Synchronising phosphorus fertilisation with plant phosphorus demand: a tactic to reduce phosphorus transfer from land to water. Phosphorus loss from intensive pasture systems is a major issue internationally due to the pollution and nutrient enrichment of water ways. This study will examine how a strategy of synchronising phosphorus (P) fertiliser to periods of high P demand in ryegrass (Lolium perenne) may be used to improve the efficiency of P uptake and thereby reduce P losses in surface run ....Synchronising phosphorus fertilisation with plant phosphorus demand: a tactic to reduce phosphorus transfer from land to water. Phosphorus loss from intensive pasture systems is a major issue internationally due to the pollution and nutrient enrichment of water ways. This study will examine how a strategy of synchronising phosphorus (P) fertiliser to periods of high P demand in ryegrass (Lolium perenne) may be used to improve the efficiency of P uptake and thereby reduce P losses in surface runoff. Simple models will be used to identify the key risk factors associated with surface P loss in order to improve the sustainability of P fertiliser use in pasture systems.Read moreRead less
Understanding reaction products of granular and fluid P fertilisers in Australian soils: a way to enhance fertiliser efficiency. Despite posing significant challenges for crop P nutrition, alkaline soils are widespread in Australia and their agricultural use accounts for a significant fraction of the crop production nationwide. The benefits of fluid fertilizers over conventional granular products in these soils has been agronomically demonstrated. Knowledge of the behaviour of these products, pr ....Understanding reaction products of granular and fluid P fertilisers in Australian soils: a way to enhance fertiliser efficiency. Despite posing significant challenges for crop P nutrition, alkaline soils are widespread in Australia and their agricultural use accounts for a significant fraction of the crop production nationwide. The benefits of fluid fertilizers over conventional granular products in these soils has been agronomically demonstrated. Knowledge of the behaviour of these products, provided through an understanding of the fundamental mechanisms and reactions occurring, is critical to improve crop productivity. This project aims to study the reactions of fluid and granular fertilizers in soils using advanced spectroscopic and isotopic techniques, in order to provide a scientific basis for improving formulations and effectiveness.Read moreRead less