Susanne leads a vibrant team researching natural ecosystems and agroecosystems focussed on plants, microbes and soil. This aims to advance the circular nutrient economy, the restoration of degraded soils and landscapes, and the sustainable use of Australia's flora.
Funded PhD and MPhil positions are available in the (i) Bushfood project and the (ii) Next-generation fertilisers project and soil ameliorants project. Honours and Masters projects are available in all active projects. Please register your interest emailing Susanne.Schmidt@uq.edu.au
Active projects:
Completed recent projects
Re-purposing nutrient-rich wastes will enable the circular economy and deliver on the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals. Benefits include safe and autonomous fertiliser supply chains, potentially lower costs for farmers, improved environmental outcomes, and new industries and employment.
Drawing down the excessive carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere by storing carbon in soils will restore degraded soils and boost agricultural production. Re-carbonising soils and improving nutrient use efficiencies both support climate change mitigation and the efficiency of food production systems.
Compost and other recyclates hold the key to more efficient and sustainable food production systems including organic and regenerative production systems.
Advancing the Indigenous economy with the sophisticated knowledge of Australia's First Nations people safeguarded landscapes from wildfires, develops the environmental asset markets for carbon storage and biodiversity protection and harnesses the food potential of Australia's native flora.
Journal Article: Microdialysis fluxes of inorganic nitrogen differ from extractable nitrogen by minimising disturbance of mineral-associated sources
Buckley, Scott, Allen, Diane, Brackin, Richard and Schmidt, Susanne (2023). Microdialysis fluxes of inorganic nitrogen differ from extractable nitrogen by minimising disturbance of mineral-associated sources. Geoderma, 435 116510, 116510. doi: 10.1016/j.geoderma.2023.116510
Journal Article: Molecular complexity and diversity of persistent soil organic matter
Jones, Andrew R., Dalal, Ram C., Gupta, Vadakattu V.S.R., Schmidt, Susanne, Allen, Diane E., Jacobsen, Geraldine E., Bird, Michael, Grandy, A. Stuart and Sanderman, Jonathan (2023). Molecular complexity and diversity of persistent soil organic matter. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 184 109061, 109061. doi: 10.1016/j.soilbio.2023.109061
Journal Article: Ecosystem Services at the Farm Level—Overview, Synergies, Trade‐Offs, and Stakeholder Analysis
Morizet‐Davis, Jonathan, Marting Vidaurre, Nirvana A., Reinmuth, Evelyn, Rezaei‐Chiyaneh, Esmaeil, Schlecht, Valentin, Schmidt, Susanne, Singh, Kripal, Vargas‐Carpintero, Ricardo, Wagner, Moritz and von Cossel, Moritz (2023). Ecosystem Services at the Farm Level—Overview, Synergies, Trade‐Offs, and Stakeholder Analysis. Global Challenges, 7 (7) 2200225, 2200225. doi: 10.1002/gch2.202200225
A Deadly Solution: Towards an Indigenous-led Bush Food Industry
(2022–2027) ARC Discovery Indigenous
Realising Smart Compost Formulations
(2022–2026) Fight Food Waste CRC
Advancing rapid in-field quantification of Soil Organic Carbon
(2022) Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources
Assessing the Financial, Economic, and Market Feasibility of Bio-Fertilizer Technology on Agricultural and Tree Crop Production in Visayas, Philippines
Doctor Philosophy
Development of an efficient, safe and environmentally friendly oil extraction process from microalgae
Doctor Philosophy
Sustainable biofuel production from microalgae using a closed nutrient loop
Doctor Philosophy
Indigenous-led bushfood industry: advancing Australia's native plant foods
Our Indigenous-led Australian Research Council-funded "A Deadly Solution: Towards an Indigenous-led bush food industry" has Indigenous communities in Queensland guide the expanding Australian bushfood industry to develop plants for new food and flavour products. Advancing economic opportunities for Australia's Traditional Owners to achieve cultural, health and environmental benefits, this interdisciplinary project facets include identifying bushfood plants, propagation, selecting ecotypes with desirable traits, restoring degraded land, and developing new production systems - from horticulture to wild harvest. Projects are available for students of all levels (undergraduate, Honours, postgraduate) and we encourage with Indigenous and non-indigenous students encouraged to apply. https://agriculture-food-sustainability.uq.edu.au/research/bushfoods
Formulating biocrust organisms to restore degraded soils
Cattle grazing in Australia's savannas has to be sustainable. Our project explores biocrusts, the living soil cover composed of biodiverse communities of microscopic organisms. Biocrusts fix carbon and nitrogen and are essential for maintaining soil fertility. This project will profile effective biocrust to develop methodologies to restore landscapes in which soils are degraded. The project is part of a consortium of government and industry stakeholders. All levels of students are encouraged to apply.
War on Waste - superior fertilisers and soil amendments from organic wastes and recyclates
We are developing next-generation fertilisers from waste, including compost and other recyclates. This has many benefits as next-generation fertilisers avoid landfill (where waste generates greenhouse gases), supplement or replace conventional fertilisers, which can be costly and damage the environment, and support soil health and farm profits. The project is supported by the Fight Food Waste CRC (https://fightfoodwastecrc.com.au/) and the organic waste recycling industry. Projects are available (lab, glasshouse, field, modelling) in collaboration with engineers, farmers and government in Australia and overseas.
Singh, Vijaya, Chauhan, Yashvir, Dalal, Ram and Schmidt, Susanne (2021). Chickpea. The Beans and the Peas: From Orphan to Mainstream Crops. (pp. 173-215) edited by Aditya Pratap and Sanjeev Gupta. Kidlington, United Kingdom: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-821450-3.00003-2
Schmidt, Susanne (2015). Foreword. Ecological Biochemistry: Environmental and Interspecies Interactions. (pp. XXI-XXI) Weinheim, Germany: Wiley-VCH. doi: 10.1002/9783527686063.fmatter
Erisman, Jan Willem, Leach, Allison, Adams, Mark, Agboola, Julius I., Ahmetaj, Luan, Alard, Didier, Austin, Amy, Awodun, Moses A., Bareham, Simon, Bird, Theresa L., Bleeker, Albert, Bull, Keith, Cornell, Sarah E., Davidson, Eric, de Vries, Wim, Dias, Teresa, Emmett, Bridget, Goodale, Christine, Greaver, Tara, Haeuber, Rick, Harmens, Harry, Hicks, W. Kevin, Hogbom, Lars, Jarvis, Paul, Johansson, Matti, Russell, Zoe, McClean, Colin, Paton, Bill, Perez, Tibisay ... Whitfield, Clare P. (2014). Nitrogen deposition effects on ecosystem services and interactions with other pollutants and climate change. Nitrogen deposition, critical loads and biodiversity. (pp. 493-505) edited by Mark A. Sutton, Kate E. Mason, Lucy J. Sheppard, Harald Sverdrup, Richard Haeuber and W. Kevin Hicks. Dordrecht, Netherlands: Springer Netherlands. doi: 10.1007/978-94-007-7939-6_51
Nitrogen physiology of sugarcane
Robinson, Nicole, Vogt, Jessica, Lakshmanan, Prakash and Schmidt, Sussane (2013). Nitrogen physiology of sugarcane. Sugarcane: Physiology, Biochemistry, and Functional Biology. (pp. 169-195) edited by Paul H. Moore and Frederik C. Botha. Oxford United Kingdom: John Wiley & Sons. doi: 10.1002/9781118771280.ch8
Rhizophagy-a new dimension of plant-microbe interactions
Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat, Schmidt, Susanne, Webb, Richard I. and Lonhienne, Thierry G. A. (2013). Rhizophagy-a new dimension of plant-microbe interactions. Molecular Microbial Ecology of the Rhizosphere. (pp. 1199-1207) edited by Frans J. de Bruijn. Hoboken, NJ United States: Wiley-Blackwell. doi: 10.1002/9781118297674.ch115
Effects of seabirds on plant communities
Ellis, J. C., Bellingham, P. J., Cameron, E. K., Croll, D. A., Kolb, G. S., Kueffer, C., Mittelhauser, G. H., Schmidt, S., Vidal, E. and Wait, D. A. (2011). Effects of seabirds on plant communities. Seabird Islands: Ecology, invasion and restoration. (pp. 177-211) edited by Christa Mulder, Wendy Anderson, David Towns and Peter Bellingham. New York, USA: Oxford Univ Press. doi: 10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199735693.003.0006
Impacts of seabirds on plant and soil properties
Mulder, C. P. H., Jones, H., Kameda, K., Palmborg, C., Schmidt, S., Ellis, J., Orrock, J. L., Wait, A., Wardle, D. A., Yang, L., Young, H., Croll, D. and Vidal, E. (2011). Impacts of seabirds on plant and soil properties. Seabird Islands: Ecology, invasion and restoration. (pp. 135-176) edited by Christa P. H. Mulder, Wendy B. Anderson, David R. Towns and Peter J. Bellingham. New York, USA: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199735693.003.0005
Evolution and ecology of plant mineral nutrition
Stewart, G. and Schmidt, S. (1999). Evolution and ecology of plant mineral nutrition. Physiological plant ecology: The 39th Symposium of the British Ecological Society, held at the University of York, 7-9 September 1998. (pp. 91-114) edited by Malcolm C. Press, Julie D. Scholes and Martin G. Barker. UK: Blackwell Science.
