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
Role of stubble management in improving soil fertility. In highly-weathered nutrient-poor soils of the south-western Australia, the amount of nutrients in stubble is critical in nutrient cycling as well as in determining optimal amounts of fertilisers to be applied. Stubble management is therefore an integral part of crop fertilisation and nutrient management. We will characterise nutrient cycling in the stubble-soil-crop continuum in a range of cropping situations. Computer modelling will be us ....Role of stubble management in improving soil fertility. In highly-weathered nutrient-poor soils of the south-western Australia, the amount of nutrients in stubble is critical in nutrient cycling as well as in determining optimal amounts of fertilisers to be applied. Stubble management is therefore an integral part of crop fertilisation and nutrient management. We will characterise nutrient cycling in the stubble-soil-crop continuum in a range of cropping situations. Computer modelling will be used to extend applicability of results over space and time. This project will provide the knowledge required for improving fertiliser recommendations to take into account changes in the cropping systems that have occurred in the last 10-20 years.Read moreRead less
Alleviating herbicide damage to crops by using fulvate and manganese. Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide, but its drift can cause growth depression in sensitive plants such as wheat by reducing uptake of metallic micronutrients, particularly manganese. In pot and field trials, this project aims to assess the alleviating potential of fulvate and manganese on growth and micronutrient uptake by wheat exposed to glyphosate drift. The influence of land management on the effect of these treatments ....Alleviating herbicide damage to crops by using fulvate and manganese. Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide, but its drift can cause growth depression in sensitive plants such as wheat by reducing uptake of metallic micronutrients, particularly manganese. In pot and field trials, this project aims to assess the alleviating potential of fulvate and manganese on growth and micronutrient uptake by wheat exposed to glyphosate drift. The influence of land management on the effect of these treatments will also be assessed. The underlying mechanisms will be characterised, eg. by determining metal speciation in soil and assessing soil microbial community composition. The outcome of this project will contribute to sustainable agriculture by giving land managers options to reduce glyphosate damage in sensitive crops.Read moreRead less
Characterisation of soil microbial interactions for increased efficacy of herbicides using novel fertiliser management practices. Soil microbes are essential for nutrient cycling and plant root growth. This project aims to investigate whether herbicides influence soil biological processes when different types of fertilisers are used. It is expected that complex interactions between fertiliser practice and herbicides will alter herbicide efficacy in weed control. This project aims to compare nove ....Characterisation of soil microbial interactions for increased efficacy of herbicides using novel fertiliser management practices. Soil microbes are essential for nutrient cycling and plant root growth. This project aims to investigate whether herbicides influence soil biological processes when different types of fertilisers are used. It is expected that complex interactions between fertiliser practice and herbicides will alter herbicide efficacy in weed control. This project aims to compare novel fertiliser practices claimed to maximise benefits from soil microbial processes with traditional fertiliser practices which can override biological processes, including beneficial plant-microbial symbioses. This will enable a rigorous evaluation of fertiliser-herbicide interactions to clarify whether soil microbial benefits can be included as part of weed control programs.Read moreRead less