Rate Professor Louise Barton

Professional Summary for Professor Louise Barton

Professor Louise Barton is a distinguished soil scientist and academic at the University of Western Australia (UWA), where she has made significant contributions to the understanding of soil nitrogen dynamics and greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural systems. With a career spanning over two decades, her research and teaching have focused on sustainable agricultural practices and environmental management, positioning her as a respected figure in soil science and agronomy.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Barton holds the following academic qualifications:

• PhD in Soil Science, University of Western Australia (1998), with a focus on nitrogen cycling in agricultural soils.
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agriculture, University of Western Australia.

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Barton’s research primarily explores:

• Soil nitrogen dynamics and cycling in agricultural and natural ecosystems.
• Greenhouse gas emissions (particularly nitrous oxide) from soils and strategies for mitigation.
• Sustainable agricultural practices and soil management in semi-arid environments.
• Environmental impacts of farming systems, with a focus on Western Australian conditions.

Career History and Appointments

Professor Barton has held several key positions at the University of Western Australia:

• Professor, School of Agriculture and Environment, UWA (current).
• Associate Professor, School of Earth and Environment, UWA (prior to current role).
• Research Fellow, UWA, focusing on soil science and agricultural sustainability (early career).

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

While specific awards and honors are not widely documented in public sources, Professor Barton’s sustained contributions to soil science and her leadership in research projects reflect her recognition within the academic community. She has been involved in numerous funded research initiatives, indicating peer acknowledgment of her expertise.

Key Publications

Professor Barton has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed papers and articles. Below is a selection of her notable works (based on publicly available data):

• Barton, L., Kiese, R., Gatter, D., Butterbach-Bahl, K., Buck, R., Hinz, C., & Murphy, D. V. (2008). "Nitrous oxide emissions from a cropped soil in a semi-arid climate." Global Change Biology, 14(1), 177-192.
• Barton, L., Murphy, D. V., & Butterbach-Bahl, K. (2013). "Influence of crop rotation and liming on greenhouse gas emissions from a semi-arid soil." Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 167, 23-32.
• Barton, L., Gleeson, D. B., Maccarone, L. D., Zúñiga, L. F., & Murphy, D. V. (2011). "Is liming soil a strategy for mitigating nitrous oxide emissions from semi-arid soils?" Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 43(2), 398-405.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Barton’s research has had a significant impact on the understanding of nitrous oxide emissions from agricultural soils, particularly in semi-arid regions like Western Australia. Her work has informed strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining agricultural productivity, contributing to global efforts in climate change mitigation. Her publications are widely cited, and she collaborates with international researchers, enhancing the practical application of her findings in sustainable farming practices.

Public Lectures, Committee Roles, and Editorial Contributions

While specific details of public lectures or editorial roles are not extensively documented in public sources, Professor Barton is known to be actively involved in academic and industry committees related to soil science and environmental management. She contributes to the dissemination of knowledge through conference presentations and workshops, particularly in the context of Australian agriculture and sustainability.