Dr Neha Jha staff profile picture

Contact details +6469517194

Dr Neha Jha PhD

Lecturer in Soil Science (Soil Carbon)

Doctoral Supervisor
School of Agriculture and Environment

I am a researcher at School of Agriculture and Environment at Massey University NZ currently leading a project to investigate the environmental benefits of planting shelterbelts on farm.  Highly motivated and hard-working person, with background in soil and water chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular ecology, and, environmental sciences. Passionate to continue research interests with scientific curiosity, proven skills, commitment, and enthusiasm. I am constantly upscaling myself to learn more about New Zealand agricultural systems and nutrient management on farms.

Professional

Contact details

  • Ph: 06-9517194
    Location: 2.34, AgHort B
    Campus: Palmerston North

Qualifications

  • PhD Soil Science - Massey University (2015)

Certifications and Registrations

  • Licence, Co-Supervisor, Massey University
  • Licence, Supervisor, Massey University

Research Expertise

Research Interests

Agricultural Sciences

Soil Science

Molecular Ecology

Environmental Sciences

Thematics

Resource Development and Management

Area of Expertise

Field of research codes
Environmental Monitoring (050206): Environmental Science and Management (050200): Environmental Sciences (050000): Natural Resource Management (050209): Soil Biology (050303): Soil Sciences (050300)

Research Projects

Summary of Research Projects

Position Current Completed
Project Leader 1 4
Team Member 0 1

Research Outputs

Journal

Saggar, S., Palmada, T., Jha, N., & Adhikari, K. (2024). Assessing the performance of farm soil-based and hybrid biofilters for methane abatement. Environmental Technology (United Kingdom).
[Journal article]Authored by: Jha, N.
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Jha, N., Palmada, T., Berben, P., Saggar, S., Luo, J., & McMillan, AMS. (2020). Influence of liming-induced pH changes on nitrous oxide emission, nirS, nirK and nosZ gene abundance from applied cattle urine in allophanic and fluvial grazed pasture soils. Biology and Fertility of Soils. 56(6), 811-824
[Journal article]Authored by: Jha, N.
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Martindale, H., van der Raaij, R., Daughney, CJ., Morgenstern, U., Singh, R., Jha, N., . . . Hadfield, J. (2019). Assessment of excess N<inf>2</inf> for quantifying actual denitrification in New Zealand groundwater systems. Journal of Hydrology New Zealand. 58(1), 1-17
[Journal article]Authored by: Jha, N., Singh, R.
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3
Jha, N., Saggar, S., Giltrap, D., Tillman, R., & Deslippe, J. (2017). Soil properties impacting denitrifier community size, structure, and activity in New Zealand dairy-grazed pasture. Biogeosciences. 14(18), 4243-4253
[Journal article]Authored by: Jha, N.
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10
McMillan, AMS., Pal, P., Phillips, RL., Palmada, T., Berben, PH., Jha, N., . . . Luo, J. (2016). Can pH amendments in grazed pastures help reduce N<inf>2</inf>O emissions from denitrification? - The effects of liming and urine addition on the completion of denitrification in fluvial and volcanic soils. Soil Biology and Biochemistry. 93, 90-104
[Journal article]Authored by: Jha, N.
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Morales, SE., Jha, N., & Saggar, S. (2015). Impact of urine and the application of the nitrification inhibitor DCD on microbial communities in dairy-grazed pasture soils. Soil Biology and Biochemistry. 88, 344-353
[Journal article]Authored by: Jha, N.
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19
Morales, SE., Jha, N., & Saggar, S. (2015). Biogeography and biophysicochemical traits link N<inf>2</inf>O emissions, N<inf>2</inf>O emission potential and microbial communities across New Zealand pasture soils. Soil Biology and Biochemistry. 82, 87-98
[Journal article]Authored by: Jha, N.
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32
25
Deslippe, JR., Jamali, H., Jha, N., & Saggar, S. (2014). Denitrifier community size, structure and activity along a gradient of pasture to riparian soils. Soil Biology and Biochemistry. 71, 48-60
[Journal article]Authored by: Jha, N.
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54
Saggar, S., Jha, N., Deslippe, J., Bolan, NS., Luo, J., Giltrap, DL., . . . Tillman, RW. (2013). Denitrification and N2O: N2 production in temperate grasslands: Processes, measurements, modelling and mitigating negative impacts. Science of the Total Environment. 465, 173-195
[Journal article]Authored by: Jha, N.
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405
Saggar, S., Jha, N., Deslippe, J., Bolan, NS., Luo, J., Giltrap, DL., . . . Tillman, RW. (2012). Denitrification and N2O:N2 production in temperate grasslands: Processes, measurements, modelling and mitigating negative impacts. Science of the Total Environment.
[Journal article]Authored by: Jha, N.
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297
Munoz, C., Saggar, S., Berben, P., Giltrap, D., & Jha, N. (2011). INFLUENCE OF WAITING TIME AFTER INSERTION OF BASE CHAMBER INTO SOIL ON PRODUCED GREENHOUSE GAS FLUXES. CHILEAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH. 71(4), 610-614
[Journal article]Authored by: Jha, N.
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6
Muñoz, C., Saggar, S., Berben, P., Giltrap, D., & Jha, N. (2011). Influence of waiting time after insertion of base chamber into soil on produced greenhouse gas fluxes. Chilean Journal of Agricultural Research. 71(4), 610-614
[Journal article]Authored by: Jha, N.
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6

