Tim Pitt
Biography
Tim Pitt is a Senior Research Scientist and the Sub-program Leader of SARDI’s Horticulture Production team. He has over two decades experience in leading applied research aimed at improving the management of irrigated production systems for various crops in the South Australian horticulture sector.
He oversees a multidisciplinary team of scientists in managing a portfolio of experiments at the Almond Centre of Excellence in the South Australian Riverland. The principal goal of these experiments is to optimise orchard efficiencies and characterise constraints to alternative almond production systems.
His research interests extend into the monitoring of rootzone nutrients, recovery strategies for fire affected orchards and the advancing of super-high-density systems for various tree crops including apricots, cherries and almonds.
Concurrently, Tim also holds the position of Chief Remote Pilot for the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) and is responsible for maintaining the agency’s certification with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for the safe and compliant operation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), also known as drones.
Research Interests
- Productive, efficient and resilient irrigated horticultural systems.
- Super-high-density production.
- Pre- and post-harvest crop management.
- Physiological crop responses to environment
Qualifications:
- Grad.Dip.Sc. (Gw.Hyd.) 2012, Flinders University; B.Ag.Sc. Hons 1996, University of Sydney
Research Affiliations:
- Affiliate Associate Professor, Flinders University; Affiliate Lecturer, The University of Adelaide
Professional Affiliations:
- SA Representative, National Horticultural Research Network (NHRN); Member, International Society for
Horticultural Science (ISHS); Member, Australian Association for Uncrewed Systems (AAUS)
Keywords:
- Horticulture, Irrigation, Climate, AgTech, Drone, experiments, research, orchards, root systems
