Cropping systems

Group leader

Professor of tropical cropping systems, Chengyuan (Stephen) Xu has a passion for enhancing the sustainability and resilience of farming communities. With over 15 years of experience in plant ecophysiology, his research focuses on improving crop production by investigating crop physiological responses to climate and resource availability and applying carbon farming and precision agriculture technologies, with experience in diverse crops, including peanuts, sugarcane, macadamias, blueberries, dragon fruit, exotic mushrooms, and sweet potato. Professor Xu is a leader in fostering regional industry development and establishing emerging crops to diversify rural economies. With cross-disciplinary networks in computer science, engineering, economics, rural supply chain, and policy across China, USA, Vietnam, and Pacific Islands, Professor Xu has broad international and multidisciplinary collaborations.

Our focus

Our group is at the forefront of multidisciplinary research aimed at enhancing the production, sustainability, and resilience of tropical cropping systems. With a strong foundation in crop physiology, agronomy, and soil science, we collaborate extensively with professionals from diverse fields such as ecology, environmental science, computer science, engineering, economics, rural supply chains, and policy development.

Our primary mission is to drive positive change in tropical cropping systems, with a particular focus on fostering emerging crops and new industries to diversify and strengthen rural economies. Key research areas in our group include:

Crop Physiological Responses: We investigate how crops respond to climatic factors and variations in resource availability, ensuring that farmers can make informed decisions to optimize their yields and manage risks effectively.

Carbon Farming: We explore innovative approaches to enhance soil fertility and crop yields through carbon farming, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Precision Agriculture: Our group pioneers the adoption of precision agriculture techniques and technologies to enhance the sustainability of horticultural farming systems. We aim to make agriculture smarter and more efficient.

Circular Economy: We actively promote the use of agricultural waste in the creation of new products, thus contributing to a circular economy while integrating domestic agricultural supply chains.

We are committed to industry-focused applied research. We understand the challenges faced by the agricultural sector and prioritize open communication and collaboration with industry stakeholders. We aspire to work closely with industry partners to develop large-scale, interdisciplinary projects that not only advance industry development but also push the boundaries of research and development. By engaging in meaningful dialogue, we gain valuable insights into the pain-points of our industry partners, enabling us to identify and develop potential opportunities for growth and innovation, and create a lasting impact on both the agricultural sector and academia.

Importance of this research

Enhancing the sustainability and resilience of tropical cropping systems is crucial for global food security and the livelihoods of millions. Our research group's work addresses this imperative by empowering farmers with insights into crop responses to climate variability and resource availability. Through initiatives like carbon farming and precision agriculture, we not only boost yields but also mitigate climate change impacts. By fostering new industries and advocating for circular economy practices, we diversify rural economies and promote sustainability. Our close collaboration with industry ensures that our research translates into practical solutions, driving innovation for the benefit of farming communities and the environment.

Current projects

Enhancing the resilience of the Northern Territory’s rain-fed cotton: A comprehensive approach to yield prediction and water management

Australian cotton offers high profitability and has potential to become a cornerstone crop in the Northern Territory (NT), where growth of cotton industry would build capacity and strengthen the whole agricultural sector. Unlike irrigated cotton in southern states, NT’s rain-fed cotton relies on wet season rainfall, making it less water-intensive but more vulnerable to unfavourable rainfall. However, our knowledge about water use of rain-fed cotton and potential impact of rainfall is limited. This project aims to enhance our understanding of the water use patterns and efficiency of rain-fed cotton in the Katherine and Douglas-Daly regions using a combination of physiological measurements, ground and soil sensors, and remote sensing. By integrating these data into numerical crop models, the project will predict rain-fed cotton yields, including under variable rainfall, addressing potential impacts. This knowledge may serve to guide supplementary irrigation in the future, further bolstering the resilience of the NT cotton industry.

Funded by National Industry PhD Scholarship (Commonwealth Department of Education) and the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade (DITT) of the Northern Territory Government (NTG)

Using Cotton Grain and Cattle Waste to Grow Mushroom for Circular Economy

As the Northern Territory agriculture is experiencing significant expansion, a notable surge is anticipated in the cotton industry. Over the past years, the cotton crop production area has expanded to more than 10,000 hectares, and it is anticipated to reach 15,000 hectares in the coming years with the opening of a cotton gin factory near Katherine. Cotton crop waste, including stalks and leaves, cotton seed husks, and other by-products from the gin industry, can be repurposed as substrates for mushroom growth. This not only mitigates the environmental impact of waste disposal but also transforms these materials into valuable commodities. The synergistic relationship between the new cotton gin plant and the innovative mushroom cultivation project exemplifies the power of sustainable thinking. Together, we will turn waste into wealth, forging a path toward a more environmentally conscious and economically resilient future. This project is in collaboration with Department of Tourism and Trade (DITT) of the Northern Territory Government (NTG) and Northern Territory Farmers Association (NT Farmers) as industry partners.

Funded by Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA), and Research Training Program – Commonwealth Department of Education