Dr Trish Fraser (1966–2025)
Position: Former Science Team Leader, Plant & Food Research, Lincoln.
Field: Soil science
Dr Trish Fraser was a senior soil scientist at Plant & Food Research, Lincoln. She had a special interest in soil biology (earthworms in particular!) and soil management practices. Trish grew up on a mixed cropping farm in the north of Scotland and had her first soil sampling experience at the age of 10 when her Dad asked her to go and sample a paddock for him. She has been fine-tuning her techniques ever since!
Dr Trish Fraser
Dr Trish Fraser conducts a short-term bucket trial to investigate residue decomposition under wheat plants. Trish is able to control conditions within the buckets to examine single variables.
Trish completed a BSc with joint honours in plant and soil science at Aberdeen University in Scotland. Keen for an overseas adventure and inspired by a travelling uncle and a university lecturer who had both spent time in New Zealand, Trish accepted a PhD scholarship at Lincoln University. Trish completed her PhD in about 3.5 years and in 1992 she was offered a temporary 6-month job at Crop & Food Research (now Plant & Food Research) at Lincoln. This turned into a permanent job, and Trish worked there and lived in New Zealand since that time.
Trish’s research interests focused on assessing the impacts of tillage on soil organic matter dynamics and the implications for soil fauna and nitrate leaching. She conducted novel research projects that helped to increase our understanding of soil processes. These experiments involved consulting with other scientists and specialists and often resulted in even more questions that need answering! She particularly enjoyed getting out and talking to farmers, discussing with them the practical soil management issues that they face and then trying to find ways to assist them to improve their on-farm management.
They say that variety is the spice of life, and there is plenty of variety in scientific research. As you try to solve problems, increase understanding of a given field of research and then convey any useful information that you have discovered, there is never a dull moment.
Dr Trish Fraser in Scotland
Dr Trish Fraser is a soil scientist at Plant & Food Research. This photo shows Trish heading out fishing on a boat in Scotland. Her favourite fishing spot in New Zealand is the Marlborough Sounds.
In 2016 Trish was involved in an Unlocking Curious Minds project The science of the spud, that took students on a scientific journey in sustainable production, crop protection, breeding and biotechnology, and food and nutrition, all with the humble potato holding centre stage.
Trish had a personal connection to farming, as she and her husband own a 20-hectare hobby farm where they breed Simmental-cross calves. Trish also enjoyed tennis, bike-riding and swimming with her family, and one of their favourite holidays was fishing in the Marlborough Sounds.
In 2020 Trish received the 2020 Women of Influence Award (Rural Category) in recognition of her three decades of dedication and contributions to the rural sector and rural community, watch this video interview with Trish on YouTube.
Trish was an active member of the NZ Society of Soil Science Executive Council for about 24 years, including over 20 years as Secretary and 2 years as the first female President. She became a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Science in 2024.
Dr Trish Fraser passed away in April 2025.
Related content
Scientific investigations can run for a few months to a few decades. They can be small and tightly controlled or much larger studies involving real-world conditions. Observation is crucial to a scientist’s work and observation comes in many forms. Both of these articles feature Trish and Dr Nicole Schon, another soil scientist.
This article is based on information current in 2012 and updated in 2025.
