Organic chemistry, particularly relating to the chemistry of soil organic matter, humic substances and related green chemistry. This research interest also includes studies of organic amendments such as composts and other soil amendments. The research has focussed on the nature of the organic matter in soil, reactions of organic matter in the soil environment and how environmental conditions affect the nature of this organic matter. The overall aim of this work is to understand the dynamics of soil organic matter (including added waste materials from industry) in the environment, in order to assist with improved management practices for use of sustaining soil fertility and retaining carbon in the soil.

P. Wallis, K. Booth, A.F. Patti and J.L. Scott, "Oxidative Coupling Revisited: Solvent Free, Heterogeneous and in Water", Green Chemistry, 2006, 8, 333 - 337 A. Piccolo, P. Conte, A. F. Patti, "O-Alkylation of a lignite humic acid by phase-transfer catalysis" Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 2006, 384,(4), 994 - 1001 Imbufe, A.U., Patti, A.F., Burrow, D., Surapaneni, A., Jackson, W.R. and Milner, A.D., " Effects of potassium humate on aggregate stability of two soils from Victoria, Australia", Geoderma, 2005, 125, 321-330