University Access to Local Farmers and Food Producers

In 2024, the University of Newcastle supported local farmers and food producers through partnerships, research collaborations, and the provision of technological and scientific expertise—particularly in the areas of soil health for food security and eco-friendly fertiliser technologies.

Key Highlights of 2024 include:

1. Collaborative Research for Soil Health Improvement

  • University researchers are working on a GRDC-funded project, “Unlocking Soil Potential (USP)”, through the Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN).
  • This initiative combines nanomaterials, engineered clays, and biochar-based amendments to enhance soil fertility, nutrient retention, and carbon sequestration.
  • The project is a direct collaboration with the Grains Research & Development Corporation, aligning advanced University research with the practical needs of farmers.

2. Development of Eco-Friendly Fertiliser Technologies

  • Through GICAN, the University of Newcastle is advancing next-generation fertilisers using engineered polysaccharides and metal oxide composites that are:
    • More targeted in nutrient delivery,
    • Biodegradable,
    • Environmentally safer alternatives to conventional fertilisers.
  • These technologies are being developed with commercial scalability and on-farm application in mind.

3. Field-Based Soil Testing for Farmers

  • Researchers from the Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER) (with many of its functions absorbed into GICAN) developed an innovative field-based soil testing kit, combining:
    • Lab-on-a-chip technology,
    • Smartphone integration, and
    • On-site analysis of pH, moisture, nutrients, and microbial activity.
  • This affordable and rapid soil health monitoring tool is designed for direct use by farmers, empowering them with real-time data for better land management.

2024 in Summary

The University of Newcastle continued to develop our strong institutional commitment to improving sustainable farming practices. Through targeted research projects, advanced technological development, and active partnerships with growers and industry groups, our goal is making expertise and resources available help address critical challenges in soil health and food security.

Farmers are not only beneficiaries but are increasingly becoming co-researchers and collaborators in the journey towards sustainable agriculture.

Read more about the incredible work being done by GICAN.

Study with us

Video

Supporting excellent industry collaboration

Jackson Lee, a PhD candidate in the Energy Doctoral Training Centre, is researching electrochemical methods for recycling solar panels with CSIRO and PV Industries under the supervision of Dr Jessica Allen.

80 million tonnes of solar panels are expected to go to waste by 2050. Jackson's research is vital for ensuring critical materials like copper, silver, and silicon are recovered.

Supported with professional training opportunities and industry site visits facilitated by the DTC, his excellent industry collaboration earned him the Higher Degree by Research Student Excellence award in the 2024 NIER Research Collaboration Awards.

Watch the video above to learn more about his work.

Case studies