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Thesis

Jha, N. (2015). The influence of soil parameters and denitrifiers on N2O emissions in New Zealand dairy-grazed pasture soils. (Doctoral Thesis, Massey University, New Zealand) Jha, N. (2015). The influence of soil parameters and denitrifiers on N2O emissions in New Zealand dairy-grazed pasture soils. (Doctoral Thesis)
[Doctoral Thesis]Authored by: Jha, N.

Conference

Jha, N., Singh, R., & McMillan, AMS. (2018). Efficacy of subsurface denitrification to attenuate nitrate in shallow groundwaters. In LD. Currie, & CL. Christensen (Eds.) Farm environment planning- Science, policy and practice. : FLRC 2018 Farm environment planning- Science, policy and practice
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Jha, N.Edited by: Christensen, C.
Jha, N., Hoogendoorn, CJ., Saggar, S., Giltrap, D., Bishop, P., Berben, P., . . . Hedley, M.Efficacy of Spikey® -applied nitrogen transformation process inhibitors for reducing nitrogen losses from urine applied to well-drained dairy soils in autumn-winter. Paper presented at the meeting of Occasional Report No. 30. Fertilizer and Lime Research Centre. Palmerston North, New Zealand
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Jha, N.
Jha, N., Palmada, T., Berben, P., Saggar, S., Luo, J., & McMillan, A. (2016). Lime enhances denitrification rate and denitrifier gene abundance in pasture soils treated with urine and urine + DCD. In L. Currie, & R. Singh (Eds.) Occasional Report No. 29. Fertilizer and Lime Research Centre, Massey University. Palmerston North, New Zealand: FFLRC 2016 Integrated nutrient and water management for sustainable farming
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Jha, N.
Read article at Massey Research Online: MRO icon
McMillan, A., Phillips, R., Berben, P., Palmada, T., Jha, N., & Saggar, S. (2014). Automated N2O/N2 analysis- a new tool for studying denitrification dynamics and testing mitigation strategies.. In LD. Currie, & CL. Christensen (Eds.) Nutrient Management for the Farm, Catchment and Community Occasional Report No. 27. Massey University: Fertilizer and Lime Research Centre. : FLRC Nutrient Management for the Farm, Catchment and Community
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Jha, N.Edited by: Christensen, C.
McMillan, A., Phillips, R., Berben, P., Palmada, T., Jha, N., & Saggar, SK. (2014). Automated N2O/N2 analysis – a new tool for studying denitrification dynamics and testing mitigation strategies. In LD. Currie (Ed.) Nutrient management for the farm, catchment and community Occasional Report No. 27. (pp. 1 - 14). Palmerston North, NZ: 27th Annual Fertilizer and Lime Research Centre Workshop
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Jha, N.
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Jha, N., Saggar, S., Deslippe, J., Tillman, R., Giltrap, D., & Bowatte, S. (2013). Measuring bacterial denitrifier genes distributions and abundances in dairy-grazed pasture soils treated with cattle urine and DCD. In LD. Currie, & C. Christiansen (Eds.) Fertilizer and Lime Research Centre Occasional Report No. 26, Massey University, Palmerston North. Palmerston North, New Zealand: FLRC Accurate and efficient use of nutrients on farms
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Jha, N.
Jha, N., Deslippe, J., Saggar, SK., Tillman, R., & Giltrap, D. (2013). Measuring bacterial denitrifier genes distribution and abundance in New Zealand dairy-grazed pasture soils. In LD. Currie, & CL. Christensen (Eds.) Accurate and efficient use of nutrients on farms Occasional Report No. 26. (pp. 1 - 24). Palmerston North, New Zealalnd: 26th Annual Fertiliser and Lime Research Centre Workshop
