Making sense of carbon movements. History of strip-till.
Co-founder and manager of LandWISE since 1999, Dan’s career is diverse, with a constant theme of sustainable use of land and water resources. His post-graduate studies included an MScTech in innovation Management and adoption in the primary sector, and a PhD investigating the potential of ultra-low energy electric weeding. He brings experience across fresh and process vegetable growing, kiwifruit and arable production, to complement expertise in extension, soil health and efficient water management.
Dan is the architect of the Carbon Positive project. At LandWISE 2026, he will present data from soil carbon monitoring in the Carbon Positive project and introduce the use of AI to help understand changes in soil carbon pools. Powerful, yes. But trustworthy?
Later, he will dive back in history to recall pioneering research into the adoption of strip tillage to minimise soil erosion and soil health impacts. That work saw the formation of LandWISE, ultimately as a stand-alone organisation promoting sustainable production through leadership, support and research. Dan remains a strong advocate for strip-till done right, having seen first-hand its contribution to better soil health, minimised fuel requirements, and financial advantages.
