Projects per year
Personal profile
Research interests
In 2006, I completed my PhD in Plant Ecophysiology from the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Columbia University (USA). Over the past 15 years, I have applied my expertise in plant ecophysiology to various areas in agriculture, with a focus on improving crop production and sustainability by applying plant physiological principles. Some of the key research areas I have worked on include:
- Studying crop physiological responses to climatic factors and resource availability
- Exploring Carbon (C) farming approaches, like biochar other organic amendments, to improve soil fertility and crop yield
- Using precision agriculture approaches and technologies to enhance the sustainability of horticulture farming systems
- Investigating the physiology and adaptation of invasive weeds to improve their management and control
In recent years, I have concentrated on translating my research findings into practical applications to promote regional industry development. I am particularly passionate about promoting emerging crops and new industries to enhance rural economies. To achieve this goal, I have collaborated extensively with industries such as dragon fruit, mushroom, camellia oil, and AgTech companies, as well as experts from various fields such as computer science, engineering, economics, rural supply chain, and policy. Together, we have developed large-scale, interdisciplinary projects that integrate both industry development and R&D components.
Education/Academic qualification
PhD, Columbia University
22 Aug 2001 → 15 Sept 2006
Award Date: 15 Sept 2006
Bachelor, Fudan University
1 Sept 1997 → 30 Jun 2001
Award Date: 30 Jun 2001
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 2 Zero Hunger -
SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being -
SDG 4 Quality Education -
SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation -
SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy -
SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth -
SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production -
SDG 13 Climate Action -
SDG 15 Life on Land -
SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Recent external collaboration on country/territory level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots or
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An Intelligent, Adaptable, and User-Friendly Weed Management system
Xu, S. (Principal Investigator/Chief Investigator A) & Islam, D. N. (Principal Investigator/Chief Investigator A)
25/06/26 → 26/06/27
Project: Research
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Demonstration of Orlar’s Microbial‑Active Protected Cropping for Enhanced Food Security in NT and SE Asia
Xu, S. (Principal Investigator/Chief Investigator A)
3/07/26 → 31/03/29
Project: Research
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Effect of Gibberellins and Salicylic Acid on the resilience of cotton seeds during germination under elevated temperatures.
Xu, S. (Supervisor) & Bhagya, O. (Student Investigator)
15/03/25 → 30/06/25
Project: Research
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Enhancing the resilience of the Northern Territory’s Rain-fed Cotton; A Comprehensive Approach to Yield Prediction and Water Management.
Xu, S. (Principal Investigator/Chief Investigator A) & Bhandari, J. (Student Investigator)
15/01/26 → 15/01/27
Project: Research
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Enhancing the resilience of the Northern Territory’s rain-fed cotton: A comprehensive approach to yield prediction and water management
Xu, S. (Principal Investigator/Chief Investigator A), Irvine, D. (Principal Investigator/Chief Investigator A) & Mwando, E. (Co Investigator/Chief Investigator B)
1/01/24 → 31/12/27
Project: Research
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Enhancing the resilience of the Northern Territory’s Rain-fed Cotton: A Comprehensive Approach to Yield Prediction and Water Management.
Xu, S. (Principal Investigator/Chief Investigator A) & Bhandari, J. (Student Investigator)
28/03/24 → …
Project: HDR Project › PhD
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Increasing on-farm labour productivity for sustainable production, nutrition and inclusive livelihood gains in Timor-Leste
Wurm, P. (Principal Investigator/Chief Investigator A), Vial, L. (Principal Investigator/Chief Investigator A), Xu, S. (Co Investigator/Chief Investigator B) & Penrose, B. (Chief Investigator C)
1/07/24 → 30/06/28
Project: Research
Research output
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Healthcare expenditure, fertilizer consumption, and environmental sustainability in the Oceania Region
Alom, K., Akbar, D., Xu, C. Y. & Dong, H. T., Dec 2026, In: Discover Environment. 4, 1, p. 1-18 18 p., 15.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Downloads (Pure) -
Mushroom Consumption and Purchasing Habits in the Northern Territory of Australia
Ahmed, W., Li, Y., Mwando, E., Sangha, K., Xu, C. Y., Munawar, S., Dong, H. T. & Gul, S., Jun 2026, In: New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science. 54, 2, p. 1-13 13 p., e70195.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile5 Downloads (Pure) -
Mushroom Spawn and Its Effects on Mushroom Growth and Development: A Systematic Review
Dong, H. T., Akbar, D., Li, Y. & Xu, C. Y., Feb 2026, In: Agronomy. 16, 3, p. 1-15 15 p., 391.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
Open AccessFile2 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus)14 Downloads (Pure) -
Twelve-year biochar application alters soil labile organic carbon, nitrogen pools and microbial diversity in a subtropical forest
Mao, X., Zhang, X., Li, F., Xu, C. Y. & Zhou, X., Apr 2026, In: Forest Ecology and Management. 615, p. 1-11 11 p., 123830.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Assessing environment impacts of chemical fertilizers consumption in Australia: State-level evidence
Alom, K., Akbar, D., Xu, C. Y. & Hong Dong, T., Dec 2025, In: Environmental and Sustainability Indicators. 28, p. 1-13 13 p., 101053.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile5 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus)2 Downloads (Pure) -
Correction: Trends and Factors Affecting Consumption of Fertilizer in Australia: The Moderating Role of Agri R&D Investment (Sustainability, (2025), 17, 11, (4761), 10.3390/su17114761)
Alom, K., Akbar, D., Xu, C. Y. & Dong, H. T., Sept 2025, In: Sustainability (Switzerland). 17, 17, p. 1-5 5 p., 7964.Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Downloads (Pure) -
Effects of Nitrogen Application on Soluble Sugar and Starch Accumulation During Sweet Potato Storage Root Formation
Dong, H. T., Li, Y., Brown, P., Akbar, D. & Xu, C. Y., Jul 2025, In: Horticulturae. 11, 7, p. 1-15 15 p., 837.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile2 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus)17 Downloads (Pure)