Dr Rose Brodrick

Dr Brodrick’s research is focussed on developing new technologies and integrated digital systems for the agricultural industry to improve farm productivity.

Dr Brodrick works with farmers, grower groups, Agribusiness and leads multidisciplinary research teams to respond to challenges generated by variable and changing climates, by developing and delivering new knowledge, technologies (e.g. proximal and remote sensing), machine learning and AI approaches combined with system solutions to high-value crops (potatoes, cotton, tomatoes, hazelnuts, almonds and sugarcane).

Dr Brodrick leads CSIRO Agriculture and Food’s Resilient Farming Systems Impact Research Area Portfolio which is focussed on innovative animal and plant-based farming systems.

Dr Brodrick has 19 years experience in working with irrigators (cotton, tomatoes, sugarcane) to develop management solutions in irrigated agriculture. Her research into crop physiology and agronomy has led to changes in production practices within the Australian Cotton Industry and she has strong collaborations with researcher overseas.

Dr Brodrick is a leader in the area of plant water relations and irrigation management conducting research into theassessment and development of new technologies for irrigation strategies where water is limited.

Dr Brodrick has also developed techniques to assess genetic differences in soil exploration by cotton root systems and increased understanding in cotton physiology in response to plant competition and maturity and influenced growers through her particpatory research approach to developing agronomic solutions for industry.

The “WaterWise” initiative which is her current main research focus has developed a series of advanced analytics platforms that combine the use of monitored and forecasted crop water stress status (reliant on continuous canopy temperature measurements and weather data) to provide necessary information on irrigation timing. Improved accuracy in these decisions are supported by utilising underpinning knowledge of crops’ physiological response to temperature. Currently WaterWise is being evaluated and delivered using with a web-based application linked to real time sensors, and it is intended that these systems will form part of an integrated approach to irrigation management. The cotton canopy temperature algorithms have been commericialised and are being delivered to industry through partnership with an Australian Ag Tech company.