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Jha, N.
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Jha, N., Deslippe, J., Saggar, SK., Tillman, R., Giltrap, D., & Bowatte, S. (2013). Changes in denitrification rate and bacterial denitrifier genes distribution and abundance in dairy-grazed pasture soils treated with cattle urine and DCD. In LD. Currie, & CL. Christensen (Eds.) Accurate and efficient use of nutrients on farms, Occassional Report No. 26. (pp. 1 - 21). Palmerston North, NZ: 26th Annual Fertilizer and Lime Research Centre Workshop
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Jha, N.Edited by: Christensen, C.
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Christiansen, L., Hanly, J., Jha, N., Saggar, S., & Hedley, M. (2013). Denitrification bioreactor nitrous oxide emissions under fluctuating flow conditions. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting 2013, ASABE 2013. Vol. 4 (pp. 2861 - 2867).
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Hanly, J., Jha, N.
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4
Jha, N., Saggar, S., Tillman, R., & Giltrap, D. (2012). Changes in denitrification rate and N2O/N2 ratio with varying soil moisture conditions of New Zealand Pasture soils.. In LD. Currie, & C. Christiansen (Eds.) Fertilizer and Lime Research Centre Occasional Report No. 26, Massey University, Palmerston North,. : FLRC Advanced nutrient management: Gains from the past-Goals for the future
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Jha, N.
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Teaching and Supervision

Teaching Statement

I am a passionate teacher and a researcher. My aim is to create a safe learning environmnet for students to develop their understanding and curiosity towards everyday science.

Course Coordinator and part of teaching team of professional development short course- New Zealand  Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Emissions And Management

Course Coordinator and part of the teaching team of Principles of Soil Science -189151

Contact Supervisor

Graduate Supervision Statement

Involved with post-graduate supervision for carrying reseach and producing desertation or thesis. Area of interest for resaerch are envirinmental sciences, nutrient cycling in agricultural systems, investigating mitigation options to combat agricultural  greenhouse gas emissions.

In my opinion postgrad supervision is a very special journey of two way teaching and learning process, where a student learns from the experiences of supervisors and a supervisosr learn from the student too. 

My objective of supervision is to mold the students into a confident, skilled, independent professionals to succeed in their life no matter which field they embark into.

My research interests include: 

Investigating the ways to reduce nutrient loss and greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural soils

Exlporing the microbial diversity in soil to develop the understanding of ecological services delivered by our soils under various landuse systems

To evaluate the ways to sequester soil carbon as one of the important tools to mitigate agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and improve the overall health of agricultural soils.


Dr Neha Jha is available for Masters and Doctorial supervision.

Summary of Doctoral Supervision

Position Current Completed
Main Supervisor 1 0

Current Doctoral Supervision

Main Supervisor of:

  • Dishan Amarasinghage - Doctor of Philosophy
    Exploring the benefits of shelterbelts in New Zealand pastures to enhance soil microbial functions