School of Earth and Environment

We aim to understand the activities of a wide range of soil organisms, in the context of their contribution to important soil processes.

We are interested in soil organisms and their roles in:

• natural ecosystems
• agriculture
• horticulture; and
• disturbed environments (like mine sites).

The role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

The role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in sustainable land use and mine site rehabilitation has been an important focus for some time.

The dynamics of bacteria populations and soil fauna

The ecological focus has now broadened to include studies of the dynamics of legume root-nodule bacteria populations, nitrifying bacteria and soil fauna - especially in relation to the impact of land management practices.

Composted organic waste and soil organisms

We are also interested in the composting of organic waste materials and their use as soil amendments, as well as the role of soil organisms as indicators of sustainable land management.

Objectives

• Increase the understanding of soil biological processes that influence soil fertility in natural and managed ecosystems.
• Provide a stimulating and collaborative environment for research on a wide range of soil organisms in diverse ecosystems.
• Ensure strong links are maintained between research activities and teaching in the area of soil science, especially in relation to soil fertility and soil management.
• Extend knowledge of soil biological processes to land managers and other members of the community.

Major research areas

• nutrient cycling in managed systems (for example, agriculture and mine sites)
  
• composting
• indicators of soil health
  
• plant/microbial symbioses.

Dr Daniel Murphy and Professor Lyn Abbott lead a collaborative team of research associates and postgraduate students. Undergraduate students also make significant contributions to the research program.

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