URGENT UPDATE: Renowned soil scientist Dr. Ian Charles Ross Holford has passed away at the age of 92. His death on January 10, 2026, marks the end of a remarkable career that profoundly impacted agricultural science in Australia.
Dr. Holford dedicated nearly 60 years to the Tamworth Agricultural Research Station, where he made groundbreaking contributions to soil research and nutrition. He began his journey with the NSW Department of Agriculture in September 1964, except for a brief period pursuing his PhD in the United Kingdom and a year at Louisiana State University.
His work extended beyond Australian borders, with significant research conducted in Fiji focusing on sulphur and pasture nutrition. Colleague Graham Crocker highlighted Dr. Holford’s invaluable contributions, stating, “His work on soil fertility and pasture responses to fertilizers transformed agricultural practices on the New England Tablelands.”
Dr. Holford earned his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Sydney in 1954, followed by a Master’s degree in 1964, and a PhD from Imperial College London in 1973. His research at the Rothamsted Research Station, known for the world’s oldest continuous pasture trials, laid the groundwork for his long-term studies in Australia.
Among his notable contributions were long-term rotation experiments inspired by the Park Grass trial, which commenced in 1856. Dr. Holford’s rigorous work included the impacts of phosphorus, nitrogen, and sulphur on crops and pastures, significantly influencing farming practices in northern NSW.
His pioneering studies demonstrated that a healthy lucerne pasture could sustain increased cereal yields and quality for years, showcasing the lasting benefits of legumes in crop rotation. His son, Peter Holford, emphasized that these trials remain some of the longest running in the country, greatly impacting agricultural policy and practice.
Dr. Holford’s excellence was acknowledged with a Rockefeller Fellowship, recognizing his influential research in agriculture and public health. Even post-retirement, he continued to publish and present at international conferences, reflecting his passion for soil science.
Dr. Holford is survived by his children: Jenny, David, Stephen, and Peter. His funeral service is scheduled for January 28, 2026, at 10:30 AM at St John the Evangelist Anglican Church in Tamworth.
The legacy of Dr. Holford’s work will continue to influence agricultural practices in Australia and beyond, ensuring his pioneering spirit lives on in the fields he loved.