Buckley, Scott, Allen, Diane, Brackin, Richard and Schmidt, Susanne (2023). Microdialysis fluxes of inorganic nitrogen differ from extractable nitrogen by minimising disturbance of mineral-associated sources. Geoderma, 435 116510, 116510. doi: 10.1016/j.geoderma.2023.116510
Molecular complexity and diversity of persistent soil organic matter
Jones, Andrew R., Dalal, Ram C., Gupta, Vadakattu V.S.R., Schmidt, Susanne, Allen, Diane E., Jacobsen, Geraldine E., Bird, Michael, Grandy, A. Stuart and Sanderman, Jonathan (2023). Molecular complexity and diversity of persistent soil organic matter. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 184 109061, 109061. doi: 10.1016/j.soilbio.2023.109061
Ecosystem Services at the Farm Level—Overview, Synergies, Trade‐Offs, and Stakeholder Analysis
Morizet‐Davis, Jonathan, Marting Vidaurre, Nirvana A., Reinmuth, Evelyn, Rezaei‐Chiyaneh, Esmaeil, Schlecht, Valentin, Schmidt, Susanne, Singh, Kripal, Vargas‐Carpintero, Ricardo, Wagner, Moritz and von Cossel, Moritz (2023). Ecosystem Services at the Farm Level—Overview, Synergies, Trade‐Offs, and Stakeholder Analysis. Global Challenges, 7 (7) 2200225, 2200225. doi: 10.1002/gch2.202200225
Effects of grazing and fire management on rangeland soil and biocrust microbiomes
Vega-Cofre, Maria V., Williams, Wendy, Song, Young, Schmidt, Susanne and Dennis, Paul G. (2023). Effects of grazing and fire management on rangeland soil and biocrust microbiomes. Ecological Indicators, 148 110094, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2023.110094
Using digital photography to monitor changes in biocrusts and ground cover in a savanna rangeland
Myint Swe, Than, Williams, Wendy J., Schmidt, Susanne, Potgieter, Andries, Cowley, Robyn, Mellor, Vincent, Driscoll, Colin and Zhao, Yan (2023). Using digital photography to monitor changes in biocrusts and ground cover in a savanna rangeland. The Rangeland Journal, 44 (6), 263-278. doi: 10.1071/rj22019
Krishnan, Vithya, Robinson, Nicole, Firn, Jennifer, Herbohn, John and Schmidt, Susanne (2023). Organic nitrogen improves the water use of tropical tree seedlings cultivated for restoration plantings. Plants, People, Planet, 5 (3), 437-448. doi: 10.1002/ppp3.10363
Dooley, Madeline, Lewis, Tom and Schmidt, Susanne (2023). Fire frequency has a contrasting effect on vegetation and topsoil in subcoastal heathland, woodland and forest ecosystems, south-east Queensland, Australia. Austral Ecology. doi: 10.1111/aec.13427
Mahadevan, Renuka, Du, Kai, Preciados, Lemuel Samejon and Schmidt, Susanne (2023). Managing nitrogen environmental impacts to improve green technical efficiency in Philippines rice cultivation. Journal of Environmental Management, 325 116529, 1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116529
Zhao, Shuaixiang, Schmidt, Susanne, Gao, Hongjian, Li, Tingyu, Chen, Xinping, Hou, Yong, Chadwick, Dave, Tian, Jing, Dou, Zhengxia, Zhang, Weifeng and Zhang, Fusuo (2022). A precision compost strategy aligning composts and application methods with target crops and growth environments can increase global food production. Nature Food, 3 (9), 741-752. doi: 10.1038/s43016-022-00584-x
Das, Bianca T., Schmidt, Susanne, Biggs, Jody, Lester, David W., Bourne, Nicholas and Huth, Neil I. (2022). Simulating long-term phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon dynamics to advance nutrient assessment in dryland cropping. Field Crops Research, 285 108590, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.fcr.2022.108590
Stable isotope approaches and opportunities for improving plant conservation
Snyder, Keirith A., Robinson, Sharon A., Schmidt, Susanne and Hultine, Kevin R. (2022). Stable isotope approaches and opportunities for improving plant conservation. Conservation Physiology, 10 (1) coac056. doi: 10.1093/conphys/coac056
Germination screen for microalgae-generated plant growth biostimulants
Rupawalla, Zeenat, Shaw, Lindsay, Ross, Ian L., Schmidt, Susanne, Hankamer, Ben and Wolf, Juliane (2022). Germination screen for microalgae-generated plant growth biostimulants. Algal Research, 66 102784, 102784. doi: 10.1016/j.algal.2022.102784
Biofertilizers can enhance nitrogen use efficiency of sugarcane
Qiu, Zhiguang, Paungfoo‐Lonhienne, Chanyarat, Ye, Jun, Gonzalez Garcia, Axa , Petersen, Ian, Di Bella, Lawrence, Hobbs, Richard, Ibanez, Minka, Heenan, Marijke, Wang, Weijin, Reeves, Steven and Schmidt, Susanne (2022). Biofertilizers can enhance nitrogen use efficiency of sugarcane. Environmental Microbiology, 24 (8), 3655-3671. doi: 10.1111/1462-2920.16027
Editorial: Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Sustainable Nitrogen Management in Crop Plants
Raghuram, Nandula, Aziz, Tariq, Kant, Surya, Zhou, Jianbin and Schmidt, Susanne (2022). Editorial: Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Sustainable Nitrogen Management in Crop Plants. Frontiers in Plant Science, 13 862091, 862091. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2022.862091
Buckley, Scott, Brackin, Richard, Näsholm, Torgny, Schmidt, Susanne and Jämtgård, Sandra (2022). The influence of sucrose on soil nitrogen availability – A root exudate simulation using microdialysis. Geoderma, 409 115645. doi: 10.1016/j.geoderma.2021.115645
Redding, M. R., Witt, T., Lobsey, C. R., Mayer, D. G., Hunter, B., Pratt, S., Robinson, N., Schmidt, S., Laycock, B. and Phillips, I. (2022). Screening two biodegradable polymers in enhanced efficiency fertiliser formulations reveals the need to prioritise performance goals. Journal of Environmental Management, 304 114264, 114264. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.114264
Williams, Wendy J., Schmidt, Susanne, Zaady, Eli, Alchin, Bruce, Swe, Than Myint, Williams, Stephen, Dooley, Madeline, Penfold, Grace, O’reagain, Peter, Bushell, John, Cowley, Robyn, Driscoll, Colin and Robinson, Nicole (2022). Resting subtropical grasslands from grazing in the wet season boosts biocrust hotspots to improve soil health. Agronomy, 12 (1) 62. doi: 10.3390/agronomy12010062
Rupawalla, Zeenat, Robinson, Nicole, Schmidt, Susanne, Li, Sijie, Carruthers, Selina, Buisset, Elodie, Roles, John, Hankamer, Ben and Wolf, Juliane (2021). Algae biofertilisers promote sustainable food production and a circular nutrient economy – An integrated empirical-modelling study. Science of the Total Environment, 796 148913, 1-21. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148913
Vega-Grau, Adriana M., McDonnell, Jeffrey, Schmidt, Susanne, Annandale, Mark and Herbohn, John (2021). Isotopic fractionation from deep roots to tall shoots: a forensic analysis of xylem water isotope composition in mature tropical savanna trees. Science of the Total Environment, 795 148675, 148675. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148675
AusTraits, a curated plant trait database for the Australian flora
Falster, Daniel, Gallagher, Rachael, Wenk, Elizabeth H., Wright, Ian J., Indiarto, Dony, Andrew, Samuel C., Baxter, Caitlan, Lawson, James, Allen, Stuart, Fuchs, Anne, Monro, Anna, Kar, Fonti, Adams, Mark A., Ahrens, Collin W., Alfonzetti, Matthew, Angevin, Tara, Apgaua, Deborah M. G., Arndt, Stefan, Atkin, Owen K., Atkinson, Joe, Auld, Tony, Baker, Andrew, von Balthazar, Maria, Bean, Anthony, Blackman, Chris J., Bloomfield, Keith, Bowman, David M. J. S., Bragg, Jason, Brodribb, Timothy J. ... Ziemińska, Kasia (2021). AusTraits, a curated plant trait database for the Australian flora. Scientific Data, 8 (1) 254, 254. doi: 10.1038/s41597-021-01006-6
Organic wastes amended with sorbents reduce N2O emissions from sugarcane cropping
Westermann, Maren, Brackin, Richard, Robinson, Nicole, Salazar Cajas, Monica, Buckley, Scott, Bailey, Taleta, Redding, Matthew, Kochanek, Jitka, Hill, Jaye, Guillou, Stéphane, Freitas, Joao Carlos Martins, Wang, Weijin, Pratt, Chris, Fujinuma, Ryo and Schmidt, Susanne (2021). Organic wastes amended with sorbents reduce N2O emissions from sugarcane cropping. Environments, 8 (8) 78, 1-18. doi: 10.3390/environments8080078
A research road map for responsible use of agricultural nitrogen
Udvardi, Michael, Below, Frederick E., Castellano, Michael J., Eagle, Alison J., Giller, Ken E., Ladha, Jagdish Kumar, Liu, Xuejun, Maaz, Tai McClellan, Nova-Franco, Barbara, Raghuram, Nandula, Robertson, G. Philip, Roy, Sonali, Saha, Malay, Schmidt, Susanne, Tegeder, Mechthild, York, Larry M. and Peters, John W. (2021). A research road map for responsible use of agricultural nitrogen. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 5 660155. doi: 10.3389/fsufs.2021.660155
Diversifying students-as-partners participants and practices
Cook-Sather, Alison, Slates, Sarah, Acai, Anita, Baxter, Jessica, Bond, Rachel, Lowe, Tom, Zurcher, Hannah, O'Brien, Jennifer, Tavares, Vander, Lewe, Marie-Theres, Khan, Ayesha, Poole, Heather, Smith, Alyssa C., Iqbal, Muhammad Zafar, Arm, Karen, Escobar Lema, Jose Ernesto, Groening, Julia, Garg, Kriti, Bello Rinaudo, Nadia Lujan, Crisp, Naima, Mukherji, Mallika, Addy, Tracie, Lewis, Lisa Marie, Vayada, Preeti, Zhang, Meng, Liang, Yifei (Scott), Rodgers, Holly Beth, Judd, Madelaine-Marie, Szucs, Brooke ... Lewis, Rose (2021). Diversifying students-as-partners participants and practices. International Journal for Students as Partners, 5 (1), 146-159. doi: 10.15173/ijsap.v5i1.4627
