Rate My Professor Mick Rose

Associate Professor Mick Rose serves in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Southern Cross University, where he explores the interactions between plants, microorganisms, and their environment, particularly how agronomic management practices influence these dynamics. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BScAg) and a PhD from the University of Sydney, with his doctoral work, funded by an Australian Cotton CRC scholarship, focusing on the role of wetland plants and microorganisms in improving water quality on cotton farms. Rose's research portfolio includes investigations into plant growth-promoting biofertilisers in Vietnam, abiotic stress tolerance in rice in Japan, and organic amendments enhancing soil health and plant productivity in Victoria, Australia. From 2014 to 2023, he worked as a Research Scientist with the NSW Department of Primary Industries, conducting studies on the impacts of pesticides on soil biological processes, crop health, and the wider environment, with recent emphasis on microbial indicators of soil health. As a member of Southern Cross University's Harvest to Health research cluster, he contributes to sustainable agricultural practices.

Rose has authored several key publications advancing knowledge in soil science and agrochemical management. Notable works include 'Impact of Herbicides on Soil Biology and Function' (Rose et al., 2016, Advances in Agronomy), 'Phytotoxicity of soilborne glyphosate residues is ameliorated by phosphate fertilisation' (Rose et al., 2018, Soil Biology and Biochemistry), 'The phytotoxicity of soil-applied herbicides is enhanced in the presence of co-applied phosphorus fertiliser' (Edwards et al., 2023, Soil and Tillage Research), 'Summer cover crop and temporary legume-cereal intercrop systems increase productivity and profitability of grain sorghum without compromising soil N supply' (Rose et al., 2024, Field Crops Research), and 'Limited Short-Term Impact of Annual Cover Crops on Soil Mineralisable Nitrogen in a Subtropical Perennial Pasture' (Gibson et al., 2025, Agronomy). His research supports initiatives like Soil CRC projects on herbicide residues and GRDC efforts on diagnosing carryover risks, promoting environmentally sound farming.