Leadership & scientific authorship

Dr Michael Walsh

Managing Director, Fenrow

Michael leads Fenrow’s scientific and commercial direction. His research focuses on how recovered nutrients, fertiliser formulation and crop nutrient-acquisition strategies can work together in practical agricultural systems.

View selected research LinkedIn profile

Scientific responsibility

Science that has to work outside the paper.

Michael’s role at Fenrow is to connect research discipline with commercial product development: define the question, choose the relevant comparison, measure performance in the intended growing system and keep every conclusion inside the evidence.

That means published category research can guide formulation and trial design, but it does not become a Fenrow product claim until Fenrow has measured the outcome under stated conditions.

Areas of expertise

A research base built around nutrient circularity and crop response.

Michael’s recent work spans the nutrient source, the fertiliser formulation and the plant processes that determine whether those nutrients can be used.

01

Circular nutrient systems

Moving phosphorus and nitrogen from linear, waste-generating systems towards recovery, reuse and agricultural value.

02

Recycled fertiliser performance

Testing whether recycled and organo-mineral nutrient sources can deliver agronomic value for specific crops and production conditions.

03

Crop nutrient acquisition

Understanding how crop genetics, root exudates and nutrient solubility influence access to conventional and recycled phosphorus.

04

Evidence-led formulation

Using controlled comparisons, product specifications and visible limitations to move from a promising nutrient source to a credible fertiliser.

Qualifications

Training across sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, food science and earth systems.

  1. 2025
    Doctor of Philosophy: Sustainable Agriculture and the Phosphorus Bioeconomy

    The University of Queensland.

  2. 2021–24
    Graduate Certificate in Natural Resource Management and Sustainable Ecosystems

    Harvard University.

  3. 2019
    Master of Food Science and Technology

    The University of Queensland.

  4. 2016
    Bachelor of Science in Geology

    University of Wollongong.

Selected research, 2023–2026

Recent work directly relevant to Fenrow’s scientific direction.

These publications establish Michael’s expertise in circular nutrient economies, recycled fertiliser performance, organo-mineral fertilisers and plant access to recycled nutrients.

External research profiles and coverage

ORCID record → University of Queensland research coverage → LinkedIn →

Author standard

What readers can expect from Michael’s Fenrow articles.

Fenrow technical content is written to help growers and partners make a better-informed decision, not to turn a broad category benefit into an unsupported product promise.

Named responsibility

Articles carry a clear byline and link back to the author’s relevant expertise.

Primary evidence

Technical statements prioritise peer-reviewed research, official guidance and stated Fenrow trial methods.

Visible limitations

Crop, formulation, growing conditions and evidence boundaries remain part of the conclusion.

Corrections over certainty

Material updates receive a revised date, and corrections are made when better evidence changes the interpretation.

Work with Michael and Fenrow

Bring a real nutrient or growing-system question.

Discuss a product trial, nutrient-recovery opportunity, research collaboration or technical article.

Start a conversation