Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Systems (CSAS)

Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland

The Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Systems (CSAS) conducts research and engagement that enhances the management of agricultural enterprises as complex and embedded systems, maximising production and conservation outcomes. This is achieved through a trans-disciplinary approach focusing on precision management of the biophysical resources that simultaneously considers the social, environmental and political contexts. CSAS assists decision-makers to diagnose system constraints and make informed, science-based decisions that improve productivity, profitability and environmental sustainability; apply integrated trans-disciplinary solutions to address problems and capitalise on opportunities; and analyse, develop and implement policies, practices and designs for sustainable agricultural systems.

Website
https://www.usq.edu.au/research/institutes-centres/ilse/sustainable-agricultural-systems
Organisation type
  • University Research Centre
Number of research staff
Up to 20 research staff
Address
Building Q Level 3, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba QLD 4350

Strengths and capabilities

  • Agricultural systems analysis and modelling
  • Risk analysis and assessment
  • Decision support system and App design
  • Ecosystem services in agricultural and silvicultural systems
  • Agronomy and crop physiology
  • Spatial diagnosis and management of system constraints
  • Big data and agrimetrics
  • Managing human|wildlife interactions
  • Soil|plant|water integrated system dynamics
  • Climate change impacts on agriculture

Facilities and major equipment

  • High performance computing workflows for agricultural systems modeling
  • Linux virtual computers
  • APSIM (Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator) compiled in a Linux and HPC environment
  • Windows and Linux development and deployment servers
  • QRIS cloud data storage drives

Lead researchers

  • Dr Keith Pembleton—Improvement of the representation of forage crop production within several internationally used agricultural production system models
  • Professor Geoff Cockfield—Examined the relative importance of landscape amenity and health impacts in the wind farm debate in Australia

Key science sectors

More information about the sectors this centre is involved in:

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