Dr Norton is retiring from his work in agricultural research and education.

He was also the International Plant Nutrition Institute regional director. 

Fertilizer Australia head Nick Drew said Dr Norton was recognised as an expert in agronomy and crop nutrition, especially canola.

“Rob has been a tireless advocate for the fertiliser industry, travelling across the country to promote evidence-based agriculture,” he said.  

Before his appointment to institute, Dr Norton worked for Melbourne University for 30 years and was based in Horsham.

During that time, he led projects on how climate change affects grain crops, soil and plant nutrition, oilseed agronomy, crop water use, alternative grain crops and farming systems.

Grains Research and Development Corporation southern panel deputy chairman Mike McLaughlin said Dr Norton has made a tremendous contribution to the grains industry in Australia.

He said Dr Norton was not only contributed to research, where he was an expert on nitrogen nutrition of crops, but also in extension and education.

“At GRDC updates and workshops, Rob’s presentations are not just informative and focused on the hot topics for the season, but they are also engaging and humorous,” he said.

Dr Norton has written more than 130 refereed journals, book chapters and conference papers plus more than 300 conference and extension articles.