Lincoln University PhD student wins soil science award

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Final-year Lincoln University PhD candidate Kirstin Deuss is the 2021 recipient of the NZ Society of Soil Science/Fertiliser Association of NZ Postgraduate Bursary Award.

The award recognises the efforts and present, or likely, contribution to New Zealand soil science arising from a doctorate study. It carries a $5000 one-year stipend.

Deuss holds a BSC in Biomedical Science from Victoria University of Wellington and an MSC in Horticultural Science from the Technical University of Munich, Free University of Bozen (Italy) and the University of Bologna.

Her postgraduate research has seen her lead a long-term field study on soil and catchment hydrology in Southland.

The findings will help understand the role mole and tile drains play in Southland's unique landscape.

Deuss said she was "thrilled" to receive the award.

"It is an honour that I will cherish for the rest of my career. I love working with soils and my career objective is to apply my field, research and management skills towards supporting the sustainable management of New Zealand's soil resources.

"My PhD has been challenging but also so rewarding, and this award is a real confidence boost as I prepare to start my new career at Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research in February."

Deuss was nominated by Peter Almond, Associate Professor, Department of Soil and Physical Sciences at Lincoln University.

He described her to the judging panel as a "highly adept scientist capable of complex quantitative analysis of soil-hydrological systems".

"I think she is a deserving recipient," Almond said.

"The prestige of the award would further her goal of securing a position working professionally in soil science in New Zealand so that she can contribute to the environmental sustainability of our primary industries."

Fertiliser Association chief executive Vera Power described Deuss's research as "hugely important".

"The more we can understand what's happening in our soils and catchments, the better placed our primary sector will be to improve farm management, all while protecting the environment."