Microdialysis in soil environments: Current practice and future perspectives
Buckley, Scott, Brackin, Richard, Jämtgård, Sandra, Näsholm, Torgny and Schmidt, Susanne (2020). Microdialysis in soil environments: Current practice and future perspectives. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 143 107743, 107743. doi: 10.1016/j.soilbio.2020.107743
Safeguarding human and planetary health demands a fertilizer sector transformation
Bindraban, Prem S., Dimkpa, Christian O., White, Jason C., Franklin, Frank A., Melse‐Boonstra, Alida, Koele, Nina, Pandey, Renu, Rodenburg, Jonne, Senthilkumar, Kalimuthu, Demokritou, Philip and Schmidt, Susanne (2020). Safeguarding human and planetary health demands a fertilizer sector transformation. Plants, People, Planet, 2 (4) ppp3.10098, 302-309. doi: 10.1002/ppp3.10098
Feder, Daniel, McGeary, Ross P., Mitić, Natasa, Lonhienne, Thierry, Furtado, Agnelo, Schulz, Benjamin L., Henry, Robert J., Schmidt, Susanne, Guddat, Luke W. and Schenk, Gerhard (2020). Structural elements that modulate the substrate specificity of plant purple acid phosphatases: avenues for improved phosphorus acquisition in crops. Plant Science, 294 110445, 110445. doi: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2020.110445
Berg, Shelby, Dennis, Paul G., Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat, Anderson, Jay, Robinson, Nicole, Brackin, Richard, Royle, Adam, DiBella, Lawrence and Schmidt, Susanne (2019). Effects of commercial microbial biostimulants on soil and root microbial communities and sugarcane yield. Biology and Fertility of Soils, 56 (4), 565-580. doi: 10.1007/s00374-019-01412-4
Bonner, Mark T. L., Herbohn, John, Gregorio, Nestor, Pasa, Arturo, Avela, Mayet S., Solano, Crisanto, Moreno, Maria Opelia Maranguit, Almendras-Ferraren, Angela, Wills, Jarrah, Shoo, Luke P. and Schmidt, Susanne (2019). Soil organic carbon recovery in tropical tree plantations may depend on restoration of soil microbial composition and function. Geoderma, 353, 70-80. doi: 10.1016/j.geoderma.2019.06.017
Das, Bianca, Huth, Neil, Probert, Merv, Condron, Leo and Schmidt, Susanne (2019). Soil phosphorus modeling for modern agriculture requires balance of science and practicality: a perspective. Journal of Environmental Quality, 48 (5), 1281-1294. doi: 10.2134/jeq2019.05.0201
Microdialysis as an in situ technique for sampling soil enzymes
Buckley, Scott, Allen, Diane, Brackin, Richard, Jämtgård, Sandra, Näsholm, Torgny and Schmidt, Susanne (2019). Microdialysis as an in situ technique for sampling soil enzymes. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 135, 20-27. doi: 10.1016/j.soilbio.2019.04.007
Bonner, Mark T. L., Allen, Diane E., Brackin, Richard, Smith, Tim E., Lewis, Tom, Shoo, Luke P. and Schmidt, Susanne (2019). Tropical rainforest restoration plantations are slow to restore the soil biological and organic carbon characteristics of old growth rainforest. Microbial Ecology, 79 (2), 432-442. doi: 10.1007/s00248-019-01414-7
Jones, Andrew R., Gupta, Vadakattu V. S. R., Buckley, Scott, Brackin, Richard, Schmidt, Susanne and Dalal, Ram C. (2019). Drying and rewetting effects on organic matter mineralisation of contrasting soils after 36 years of storage. Geoderma, 342, 12-19. doi: 10.1016/j.geoderma.2019.01.053
Bueno, Andrea, Greenfield, Lucy, Pritsch, Karin, Schmidt, Susanne and Simon, Judy (2019). Responses to competition for nitrogen between subtropical native tree seedlings and exotic grasses are species-specific and mediated by soil N availability. Tree Physiology, 39 (3), 404-416. doi: 10.1093/treephys/tpy096
Zhao, Shuaixiang, Schmidt, Susanne, Qin, Wei, Li, Ji, Li, Guoxue and Zhang, Weifeng (2019). Towards the circular nitrogen economy - a global meta-analysis of composting technologies reveals much potential for mitigating nitrogen losses. Science of The Total Environment, 704 135401, 135401. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135401
Krishnan, Vithya, Robinson, Nicole, Firn, Jennifer, Applegate, Grahame, Herbohn, John and Schmidt, Susanne (2019). Without management interventions, endemic wet-sclerophyll forest is transitioning to rainforest in World Heritage listed K’gari (Fraser Island), Australia. Ecology and Evolution, 9 (3), 1378-1393. doi: 10.1002/ece3.4853
Pennells, Jordan, Yu Lin, Teo, Schmidt, Susanne, Gamage, Harshi, Godwin, Ian D., Erickson, Todd E., Hosseinmardi, Alireza, Martin, Darren J. and Amiralian, Nasim (2018). Effects of the growth environment on the yield and material properties of nanocellulose derived from the Australian desert grass Triodia. Industrial Crops and Products, 126, 238-249. doi: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2018.09.057
Sorbents can tailor nitrogen release from organic wastes to match the uptake capacity of crops
Chin, A., Schmidt, S., Buckley, S., Pirie, R., Redding, M., Laycock, B., Luckman, P., Batstone, D. J., Robinson, N. and Brackin, R. (2018). Sorbents can tailor nitrogen release from organic wastes to match the uptake capacity of crops. Science of the Total Environment, 645, 1474-1483. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.07.135
The effect of heterogeneous soil bulk density on root growth of field-grown mangrove species
Ola, Anne, Schmidt, Susanne and Lovelock, Catherine E. (2018). The effect of heterogeneous soil bulk density on root growth of field-grown mangrove species. Plant and Soil, 432 (1-2), 91-105. doi: 10.1007/s11104-018-3784-5
Cornwell, William K., Wright, Ian J., Turner, Joel, Maire, Vincent, Barbour, Margaret M., Cernusak, Lucas A., Dawson, Todd, Ellsworth, David, Farquhar, Graham D., Griffiths, Howard, Keitel, Claudia, Knohl, Alexander, Reich, Peter B., Williams, David G., Bhaskar, Radika, Cornelissen, Johannes H. C., Richards, Anna, Schmidt, Susanne, Valladares, Fernando, Korner, Christian, Schulze, Ernst-Detlef, Buchmann, Nina and Santiago, Louis S. (2018). Climate and soils together regulate photosynthetic carbon isotope discrimination within C3 plants worldwide. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 27 (9), 1056-1067. doi: 10.1111/geb.12764
Optimising methods for the recovery and quantification of di- and tripeptides in soil
Jamtgard, Sandra, Robinson, Nicole, Moritz, Thomas, Colgrave, Michelle L. and Schmidt, Susanne (2018). Optimising methods for the recovery and quantification of di- and tripeptides in soil. Soil Research, 56 (4), 404-412. doi: 10.1071/SR17279
Relationship between microbial composition and substrate use efficiency in a tropical soil
Bonner, Mark T.L., Shoo, Luke P., Brackin, Richard and Schmidt, Susanne (2017). Relationship between microbial composition and substrate use efficiency in a tropical soil. Geoderma, 315, 96-103. doi: 10.1016/j.geoderma.2017.11.026
Yeoh, Yun Kit, Dennis, Paul G., Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat, Weber, Lui, Brackin, Richard, Ragan, Mark A., Schmidt, Susanne and Hugenholtz, Philip (2017). Evolutionary conservation of a core root microbiome across plant phyla along a tropical soil chronosequence. Nature Communications, 8 (1) 002628, 215. doi: 10.1038/s41467-017-00262-8
Improving in situ recovery of soil nitrogen using the microdialysis technique
Buckley, Scott, Brackin, Richard, Nasholm, Torgny, Schmidt, Susanne and Jamtgard, Sandra (2017). Improving in situ recovery of soil nitrogen using the microdialysis technique. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 114, 93-103. doi: 10.1016/j.soilbio.2017.07.009
Diatloff, Eugene, Mace, Emma S., Jordan, David R., Filleur, Sophie, Tai, Shuaishuai, Schmidt, Susanne and Godwin, Ian D. (2017). The vegetative nitrogen response of sorghum lines containing different alleles for nitrate reductase and glutamate synthase. Molecular Breeding, 37 (11) 138. doi: 10.1007/s11032-017-0738-1
Rossiter-Rachor, N. A., Setterfield, S. A., Hutley, L. B., McMaster, D., Schmidt, S. and Douglas, M. M. (2017). Invasive Andropogon gayanus (Gamba grass) alters litter decomposition and nitrogen fluxes in an Australian tropical savanna. Scientific Reports, 7 (1) 11705, 1-10. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-08893-z
Post-anthesis nitrate uptake is critical to yield and grain protein content in Sorghum bicolor
Worland, Belinda, Robinson, Nicole, Jordan, David, Schmidt, Susanne and Godwin, Ian (2017). Post-anthesis nitrate uptake is critical to yield and grain protein content in Sorghum bicolor. Journal of Plant Physiology, 216, 118-124. doi: 10.1016/j.jplph.2017.05.026
