effectiveness.
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