David Banks

Experience

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  Lush Garden Care and Maintenance

  Jan 2016 - Jun 2021

  Business Owner

  I started this business to help pay my way through university. My focus was providing chemical free gardening services and agronomic advice based on soil test results. I also provided advice on worm farms, thermophilic and lactic acid bacteria composting methods, as well as chemical free pest and weed management practices. I produce my own fermented products for plant health and improved growth stimulation as well as for organic pest control using Korean Natural Farming practices.

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  University of Adelaide

  Feb 2018 - Dec 2021

  Bachelor of Agricultural Science
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  DJ's Growers - an Elders Rural Service

  Oct 2020 - Feb 2021

  Student Intern

  Wine grape pest & disease monitoring, leaf & petiole sampling, bunch sampling (for maturity testing), recording growth stage & other reporting on Agworld Scout such as incidence & severity of pests & diseases, & reporting observations to their agronomy team.

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  University of Adelaide

  Feb 2022 - Dec 2022

  Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours- First Class)

  My honours project investigated the influence of various organic and bio fertiliser inputs on hemp growth and mycorrhizal root colonisation to help South Australian producers maximise yield and productivity. Ideally, my career aspirations are to help create sustainable farming systems by identifying how Australian producers can reduce their input costs and minimise the impact current farming practices have on the environment. This is in conjunction with helping farmers remain profitable whilst increasing resilience in the face of the challenges posed by climate change. Show less

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  University of Adelaide

  Feb 2023 - Apr 2024

  PHD candidate Student

  Researching the influence of tillage practices upon soil microbial populations in the Government sponsored Microbiome Project. My PhD project investigates the potential differences in soil microbial populations resulting from the transition from conventional tillage to Notill management practices. My goal is to determine if and how soil characteristics such as aggregate stability, water infiltration, soil organic matter turnover and soil carbon levels are affected by shifts in soil microbial richness and diversity between past and present management practices. Show less

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  Botanical Resources Australia Pty Ltd

  Apr 2024 - now

  Agronomist/Field Officer

  This new role includes pre-sowing preparations including soil sampling, and fertiliser recommendations, plus in-season plant sampling as well as managing contractor operations all the way from sowing, herbicide spraying, through to harvesting.