Ecosystem restoration of bauxite-processing residue sand disposal areas in Western Australia: Important biogeochemical processes and effective fertilisation strategies. Alumina production is one of Australia's most important mining activities. Residue from bauxite-processing must be managed appropriately to minimise detrimental impacts on the surrounding environment. The location of Alcoa's WA Refineries in environmentally- and community- sensitive areas necessitates a detailed understanding of ....Ecosystem restoration of bauxite-processing residue sand disposal areas in Western Australia: Important biogeochemical processes and effective fertilisation strategies. Alumina production is one of Australia's most important mining activities. Residue from bauxite-processing must be managed appropriately to minimise detrimental impacts on the surrounding environment. The location of Alcoa's WA Refineries in environmentally- and community- sensitive areas necessitates a detailed understanding of residue disposal area (RDA) management. Currently little is known about the biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon in the residue sand despite its importance for sustainable rehabilitation practice. Findings from this project are critical for developing improved fertilisation strategies and protocols for ecosystem restoration of RDAs, which will be applicable both in Australia and overseas. Read moreRead less
Using modelling to optimise the structure and function of crop root systems for dryland agriculture. The crop root systems are poorly suited to harsh conditions in Australian agriculture, especially as climate is getting drier. Poor water-use efficiency lowers crop yields below the potential yield; moreover, unutilised water and nutrients contribute to environmental problems, eg salinity and eutrophication. This project will use our simulation model to develop computer-aided design of 3-D root s ....Using modelling to optimise the structure and function of crop root systems for dryland agriculture. The crop root systems are poorly suited to harsh conditions in Australian agriculture, especially as climate is getting drier. Poor water-use efficiency lowers crop yields below the potential yield; moreover, unutilised water and nutrients contribute to environmental problems, eg salinity and eutrophication. This project will use our simulation model to develop computer-aided design of 3-D root structure and function (water and nutrient uptake) tailored to particular environments. Modelling will also link suitable root traits to genetic markers in well-characterised lupin germplasm. The blueprint developed here will be adaptable to other crops. The project will enhance breeding for increased water- and nutrient-use efficiency.Read moreRead less
Saltland pastures in Southern Australia - opportunities for carbon sequestration and salinity management. Expanding areas of dryland salinity now seem inevitable in southern Australia. There is good evidence that productive saltland pastures can be developed on these areas, and there are opportunities to use these pastures for gaining carbon credits. The present study will account for the effects of saltland pasture establishment and management on carbon sequestration and for greenhouse gas emis ....Saltland pastures in Southern Australia - opportunities for carbon sequestration and salinity management. Expanding areas of dryland salinity now seem inevitable in southern Australia. There is good evidence that productive saltland pastures can be developed on these areas, and there are opportunities to use these pastures for gaining carbon credits. The present study will account for the effects of saltland pasture establishment and management on carbon sequestration and for greenhouse gas emissions from their saline, waterlogged soils. Budgets of carbon sequestration on saltland pastures will be critical evidence for Article 3.4 negotiations under the Kyoto Agreement. Scaled-up estimates of the carbon sequestered will account for site factors, composition of pastures and grazing.Read moreRead less