Dennis James Greenland. 13 June 1930—23 December 2012

Abstract

Dennis Greenland was an outstanding soil scientist who combined the analytical rigour of a chemist with the practical application of an agricultural scientist. His early research employed X-ray diffraction and other emerging analytical techniques to determine the surface properties of clay minerals and their interactions with organic components of soils. This, in turn, led to research to understand the forces leading to aggregate and structural stability (and instability) in soils of the UK, Australia, Nigeria and the tropics generally. Simultaneously, Dennis engaged with the practical problems faced by farmers in the tropics to maintain the fertility of their soils and ensure long-term crop production; his early work (with Peter Nye) on shifting cultivation is regarded as a classic of the soil science literature. These two elements of his research came together during his periods as deputy director general, with responsibility for research, at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Nigeria (1974–1976) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in The Philippines (1979–1987). At both institutions he sought to improve the research in natural resources so that the genetic gains delivered by crop breeding could be achieved by farmers on their fields. At IRRI he encouraged research on rice-growing environments and improved water management taking account of catchment uses, and he promoted integrated approaches to nutrient management that combined organic and inorganic sources. This passion for integrated approaches to soil management led to his championing, and eventually chairing, the International Board for Soil Research and Management (IBSRAM), in which he played a major role in forming networks of multi-location experiments with many institutions.