Unravelling the secrets of the rhizosphere of crops. Phosphate is one of the most important limiting nutrients for crop growth and production. Plant acquisition of soil phosphate largely depends on root proliferation to accelerate soil exploration, and on phosphate bioavailability mediated by root exudates and rhizosphere microorganisms. Central to this is the need for a better understanding of the complex biogeochemical interfaces in the rhizosphere. This project explores recently developed non ....Unravelling the secrets of the rhizosphere of crops. Phosphate is one of the most important limiting nutrients for crop growth and production. Plant acquisition of soil phosphate largely depends on root proliferation to accelerate soil exploration, and on phosphate bioavailability mediated by root exudates and rhizosphere microorganisms. Central to this is the need for a better understanding of the complex biogeochemical interfaces in the rhizosphere. This project explores recently developed non-destructive imaging, isotope, and metabolism techniques to generate a systematic research tool in tracking rhizosphere interactions and imaging phosphate dynamics from macroscale to nanoscale levels. This study will provide new opportunities to improve crop nutrient use efficiency and crop production.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100119
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$370,000.00
Summary
Advanced gas chromatography mass spectrometry instrumentation for the analysis of highly complex systems. Advanced instrumentation is required for analysis of the composition of highly complex samples derived from plants, soil, petroleum, water, food and wine. Sample analyses like these form the basis of many applied science research programs. This equipment will offer improved analytical capability and sensitivity, which will enhance the scale and scope of research that can be undertaken.
The critical role of rhizosheath biophysics in plant water availability. This project aims to determine how plants can increase their water availability by altering the small volume of soil, rhizosheath that adheres to roots.
This project expects to integrate root exudates metabolomics, biophysics and microbial ecology to determine for the first time which of a suite of interconnected factors increase water availability in the root zone.
Expected outcomes include better understanding of the ....The critical role of rhizosheath biophysics in plant water availability. This project aims to determine how plants can increase their water availability by altering the small volume of soil, rhizosheath that adheres to roots.
This project expects to integrate root exudates metabolomics, biophysics and microbial ecology to determine for the first time which of a suite of interconnected factors increase water availability in the root zone.
Expected outcomes include better understanding of the direct and indirect roles of soil pore geometry, root exudates and microbial communities play in shaping plant’s ability to take up water from soil. This knowledge may ultimately pave the way for engineering the rhizosheath of crops to cope with increased drought conditions.
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