Bissett, Andrew, Fitzgerald, Anna, Court, Leon, Meintjes, Thys, Mele, Pauline M., Reith, Frank, Dennis, Paul G., Breed, Martin F., Brown, Belinda, Brown, Mark V., Brugger, Joel, Byrne, Margaret, Caddy-Retalic, Stefan, Carmody, Bernie, Coates, David J., Correa, Carolina, Ferrari, Belinda C., Gupta, Vadakattu V. S. R., Hamonts, Kelly, Haslem, Asha, Hugenholtz, Philip, Karan, Mirko, Koval, Jason, Lowe, Andrew J., Macdonald, Stuart, McGrath, Leanne, Martin, David, Morgan, Matt, North, Kristin I. ... Young, Andrew (2017). Introducing BASE: the Biomes of Australian Soil Environments soil microbial diversity database (vol 5, 1, 2016). Gigascience, 6 (5) gix021, 1-1. doi: 10.1093/gigascience/gix021
Editorial: plant competition in a changing world
Simon, Judy and Schmidt, Susanne (2017). Editorial: plant competition in a changing world. Frontiers in Plant Science, 8 651. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2017.00651
Matthews, Kelly E., Firn, Jennifer, Schmidt, Susanne and Whelan, Karen (2017). A comparative study on student perceptions of their learning outcomes in undergraduate science degree programmes with differing curriculum models. International Journal of Science Education, 39 (6), 742-760. doi: 10.1080/09500693.2017.1304672
Ganeteg, Ulrika, Ahmad, Iftikhar, Jamtgard, Sandra, Aguetoni-Cambui, Camila, Inselsbacher, Erich, Svennerstam, Henrik, Schmidt, Susanne and Nasholm, Torgny (2017). Amino acid transporter mutants of Arabidopsis provides evidence that a non-mycorrhizal plant acquires organic nitrogen from agricultural soil. Plant, Cell and Environment, 40 (3), 413-423. doi: 10.1111/pce.12881
Bokhorst, Stef, Kardol, Paul, Bellingham, Peter J., Kooyman, Robert M., Richardson, Sarah J., Schmidt, Susanne and Wardle, David A. (2017). Responses of communities of soil organisms and plants to soil aging at two contrasting long-term chronosequences. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 106, 69-79. doi: 10.1016/j.soilbio.2016.12.014
Crosstalk between sugarcane and a plant-growth promoting Burkholderia species
Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat, Lonhienne, Thierry G. A., Yeoh, Yun Kit, Donose, Bogdan C., Webb, Richard I., Parsons, Jeremy, Liao, Webber, Sagulenko, Evgeny, Lakshmanan, Prakash, Hugenholtz, Philip, Schmidt, Susanne and Ragan, Mark A. (2016). Crosstalk between sugarcane and a plant-growth promoting Burkholderia species. Scientific Reports, 6 (1) 37389, 37389. doi: 10.1038/srep37389
Introducing BASE: the Biomes of Australian Soil Environments soil microbial diversity database
Bissett, Andrew, Fitzgerald, Anna, Meintjes, Thys, Mele, Pauline M., Reith, Frank, Dennis, Paul G., Breed, Martin F., Brown, Belinda, Brown, Mark V., Brugger, Joel, Byrne, Margaret, Caddy-Retalic, Stefan, Carmody, Bernie, Coates, David J., Correa, Carolina, Ferrari, Belinda C., Gupta, Vadakattu V. S. R., Hamonts, Kelly, Haslem, Asha, Hugenholtz, Philip, Karan, Mirko, Koval, Jason, Lowe, Andrew J., Macdonald, Stuart, McGrath, Leanne, Martin, David, Morgan, Matt, North, Kristin I., Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat ... Young, Andrew (2016). Introducing BASE: the Biomes of Australian Soil Environments soil microbial diversity database. Gigascience, 5 (1) 21, 21.1-21.11. doi: 10.1186/s13742-016-0126-5
Isoprene emission factors for subtropical street trees for regional air quality modeling
Dunn-Johnston, Kristina A., Kreuzwieser, Jürgen, Hirabayashi, Satoshi, Plant, Lyndal, Rennenberg, Heinz and Schmidt, Susanne (2016). Isoprene emission factors for subtropical street trees for regional air quality modeling. Journal of Environmental Quality, 45 (1), 234-243. doi: 10.2134/jeq2015.01.0051
Brackin, Richard, Nasholm, Torgny, Robinson, Nicole, Guillou, Stephane, Vinall, Kerry, Lakshmanan, Prakash, Schmidt, Susanne and Inselsbacher, Erich (2015). Nitrogen fluxes at the root-soil interface show a mismatch of nitrogen fertilizer supply and sugarcane root uptake capacity. Scientific Reports, 5 (15727) 15727, 1-9. doi: 10.1038/srep15727
Key innovation or adaptive change? A test of leaf traits using Triodiinae in Australia
Toon, A., Crisp, M. D., Gamage, H., Mant, J., Morris, D. C., Schmidt, S. and Cook, L. G. (2015). Key innovation or adaptive change? A test of leaf traits using Triodiinae in Australia. Scientific Reports, 5 (1) 12398, 1-12. doi: 10.1038/srep12398
The core root microbiome of sugarcanes cultivated under varying nitrogen fertiliser application.
Yeoh, Yun Kit, Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat, Dennis, Paul G., Robinson, Nicole, Ragan, Mark A., Schmidt, Susanne and Hugenholtz, Philip (2015). The core root microbiome of sugarcanes cultivated under varying nitrogen fertiliser application.. Environmental Microbiology, 18 (5), 1338-1351. doi: 10.1111/1462-2920.12925
Jones, Andrew R, Sanderman J., Allen, Diane, Dalal, Ram and Schmidt, Susanne (2015). Subtropical giant podzol chronosequence reveals that soil carbon stabilisation is not governed by litter quality. Biogeochemistry, 124 (1-3), 205-217. doi: 10.1007/s10533-015-0093-4
Nitrogen fertilizer dose alters fungal communities in sugarcane soil and rhizosphere.
Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat, Yeoh, Yun Kit, Kasinadhuni, Naga Rup Pinaki, Lonhienne, Thierry G. A., Robinson, Nicole, Hugenholtz, Philip, Ragan, Mark A. and Schmidt, Susanne (2015). Nitrogen fertilizer dose alters fungal communities in sugarcane soil and rhizosphere.. Scientific Reports, 5 (8678) 8678, 1-6. doi: 10.1038/srep08678
Amiralian, Nasim, Annamalai, Pratheep K., Memmott, Paul, Taran, Elena, Schmidt, Susanne and Martin, Darren J. (2015). Easily deconstructed, high aspect ratio cellulose nanofibres from Triodia pungens; an abundant grass of Australia's arid zone. RSC Advances, 5 (41), 32124-32132. doi: 10.1039/c5ra02936h
Pearce, Elly, Schmidt, Susanne, Franks, Andrew J. and Shoo, Luke P. (2015). Species turnover of corticolous bryophyte assemblages over 15 years in an Australian subtropical cloud forest. Austral Ecology, 40 (8), 877-885. doi: 10.1111/aec.12268
Soper, Fiona M., Richards, Anna E., Siddique, Ilyas, Aidar, Marcos P. M., Cook, Garry D., Hutley, Lindsay B., Robinson, Nicole and Schmidt, Susanne (2014). Natural abundance (δ15N) indicates shifts in nitrogen relations of woody taxa along a savanna–woodland continental rainfall gradient. Oecologia, 178 (1), 297-308. doi: 10.1007/s00442-014-3176-3
Pratt, Chris, Redding, Mathew, Hill, Jaye, Mudge, Stephen Rowland, Westermann, Maren, Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat and Schmidt, Susanne (2014). Assessing refrigerating and freezing effects on the biological/chemical composition of two livestock manures. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 197, 288-292. doi: 10.1016/j.agee.2014.08.012
Early response of soil properties and function to riparian rainforest restoration
Gageler, Rose, Bonner, Mark, Kirchhof, Gunnar, Amos, Mark, Robinson, Nicole, Schmidt, Susanne and Shoo, Luke P. (2014). Early response of soil properties and function to riparian rainforest restoration. PLoS One, 9 (8) e104198, e104198.1-e104198.8. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104198
Harvesting as an alternative to burning for managing spinifex grasslands in Australia
Gamage, Harshi K., Memmott, Paul, Firn, Jennifer and Schmidt, Susanne (2014). Harvesting as an alternative to burning for managing spinifex grasslands in Australia. Advances in Ecological Research, 2014, 430431.1-430431.12. doi: 10.1155/2014/430431
Schmidt, Susanne, Nasholm, Torgny and Rentsch, Doris (2014). Organic nitrogen. New Phytologist, 203 (1), 29-31. doi: 10.1111/nph.12851
Effects of externally supplied protein on root morphology and biomass allocation in Arabidopsis
Lonhienne, Thierry G. A., Trusov, Yuri, Young, Anthony, Rentsch, Doris, Näsholm, Torgny, Schmidt, Susanne and Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat (2014). Effects of externally supplied protein on root morphology and biomass allocation in Arabidopsis. Scientific Reports, 4 (5055) 5055, 1-8. doi: 10.1038/srep05055
Shoo, Luke P., O’Mara, Julian, Perhans, Karin, Rhodes, Jonathan R., Runting, Rebecca K., Schmidt, Susanne, Traill, Lochran W., Weber, Lui C., Wilson, Kerrie A. and Lovelock, Catherine E. (2014). Moving beyond the conceptual: specificity in regional climate change adaptation actions for biodiversity in South East Queensland, Australia. Regional Environmental Change, 14 (2), 435-447. doi: 10.1007/s10113-012-0385-3
A new species of Burkholderia isolated from sugarcane roots promotes plant growth
Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat, Lonhienne, Thierry G. A., Yeoh, Yun Kit, Webb, Richard I., Lakshmanan, Prakash, Chan, Cheong Xin, Lim, Phaik-Eem, Ragan, Mark A., Schmidt, Susanne and Hugenholtz, Philip (2014). A new species of Burkholderia isolated from sugarcane roots promotes plant growth. Microbial Biotechnology, 7 (2), 142-154. doi: 10.1111/1751-7915.12105
Weber, Lui C., VanDerWal, Jeremy, Schmidt, Susanne, McDonald, William J. F. and Shoo, Luke P. (2014). Patterns of rain forest plant endemism in subtropical Australia relate to stable mesic refugia and species dispersal limitations. Journal of Biogeography, 41 (2), 222-238. doi: 10.1111/jbi.12219
