We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to join our soil biogeochemistry research team at Griffith University. The primary focus of this position is to investigate the role of sugarcane subsoil management on improvement of nutrient use efficiency. This project requires conducting laboratory/fieldwork/research in collaboration with other project participants.
Australian sugarcane farmers face declining productivity and sustainability due to deteriorating subsoil conditions. This project aims to enhance nutrient use efficiency and increase sugarcane yield through subsoil management, specifically by applying organic amendments. This approach is expected to boost soil organic matter, nutrient supply, physical structure, water retention, microbial activity, and pH buffering capacity in the sugarcane rhizosphere.
Key project objectives include:
⢠Assessing the impact of subsoil organic amendments on nutrient use efficiency in sugarcane systems.
⢠Evaluating subsoil health through comprehensive physical, chemical, and biological indicators.
⢠Establishing a positive relationship between improved subsoil conditions and increased sugarcane yield.
The project will leverage Griffith Universityâs research facilities, Sugar Research Australia and Burdekin Productivity Servicesâ field management, and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheriesâ life cycle cost analysis expertise. This research will equip end-users like farmers, agronomists, and policymakers with robust, evidence-based management strategies for optimising soil health, nutrient use efficiency, and boosting sugarcane yield, especially in regions characterised by poor soil organic matter and adverse subsoil conditions.
Griffith University
https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/GriffithUniversity