Fien Degryse

Dr. Fien Degryse is a University Senior Research Fellow at the School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide. She is affiliated with the Fertiliser Technology Research Centre (FTRC), established in 2010, which focuses on optimizing fertiliser efficiency through chemical, spectroscopic, and isotopic techniques. Her research spans crop nutrition, metal speciation in soils and water, and phosphorus dynamics. Key areas include slow-release fertiliser development, micronutrient availability, and elemental sulfur oxidation. Degryse’s work emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices and environmental impact mitigation.

Research interests include:

• Crop nutrition and fertiliser use efficiency
• Heavy metal mobility and bioavailability
• Phosphorus and sulfur speciation in soils
• Development of novel fertiliser formulations (e.g., layered double hydroxides, mechanochemical compounds)
• Soil-plant interactions for micronutrient uptake

Her recent publications (2022–2025) highlight advancements in slow-release fertiliser technologies, including zinc borate synthesis, sulfur oxidation enhancement, and barrier-coated granules. These innovations aim to improve nutrient use efficiency while reducing environmental losses. Degryse’s work often integrates lab-scale experiments with field trials to validate agronomic effectiveness.

Grants and collaborations are central to her research, with a focus on interdisciplinary projects involving material science and agricultural engineering. She supervises postgraduate students in fertiliser technology and soil chemistry. Degryse’s lab at the Waite Campus develops eco-friendly fertiliser solutions, emphasizing dual-release systems and hydrophobic coatings to address global food security challenges.