Soil microbial responses to labile carbon input differ in adjacent sugarcane and forest soils
Brackin, Richard, Robinson, Nicole, Lakshmanan, Prakash and Schmidt, Susanne (2014). Soil microbial responses to labile carbon input differ in adjacent sugarcane and forest soils. Soil Research, 52 (3), 307-316. doi: 10.1071/SR13276
The effect of protein supplied in the growth medium on plant pathogen resistance
Lonhienne, Thierry G. A., Trusov, Yuri, Young, Anthony, Schmidt, Susanne and Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat (2014). The effect of protein supplied in the growth medium on plant pathogen resistance. Plant Signaling and Behavior, 9 (10) e976159, e976159.1-e976159.3. doi: 10.4161/15592324.2014.976159
Yeast as a biofertilizer alters plant growth and morphology
Lonhienne, Thierry, Mason, Michael G., Ragan, Mark A., Hugenholtz, Philip, Schmidt, Susanne and Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat (2014). Yeast as a biofertilizer alters plant growth and morphology. Crop Science, 54 (2), 785-790. doi: 10.2135/cropsci2013.07.0488
Shoo, Luke P., Scarth, Peter, Schmidt, Susanne and Wilson, Kerrie A. (2013). Reclaiming degraded rainforest: a spatial evaluation of gains and losses in subtropical eastern Australia to inform future investment in restoration. Restoration Ecology, 21 (4), 481-489. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-100X.2012.00916.x
Hagger, Valerie, Fisher, Diana, Schmidt, Susanne and Blomberg, Simon (2013). Assessing the vulnerability of an assemblage of subtropical rainforest vertebrate species to climate change in south-east Queensland. Austral Ecology, 38 (4), 465-475. doi: 10.1111/j.1442-9993.2012.02437.x
Bonner, Mark T. L., Schmidt, Susanne and Shoo, Luke P. (2013). A meta-analytical global comparison of aboveground biomass accumulation between tropical secondary forests and monoculture plantations. Forest Ecology and Management, 291, 73-86. doi: 10.1016/j.foreco.2012.11.024
Bigot, M., Guterres, J., Rossato, L., Pudmenzky, A., Doley, D., Whittaker, M., Pillai-McGarry, U. and Schmidt, S. (2013). Metal-binding hydrogel particles alleviate soil toxicity and facilitate healthy plant establishment of the native metallophyte grass Astrebla lappacea in mine waste rock and tailings. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 248 (1), 424-434. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2013.01.025
Guterres, J., Rossato, L., Pudmenzky, A., Doley, D., Whittaker, M. and Schmidt, S. (2013). Micron-size metal-binding hydrogel particles improve germination and radicle elongation of Australian metallophyte grasses in mine waste rock and tailings. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 248 (1), 442-450. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2013.01.049
Microbial function in adjacent subtropical forest and agricultural soil
Brackin, Richard, Robinson, Nicole, Lakshmanan, Prakash and Schmidt, Susanne (2013). Microbial function in adjacent subtropical forest and agricultural soil. Soil Biology & Biochemistry, 57, 68-77. doi: 10.1016/j.soilbio.2012.07.015
Species-site matching in mixed species plantations of native trees in tropical Australia
Manson, Daniel G., Schmidt, Susanne, Bristow, Mila, Erskine, Peter D. and Vanclay, Jerome K. (2013). Species-site matching in mixed species plantations of native trees in tropical Australia. Agroforestry Systems, 87 (1), 233-250. doi: 10.1007/s10457-012-9538-0
Sang, Phan Minh, Lamb, David, Bonner, Mark and Schmidt, Susanne (2013). Carbon sequestration and soil fertility of tropical tree plantations and secondary forest established on degraded land. Plant and Soil, 362 (1-2), 187-200. doi: 10.1007/s11104-012-1281-9
Macroalgal species richness and assemblage composition of the Great Barrier Reef seabed
Hurrey, Lucy P., Pitcher, C. Roland, Lovelock, Catherine E. and Schmidt, Susanne (2013). Macroalgal species richness and assemblage composition of the Great Barrier Reef seabed. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 492, 69-83. doi: 10.3354/meps10366
The mixotrophic nature of photosynthetic plants
Schmidt, Susanne, Raven, John A. and Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat (2013). The mixotrophic nature of photosynthetic plants. Functional Plant Biology, 40 (5), 425-438. doi: 10.1071/FP13061
Past, present and future of organic nutrients
Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat, Visser, Jozef, Lonhienne, Thierry G. A. and Schmidt, Susanne (2012). Past, present and future of organic nutrients. Plant and Soil, 359 (1-2), 1-18. doi: 10.1007/s11104-012-1357-6
Effect of fire and tree-grass patches on soil nitrogen in Australian tropical savannas
Richards, Anna E., Brackin, Richard, Lindsay, D. Alexander J. and Schmidt, Susanne (2012). Effect of fire and tree-grass patches on soil nitrogen in Australian tropical savannas. Austral Ecology, 37 (6), 668-677. doi: 10.1111/j.1442-9993.2011.02335.x
Soluble inorganic and organic nitrogen in two Australian soils under sugarcane cultivation
Holst, Jirko, Brackin, Richard, Robinson, Nicole, Lakshmanan, Prakash and Schmidt, Susanne (2012). Soluble inorganic and organic nitrogen in two Australian soils under sugarcane cultivation. Agriculture Ecosystems and Environment, 155 (2), 16-26. doi: 10.1016/j.agee.2012.03.015
Amino acids are a nitrogen source for sugarcane
Vinall, Kerry, Schmidt, Susanne, Brackin, Richard, Lakshmanan, Prakash and Robinson, Nicole (2012). Amino acids are a nitrogen source for sugarcane. Functional Plant Biology, 39 (6), 503-511. doi: 10.1071/FP12042
Indigenous and modern biomaterials derived from Triodia ('spinifex') grasslands in Australia
Gamage, Harshi K., Mondal, Subrata, Wallis, Lynley A., Memmott, Paul, Martin, Darren, Wright, Boyd R. and Schmidt, Susanne (2012). Indigenous and modern biomaterials derived from Triodia ('spinifex') grasslands in Australia. Australian Journal of Botany, 60 (2), 114-127. doi: 10.1071/BT11285
Arabidopsis and Lobelia anceps access small peptides as a nitrogen source for growth
Soper, Fiona M., Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat, Brackin, Richard, Rentsch, Doris, Schmidt, Susanne and Robinson, Nicole (2011). Arabidopsis and Lobelia anceps access small peptides as a nitrogen source for growth. Functional Plant Biology, 38 (10), 788-796. doi: 10.1071/FP11077
Rossato, L., MacFarlane, J., Whittaker, M., Pudmenzky, A., Doley, D., Schmidt, S. and Monteiro, M. J. (2011). Metal-binding particles alleviate lead and zinc toxicity during seed germination of metallophyte grass Astrebla lappacea. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 190 (1-3), 772-779. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.03.116
Nitrate paradigm does not hold up for sugarcane
Robinson, Nicole, Brackin, Richard, Vinall, Kerry, Soper, Fiona, Holst, Jirko, Gamage, Harshi, Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat, Rennenberg, Heinz, Lakshmanan, Prakash and Schmidt, Susanne (2011). Nitrate paradigm does not hold up for sugarcane. PLoS One, 6 (4 Article # e19045) e19045, e19045. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019045
Iskandar, Hayati M., Casu, Rosanne E., Fletcher, Andrew T., Schmidt, Susanne, Xu, Jingsheng, Maclean, Donald J., Manners, John M. and Bonnett, Graham D. (2011). Identification of drought-response genes and a study of their expression during sucrose accumulation and water deficit in sugarcane culms. BMC Plant Biology, 11 (1) 12. doi: 10.1186/1471-2229-11-12
Allen, D., Dalal, R. C., Rennenberg, H. and Schmidt, S. (2011). Seasonal variation in nitrous oxide and methane emissions from subtropical estuary and coastal mangrove sediments, Australia. Plant Biology, 13 (1), 126-133. doi: 10.1111/j.1438-8677.2010.00331.x
Uptake of non-pathogenic E. coli by Arabidopsis induces downregulation of heat shock proteins
Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat, Schmidt, Susanne and Lonhienne, Thierry G. A. (2010). Uptake of non-pathogenic E. coli by Arabidopsis induces downregulation of heat shock proteins. Plant Signaling and Behavior, 5 (12), 1626-1628. doi: 10.4161/psb.5.12.13760
Development of an environmental functional gene microarray for soil microbial communities
McGrath, Ken C., Mondav, Rhiannon, Sintrajaya, Regina, Slattery, Bill, Schmidt, Susanne and Schenk, Peer M. (2010). Development of an environmental functional gene microarray for soil microbial communities. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 76 (21), 7161-7170. doi: 10.1128/AEM.03108-09
Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat, Lonhienne, Thierry G. A. and Schmidt, Susanne (2010). DNA uptake by Arabidopsis induces changes in the expression of CLE peptides which control root morphology. Plant Signaling & Behavior, 5 (9), 1-3. doi: 10.4161/psb.5.9.12477
Perennial lifestyle - An adaptation to nutrient limitation?
