Plant Soil Interactions scientists
The Plant Soil Interactions team consists of two scientists and a research assistant:
Paul Alexander PhD, Principal Scientist - Horticulture
I have a PhD from the University of Wolverhampton on the effects of calcified seaweed on crops and soils. I joined the RHS as a soil scientist in 2000 and was promoted to Principal Scientist – Horticulture in 2009 managing the Plant Soil Interactions team.
I manage a wide range of experiments including examining different aspects of home composting (eg heap management), investigating performance of peat-free growing media (eg water management, ericaceous mixes) and examining the long-term, effects on soil quality of repeated additions of organic matter to land.
Tijana Blanusa PhD, Senior Horticultural Scientist
I joined the RHS in 2003 after completing my PhD on 'Climatic and physiological regulation of premature cherry fruit abscission' at East Malling Research / Lancaster University. Based at the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Reading, I have developed the physiological strand of RHS research to improve our understanding of plant establishment, and the optimization of water management of container-grown plants.
More recently, working with colleagues at the University of Reading, I have taken the lead on the RHS’s research on urban greening. My own research is on plants' influence on the microclimate of the urban garden, particularly in the scenarios of hot weather and drying soil. I am currently supervising two PhD students to research the impact of the the selection of species for green roofs on air temperatures and the role of trees in urban cooling.
Rachael Tanner BSc, Research Assistant
I joined the RHS in 2004 soon after completing my geography degree at Royal Holloway, University of London. I briefly left the role in 2006 to travel but returned in spring 2007. I undertake a lot of the day-to-day practical management of the experiments conducted at Wisley including soil sampling, taking plant measurements and collecting weather data. I am also responsible for administering the RHS Soil Analysis Service.