A former Charles Sturt University (CSU) student has discovered the value of research isn’t just the results but the skills learnt along the way. The Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) Honours, student from the School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences at CSU in Wagga Wagga, Mr David Gale investigated using compost as a replacement for synthetic fertilisers. His research involved a glasshouse trial at CSU in Wagga Wagga and a four month field trial in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam in late 2010. Mr Gale found compost can increase plant yields but because large volumes need to be applied, the strategy is not likely to be widely adopted in the short term. He said while the research has added to industry knowledge, the real benefit is a personal one. “People were right when they said that I couldn't expect to change the world through this project,” said Mr Gale. “But it's also about thinking critically about one aspect of the world in which we live, which ultimately results in a deeper thinking and understanding of the world as a whole.” Mr Gale is now a Graduate Trainee with NSW Primary Industries at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute at Camden.