Rennenberg, Heinz and Schmidt, Susanne (2010). Perennial lifestyle - An adaptation to nutrient limitation?. Tree Physiology, 30 (9), 1047-1049. doi: 10.1093/treephys/tpq076
Complementary resource use by tree species in a rain forest tree plantation
Richards, Anna E. and Schmidt, Susanne (2010). Complementary resource use by tree species in a rain forest tree plantation. Ecological Applications, 20 (5), 1237-1254. doi: 10.1890/09-1180.1
Firn, Jennifer, MacDougall, Andrew S., Schmidt, Susanne and Buckley, Yyonne M. (2010). Early emergence and resource availability can competitively favour natives over a functionally similar invader. Oecologia, 163 (3), 775-784. doi: 10.1007/s00442-010-1583-7
Siddique, Ilyas, Vieira, Ima Celia Guimaraes, Schmidt, Susanne, Lamb, David, Carvalho, Claudio Jose Reis, Figueiredo, Ricardo De, Blomberg, Simon and Davidson, Eric A. (2010). Nitrogen and phosphorus additions negatively affect tree species diversity in tropical forest regrowth trajectories. Ecology, 91 (7), 2121-2131. doi: 10.1890/09-0636.1
Turning the table: Plants consume microbes as a source of nutrients
Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat, Rentsch, Doris, Robatzek, Silke, Webb, Richard I., Sagulenko, Evgeny, Nasholm, Torgny, Schmidt, Susanne and Lonhienne, Thierry G. A. (2010). Turning the table: Plants consume microbes as a source of nutrients. PLoS One, 5 (7) e11915, e11915-1-e11915-11. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0011915
DNA is taken up by root hairs and pollen, and stimulates root and pollen tube growth
Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat, Lonhienne, Thierry G. A., Mudge, Stephen R., Schenk, Peer M., Christie, Michael, Carroll, Bernard J. and Schmidt, Susanne (2010). DNA is taken up by root hairs and pollen, and stimulates root and pollen tube growth. Plant Physiology, 153 (2), 799-805. doi: 10.1104/pp.110.154963
Effect of woody vegetation clearing on nutrient and carbon relations of semi-arid dystrophic savanna
Schmidt, Susanne, Lamble, Rebecca E., Fensham, Rod J. and Siddique, Ilyas (2010). Effect of woody vegetation clearing on nutrient and carbon relations of semi-arid dystrophic savanna. Plant and Soil, 331 (1-2), 79-90. doi: 10.1007/s11104-009-0233-5
A quantitative genetics approach to nitrogen use efficiency in sugarcane
Whan, Alex, Robinson, Nicole, Lakshmanan, Prakash, Schmidt, Susanne and Aitken, Karen (2010). A quantitative genetics approach to nitrogen use efficiency in sugarcane. Functional Plant Biology, 37 (5), 448-454. doi: 10.1071/FP09260
Allen, D. E., Kingston, G., Rennenberg, H., Dalal, R. C. and Schmidt, S. (2010). Effect of nitrogen fertilizer management and waterlogging on nitrous oxide emission from subtropical sugarcane soils. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 136 (3-4), 209-217. doi: 10.1016/j.agee.2009.11.002
Nitrogen partitioning in orchard-grown Macadamia integrifolia
Fletcher, Andrew, Rennenberg, Heinz and Schmidt, Susanne (2010). Nitrogen partitioning in orchard-grown Macadamia integrifolia. Tree Physiology, 30 (2), 244-256. doi: 10.1093/treephys/tpp107
Schmidt, Susanne, Mackintosh, Katrina, Gillett, Rob, Pudmenzky, Alex, Allen, Diane E., Rennenberg, Heinz and Mueller, Jochen F. (2010). Atmospheric concentrations of ammonia and nitrogen dioxide at a tropical coral cay with high seabird density. Journal of Environmental Monitoring, 12 (2), 460-465. doi: 10.1039/b910922f
Rossiter-Rachor, N. A., Setterfield, S. A., Douglas, M. M., Hutley, L. B., Cook, G. D. and Schmidt, S. (2009). Invasive Andropogon gayanus (gamba grass) is an ecosystem transformer of nitrogen relations in Australian savanna. Ecological Applications, 19 (6), 1546-1560. doi: 10.1890/08-0265.1
Nitrogen affects cluster root formation and expression of putative peptide transporters
Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat, Schenk, Peer M., Lonhienne, Thierry G. A., Brackin, Richard, Meier, Stefan, Rentsch, Doris and Schmidt, Susanne (2009). Nitrogen affects cluster root formation and expression of putative peptide transporters. Journal of Experimental Botany, 60 (9), 2665-2676. doi: 10.1093/jxb/erp111
Richards, Anna E., Dalal, Ram C. and Schmidt, Susanne (2009). Carbon storage in a Ferrosol under subtropical rainforest, tree plantations, and pasture is linked to soil aggregation. Australian Journal of Soil Research, 47 (4), 341-350. doi: 10.1071/SR08162
Gamage, Harshi K. and Schmidt, Susanne (2009). Short Communication. A robust method for chromosome quantification and ploidy determination in woody species. Australian Journal of Botany, 57 (2), 87-93. doi: 10.1071/BT09006
Isolation and analysis of mRNA from environmental microbial communities
McGrath, K., Thomas-Hall, S. R., Cheng, C.T., Leo, L., Alexa, A., Schmidt, Susanne and Schenk, Peer M.P. (2008). Isolation and analysis of mRNA from environmental microbial communities. Journal of Microbiological Methods, 75 (2), 172-176. doi: 10.1016/j.mimet.2008.05.019
Ireland, K. B., Noor, N. A. Haji Mohamad, Aitken, E. A. B., Schmidt, S. and Volin, J. C. (2008). First report of Glomerella cingulata (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) causing anthracnose and tip dieback of Lygodium microphyllum and L. japonicum in Australia. Plant Disease, 92 (9), 1369-1369. doi: 10.1094/PDIS-92-9-1369A
Plants can use protein as a nitrogen source without assistance from other organisms
Paungfoo-Lonhienne, C., Lonhienne, T.G.A,, Rentsch, D., Robinson, N., Christie, M., Webb, R.I., Gamage, H. K., Carroll, B. J., Schenk, P. M.P. and Schmidt, Susanne (2008). Plants can use protein as a nitrogen source without assistance from other organisms. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 105 (11), 4524-4529. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0712078105
Siddique, Ilyas, Engel, Vera Lex, Parrotta, John A., Lamb, David, Nardoto, Gabriela B., Ometto, Jean P. H. B., Martinelli, Luiz A. and Schmidt, Susanne (2008). Dominance of legume trees alters nutrient relations in mixed species forest restoration plantings within seven years. Biogeochemistry, 88 (1), 89-101. doi: 10.1007/s10533-008-9196-5
Meyer, Rikke Louise, Allen, Diane Elizabeth and Schmidt, Susanne (2008). Nitrification and denitrification as sources of sediment nitrous oxide production: A microsensor approach. Marine Chemistry, 110 (1-2), 68-76. doi: 10.1016/j.marchem.2008.02.004
Sustainable sugarcane production systems: Reducing plant nitrogen demand
Robinson, N., Fletcher, A., Whan, A., Vinall, K., Brackin, R., Lakshmanan, P. and Schmidt, S. (2008). Sustainable sugarcane production systems: Reducing plant nitrogen demand. Sugar Cane International, 26 (5), 9-12.
