School of Earth and Environment

We study the impact of land management practices and climate on the ecology and activities of soil microorganisms using a range of molecular and isotopic techniques.

Our research areas are:

Biochar

We are examining potential benfits of biochar for the sustainability of dry-land farming. We are evaluating its potential to decrease nutrient loss from fertiliser, alter nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from soil and provide a habitat for beneficial microorganisms.

Carbon sequestration in soil

We are measuring and modelling soil carbon to identity soil types and land uses with potential to sequester more carbon in dry-land agricultural soils. This research will help to ensure the vitability of Australian agriculture in the face of climate change. 

Greenhouse gas emissions

We are quantifying greenhouse gas emissions from dry-land agricultural systems in south Western Australia including nitrous oxide (N₂O), methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). We are also investigating strategies for minimising these losses.

Microbial ecology

We are examining how changes in rainfall alter water film connectiveity between soil pores and microorganisms involved in greenhouse gas emissions. This will provide a fundamental understanding of how climate change affects microbial processes in soil. 

Mine site rehabilitation

We are characterising microbial diversity, function and nutrient cycling dynamics in mine sites and mining residues under rehabilitation. This research will assist Australia's mining industry to be a leader in setting environmental sustainability criteria.

Mycorrhizal fungi

We are investigating interactions between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in plants and soil in sustainable dry-land agriculture and mine sites under rehabilitation. The impact of land management on the contributions of these symbiotic fungi is a focus.

Nutrient cycling & the rhizosphere

We are studying microbial ecology in the rhizosphere, espcially in the role and diversity of microorganisms involved in N and P cycling. We are using nano-scale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS), which allows the simultaneous visualisation and isotopic analysis of nutrient capture by competing microbial and plant cells.

Soil quality

We are measuring the biological, chemical and physical quality of key soil types in agricultural systems across Australia. We have established www.soilquality.org.au to provide resources to growers to gain a greater understanding of their soil quality. 

 

Assoc Prof Daniel Murphy and Winthrop Prof Lyn Abbott lead a collaborative team of researchers and postgraduate and undergraduate students.

The Soil Biology group is part of the Terrestrial Ecosystems Research Initiative.