Nothing to waste in improving soil health
Soil is a vast and complex ecosystem that supports over a billion life forms, however concerns around the impact of ongoing soil degradation are escalating. Generous funding from an anonymous donor is enabling the University of Newcastle to explore an integrated approach to improve soil health that could revolutionise agricultural practices globally.
In Australia, extensive land clearing over the past 250 years has resulted in the world's third-highest loss of soil carbon. With climate change accelerating erosion and intensifying bushfires, the urgency to restore soil health has never been greater.
University of Newcastle researchers are working with industry partner, BioCarbon Pty Ltd to develop an integrated approach to improve soil health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance soil carbon storage using an innovative approach that harnesses the potential of naturally occurring soil algae, a microbial group often overlooked in soil science.
This research will use naturally occurring microbes in combination with byproducts produced from heating organic material to show how they can improve soil health.
Donor funding will enable the team to conduct critical field trials, optimise product formulations and explore commercial pathways to scale up this solution. By integrating circular economy principles, the project also aligns with global efforts to improve the resource use efficiency of agriculture byproducts.
Lead researchers from the School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Professor Megh Mallavarapu and Dr Abinandan Sudharsanam, are excited by the potential to offer climate smart solutions that also contribute to carbon sequestration.
This project highlights the power of science-driven solutions in ensuring the viability of farming systems to secure our future food supply. It is a testament to how strategic funding and interdisciplinary collaboration can drive transformative environmental change, one that benefits farmers, industries and the sustainability of our planet.
By uniting industry expertise with cutting-edge research, we are creating practical, scalable solutions that could support long-term soil health and revolutionise sustainable agricultural practices across the globe."
Professor Megh Mallavarapu
Professor of Environmental Biotechnology
Global Centre for Environmental Remediation
School of Environmental and Life Sciences
If you would like to learn more about how you or your business can philanthropically support an area you are passionate about, please contact our team on the details below.
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Contact
- Office of Alumni and Philanthropy
- Phone: 02 4921 8612
- Email: philanthropy@newcastle.edu.au
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.