The OJIP fast fluorescence rise characterizes Graptophyllum species and their stress responses
Thach, Le Buu, Shapcott, Alison, Schmidt, Susanne and Critchley, Christa (2007). The OJIP fast fluorescence rise characterizes Graptophyllum species and their stress responses. Photosynthesis Research, 94 (2-3), 423-436. doi: 10.1007/s11120-007-9207-8
Soil carbon turnover and sequestration in native subtropical tree plantations
Richards, A. E., Dalal, R. C. and Schmidt, S. (2007). Soil carbon turnover and sequestration in native subtropical tree plantations. Soil Biology & Biochemistry, 39 (8), 2078-2090. doi: 10.1016/j.soilbio.2007.03.012
Mcintyre, Vanessa, Grace, Blair and Schmidt, Susanne (2007). Impacts of the biocontrol agent Malacorhinus irregularis (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) on Mimosa pigra seedlings and the importance of root nodules. Biocontrol Science and Technology, 17 (4), 365-374. doi: 10.1080/09583150701213653
Allen, D. E., Dalal, R. C., Rennenberg, H., Meyer, R. L., Reeves, S. and Schmidt, S. (2007). Spatial and temporal variation of nitrous oxide and methane flux between subtropical mangrove sediments and the atmosphere. Soil Biology & Biochemistry, 39 (2), 622-631. doi: 10.1016/j.soilbio.2006.09.013
Sugarcane genotypes differ in internal nitrogen use efficiency
Robinson, Nicole, Fletcher, Andrew, Whan, Alex, Critchley, Christa, von Wiren, Nicolaus, Lakshmanan, Prakash and Schmidt, Susanne (2007). Sugarcane genotypes differ in internal nitrogen use efficiency. Functional Plant Biology, 34 (12), 1122-1129. doi: 10.1071/FP07183
Transporters for uptake and allocation of organic nitrogen compounds in plants
Rentsch, D., Schmidt, S. and Tegeder, M. (2007). Transporters for uptake and allocation of organic nitrogen compounds in plants. FEBS Letters, 581 (12), 2281-2289. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2007.04.013
Manson, Daniel G., Hanan, Jim, Hunt, Mark, Bristow, Mila, Erskine, Peter D., Lamb, David and Schmidt, Susanne (2006). Modelling predicts positive and negative interactions between three Australian tropical tree species in monoculture and binary mixture. Forest Ecology And Management, 233 (2-3), 315-323. doi: 10.1016/j.foreco.2006.05.028
Adaptations of strangler figs to life in the rainforest canopy
Schmidt, Susanne and Tracey, Dieter P. (2006). Adaptations of strangler figs to life in the rainforest canopy. Functional Plant Biology, 33 (5), 465-475. doi: 10.1071/FP06014
Schmidt, Susanne, Handley, Linda L. and Sangtiean, Tanuwong (2006). Effects of nitrogen source and ectomycorrhizal association on growth and delta N-15 of two subtropical Eucalyptus species from contrasting ecosystems. Functional Plant Biology, 33 (4), 367-379. doi: 10.1071/FP05260
Foreword to 'ecophysiology of Australasian plants and ecosystems'
Hovenden, Mark and Schmidt, Susanne (2004). Foreword to 'ecophysiology of Australasian plants and ecosystems'. Functional Plant Biology, 31 (5), iv-iv. doi: 10.1071/FP04902
Nitrogen ecophysiology of Heron Island, a subtropical coral cay of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Schmidt, Susanne, Dennison, William C., Moss, Gordon J. and Stewart, George R. (2004). Nitrogen ecophysiology of Heron Island, a subtropical coral cay of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Functional Plant Biology, 31 (5), 517-528. doi: 10.1071/FP04024
Richards, A. E., Shapcott, A., Playford, J., Morrison, B., Critchley, C. and Schmidt, S. (2003). Physiological profiles of restricted endemic plants and their widespread congenors in the North Queensland wet tropics, Australia. Biological Conservation, 111 (1), 41-52. doi: 10.1016/S0006-3207(02)00245-8
Nitrogen use strategies of neotropical rainforest trees in threatened Atlantic Forest
Aidar, M. P. M., Schmidt, S., Moss, G., Stewart, G. R. and Joly, C. A. (2003). Nitrogen use strategies of neotropical rainforest trees in threatened Atlantic Forest. Plant Cell And Environment, 26 (3), 389-399. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-3040.2003.00970.x
Do cluster roots of Hakea actities (Proteaceae) acquire complex organic nitrogen?
Schmidt, S., Mason, M., Sangtiean, T. and Stewart, G. R. (2003). Do cluster roots of Hakea actities (Proteaceae) acquire complex organic nitrogen?. Plant and Soil, 248 (1-2), 157-165. doi: 10.1023/A:1022352415728
Schmidt, S. and Stewart, G. R. (2003). delta N-15 values of tropical savanna and monsoon forest species reflect root specialisations and soil nitrogen status. Oecologia, 134 (4), 569-577. doi: 10.1007/s00442-002-1150-y
Can the nitrogenous composition of xylem sap be used to assess salinity stress in Casuarina glauca?
Cramer, V. A., Schmidt, S., Stewart, G. R. and Thorburn, P. J. (2002). Can the nitrogenous composition of xylem sap be used to assess salinity stress in Casuarina glauca?. Tree Physiology, 22 (14), 1019-1026. doi: 10.1093/treephys/22.14.1019
Sangtiean, T. and Schmidt, S. (2002). Growth of subtropical ECM fungi with different nitrogen sources using a new floating culture technique. Mycological Research, 106 (1), 74-85. doi: 10.1017/S0953756201005226
Stewart, G. R., Aidar, M. P. M., Joly, C. A. and Schmidt, S. (2002). Impact of point source pollution on nitrogen isotope signatures (delta N-15) of vegetation in SE Brazil. Oecologia, 131 (3), 468-472. doi: 10.1007/s00442-002-0906-8
Bergstrom, D. M., Stewart, G. R., Selkirk, P. M. and Schmidt, S. (2002). N-15 natural abundance of fossil peat reflects the influence of animal-derived nitrogen on vegetation. Oecologia, 130 (2), 309-314. doi: 10.1007/s004420100807
Schmidt, S. and Lamble, R. E. (2002). Nutrient dynamics in Queensland savannas: Implications for the sustainability of land clearing for pasture production. Rangeland Journal, 24 (1), 96-111. doi: 10.1071/RJ02005
Rapid isolation of total RNA and genomic DNA from Hakea actities
Mason, M. G. and Schmidt, S. (2002). Rapid isolation of total RNA and genomic DNA from Hakea actities. Functional Plant Biology, 29 (8), 1013-1016. doi: 10.1071/PP01151
Denton, Tricia M., Schmidt, Susanne, Critchley, Christa and Stewart, George R. (2001). Natural abundance of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in Cannabis sativa reflects growth conditions. Australian Journal of Plant Physiology, 28 (10), 1005-1012. doi: 10.1071/PP01066
Glycine metabolism by plant roots and its occurrence in Australian plant communities
Schmidt, S. and Stewart, G. (1999). Glycine metabolism by plant roots and its occurrence in Australian plant communities. Australian Journal of Plant Physiology, 26 (3), 253-264. doi: 10.1071/PP98116
Schmidt, S, Stewart, GR and Ashwath, N (1999). Monitoring plant physiological characteristics to evaluate mine site revegetation: A case study from the wet-dry tropics of northern Australia. Plant and Soil, 215 (1), 73-84. doi: 10.1023/A:1004721330261
The N-15 natural abundance (delta N-15) of ecosystem samples reflects measures of water availability
Handley, L.L., Austin, A.T., Robinson, D., Scrimgeour, C.M., Raven, J.A., Heaton, T.H.E., Schmidt, S. and Stewart, G.R. (1999). The N-15 natural abundance (delta N-15) of ecosystem samples reflects measures of water availability. Australian Journal of Plant Physiology, 26 (2), 185-199. doi: 10.1071/PP98146
Nitrogen relations of natural and disturbed plant communities in tropical Australia
Schmidt, S, Stewart, GR, Turnbull, MH, Erskine, PD and Ashwath, N (1998). Nitrogen relations of natural and disturbed plant communities in tropical Australia. Oecologia, 117 (1-2), 95-104. doi: 10.1007/s004420050636
Erskine, PD, Bergstrom, DM, Schmidt, S, Stewart, GR, Tweedie, CE and Shaw, JD (1998). Subantarctic Macquarie Island - a model ecosystem for studying animal-derived nitrogen sources using N-15 natural abundance. Oecologia, 117 (1-2), 187-193. doi: 10.1007/s004420050647
Schmidt, S and Stewart, GR (1998). Transport, storage and mobilization of nitrogen by trees and shrubs in the wet/dry tropics of northern Australia. Tree Physiology, 18 (6), 403-410. doi: 10.1093/treephys/18.6.403
Schmidt, S and Stewart, GR (1997). Waterlogging and fire impacts on nitrogen availability and utilization in a subtropical wet heathland (wallum). Plant Cell And Environment, 20 (10), 1231-1241. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-3040.1997.d01-20.x
Root adaptation and nitrogen source acquisition in natural ecosystems
Turnbull, Matthew H., Schmidt, Susanne, Erskine, Peter D., Richards, Suanne and Stewart, George R. (1996). Root adaptation and nitrogen source acquisition in natural ecosystems. Tree Physiology, 16 (11-12), 941-948. doi: 10.1093/treephys/16.11-12.941
Erskine, P. D., Stewart, G. R., Schmidt, S., Turnbull, M. H., Unkovich, M. and Pate, J. S. (1996). Water availability - A physiological constraint on nitrate utilization in plants of Australian semi-arid mulga woodlands. Plant, Cell and Environment, 19 (10), 1149-1159. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3040.1996.tb00430.x
Stewart, G. R., Turnbull, M. H., Schmidt, S. and Erskine, P. D. (1995). 13C natural abundance in plant communities along a rainfall gradient: A biological integrator of water availability. Australian Journal of Plant Physiology, 22 (1), 51-55. doi: 10.1071/PP9950051
Stewart, G. R., Schmidt, S., Handley, L. L., Turnbull, M. H., Erskine, P. D. and Joly, C. A. (1995). 15N natural abundance of vascular rainforest epiphytes: Implications for nitrogen source and acquisition. Plant, Cell and Environment, 18 (1), 85-90. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3040.1995.tb00547.x
Soil biological health - What is it, and how can we improve it?
Brackin, Richard, Schmidt, Susanne, Walter, David, Bhuiyan, Shamsul, Buckley, Scott and Anderson, Jay (2017). Soil biological health - What is it, and how can we improve it?. Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists, Cairns, QLD, Australia, 3-5 May 2017. Cairns, QLD, Australia: Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists.
Soil biological health-what is it and how can we improve it?
Brackin, Richard, Schmidt, Susanne, Walter, David, Bhuiyan, Shamsul, Buckley, Scott and Anderson, Jay (2017). Soil biological health-what is it and how can we improve it?. 39th Annual Conference of the Australian-Society-of-Sugar-Cane-Technologists, Cairns Australia, 2017. London, United Kingdom: Informa Agra.
Robinson, N., Brackin, R., Paungfoo-Lonhienne, C., Lonhienne, T., Westermann, M., Salazar, M., Yeoh, Y. K ., Hugenholtz, P., Ragan, M. A., Redding, M., Pratt, C., Wang, W. J., Royle, A., DiBella, L., Lakshmanan, P. and Schmidt, S. (2016). Addressing the nitrogen problem in sugarcane production to reduce pollution of the Great Barrier Reef. International Nitrogen Initiative Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 4-8 December 2016. Melbourne, Australia: International Nitrogen Initiative.
Buckley, Scott, Brackin, Richard and Schmidt, Susanne (2016). Microdialysis - a sensitive method for estimating plant-available N released during litter decomposition. International Nitrogen Initiative Conference, Melbourne, 4-8 December 2016. Melbourne VIC Australia: International Nitrogen Initiative.
Microdialysis – a new technology for investigating soil nitrogen fluxes in the rhizosphere
Brackin, Richard, Nasholm, Torgny, Robinson, Nicole, Guillou, Stephane, Vinall, Kerry, Buckley, Scott, Lakshmanan, Prakash, Schmidt, Susanne and Inselsbacher, Erich (2016). Microdialysis – a new technology for investigating soil nitrogen fluxes in the rhizosphere. International Nitrogen Initiative Conference, Melbourne VIC Australia, 4-8 December 2016. Melbourne VIC Australia: International Nitrogen Initiative.
Reducing nitrous oxide emissions from sugarcane soil with legume intercropping
Salazar Cajas, Monica Elizabeth, Robinson, Nicole, Royle, Adam, Di Bella, Lawrence, Wang, Weijin, Heenan, Marijke, Reeves, Steven, Schmidt, Susanne and Brackin, Richard (2016). Reducing nitrous oxide emissions from sugarcane soil with legume intercropping. International Nitrogen Initiative Conference, Melbourne VIC Australia, 4-8 December 2016. Melbourne VIC Australia: International Nitrogen Initiative.
Student experiences with contrasting first year science programs
Schmidt, Susanne, Matthews, Kelly, Firn, Jennifer and Whelan, Karen (2016). Student experiences with contrasting first year science programs. Queensland Universities Educators Showcase, Brisbane, Australia, 26-27 September 2016.
Impact of nitrogen inputs to a sugarcane soil on plant-parasitic nematodes and their natural enemies
Stirling, G. R., Stirling, A. M., Schmidt, S. and Robinson, N. (2015). Impact of nitrogen inputs to a sugarcane soil on plant-parasitic nematodes and their natural enemies. 37th Annual Conference of the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists, ASSCT 2015, Bundaberg, QLD Australia, 28-30 April 2015. Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists.
Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) for use in horticulture.
Fangrath, S, Mudge, S., Deng, Y, Robinson, N, Schmidt, S, Hugenholtz, P, Ragan, M and Paungfoo-Lonhienne, C (2014). Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) for use in horticulture.. The 29th International Horticultural Congress, Brisbane Convention Centre, Brisbane Qld, Australia, 17 - 22 August 2014.
Microbial dynamics in forest and sugarcane soils of Queensland
Brackin, Richard, Robinson, Nicole, Lakshmanan, Prakash and Schmidt, Susanne (2012). Microbial dynamics in forest and sugarcane soils of Queensland. Soil Science: Joint Australian and New Zealand Soil Science Conference: Soil solutions for diverse landscapes, Hobart, Australia, 2-7 December 2012. Warragul, Victoria: Australian Society of Soil Science.
Guterres, J., Rossato, L., Pudmenzky, A., Doley, D., Whittaker, M. and Schmidt, S. (2012). Micron-size metal-binding hydrogel particles improve germination and radicle elongation of Australian metallophyte grasses in mine waste rock and tailings. Seventh International Conference on Mine Closure, Brisbane, Australia, 25-27 September 2012. Nedlands, WA, Australia: Australian Centre for Geomechanics (ACG).
Bigot, M., Guterres, J., Rossato, L., Pudmenzky, A., Doley, D., Whittaker, M., Pillai-McGarry, U. and Schmidt, S. (2012). Novel metal-binding hydrogel particles alleviate soil toxicity and facilitate healthy plant establishment of the native metallophyte grass Astrebla lappacea in mine waste rock and tailings. Seventh International Conference on Mine Closure, Brisbane, Australia, 25-27 September 2012. Nedlands, WA, Australia: Australian Centre for Geomechanics (ACG).
Guterres, Jaquelina, Rossato, Laurence, Pudmenzky, Alex, Doley, David, Whittaker, Michael and Schmidt, Susanne (2011). Micron-sized metal-binding hydrogel particles improve germination and root elongation of Australian metallophyte grasses (Astrebla lappacea and Austrostipa scabra) on highly polluted waste rock and tailings. 32nd Australasian Polymer Symposium, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia, 13-16 February 2011.
Green building materials from spinifex
Gamage, H., De Silva, S., Flutter, N., O'Rourke, T., Memmott, P., Martin, D. and Schmidt, S. (2010). Green building materials from spinifex. XXIII IUFRO World Congress, Seoul, Republic of Korea, 23-28 August, 2010. United Kingdom: Commonwealth Forestry Association.
Evidence of differences in nitrogen use efficiency in sugarcane genotypes
Robinson, N., Gamage, H. K., Whan, A., Vinall, K., Fletcher, A., Brackin, R. T., Holst, J., Lakshmanan, P. and Schmidt, Susanne (2009). Evidence of differences in nitrogen use efficiency in sugarcane genotypes. Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists, Ballina, NSW, Australia, 6-8 May 2009. Brisbane, Australia: Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists.
Rossato, L., Pudmenzky, A., Doley, D., Monteiro, M., Whittaker, M., Schmidt, S., MacFarlane, J. and Baker, A. J. M. (2009). Metal-binding particles enhance germination and radicle tolerance index of the metallophyte grass Astrebia lappacea Lindl. under phytotoxic lead and zinc condition. Mine Closure 2009: Fourth International Seminar on Mine Closure, Perth, WA, Australia, 9-11 September 2009. Nedlands, WA, Australia: Australian Centre for Geomechanics.
A new nitrogen source from crop residues: Sugarcane uses organic nitrogen for growth
Brackin, R., Robinson, N., Lakshmanan, P. and Schmidt, S. (2008). A new nitrogen source from crop residues: Sugarcane uses organic nitrogen for growth. 30th Annual Conference Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists, ASSCT 2008, Townsville, QLD, Australia, 29 April - 2 May 2008. Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists.
An integrated approach to reducing n inputs in australian sugarcane farming systems
Robinson, N., Whan, A., Fletcher, A., Vinall, K., Brackin, R., Lakshmanan, P. and Schmidt, S. (2008). An integrated approach to reducing n inputs in australian sugarcane farming systems. 30th Annual Conference Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists, ASSCT 2008, Townsville, QLD, Australia, 29 April - 2 May 2008. Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists.
Clech-Goods, C., Schooler, S., Lovelock, C. and Schmidt, S. (2008). Does plant response to the limiting resource explain invasibility? An experimental test using two invasive weeds and their non-invasive native congeners. 16th Australian Weeds Conference, Cairns, Australia, 18-22 May. Brisbane, Australia: Queensland Weeds Society.
Knowledge of soil biology to reduce nitrogen loss as N2O from sugarcane farming
McGrath, K., Brackin, R.T., Lakshmanan, P., Schenk, P.M.P. and Schmidt, S. (2008). Knowledge of soil biology to reduce nitrogen loss as N2O from sugarcane farming. Conference of the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologies, Townsville, Australia, 29 April - 2 May 2008. Australia: Scribe Consulting.
Knowledge of soil biology to reduce nitrogen loss as N2O from sugarcane farming
Mcgrath, K., Brackin, R., Lakshmanan, P., Schenk, P. and Schmidt, S. (2008). Knowledge of soil biology to reduce nitrogen loss as N2O from sugarcane farming. Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists.
Allen, D., Kingston, G., Rennenberg, H., Dalal, R. and Schmidt, S. (2008). Nitrous oxide emissions from sugarcane soils as influenced by waterlogging and split N fertiliser applications. Conference of the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologies, Townsville, Australia, 29 April - 2 May 2008. Australia: Scribe Consulting.
Sustainable sugarcane production systems: reducing plant nitrogen demand
Robinson, N., Fletcher, A.T., Whan, A., Vinall, K., Brackin, R.T., Lakshmanan, P. and Schmidt, S. (2008). Sustainable sugarcane production systems: reducing plant nitrogen demand. Conference of the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologies, Townsville, Australia, 29 April - 2 May 2008. Australia: Scribe Consulting.
The effect of temperature on germination of Saccharum seed
Powell, Rosanna, Olivares-Villegas, Juan Jose, Berding, Nils, Schmidt, Susanne and Bonnett, Graham (2008). The effect of temperature on germination of Saccharum seed. 2008 ASSCT Conference - 30th Annual Conference Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologist, Townsville, QLD, Australia, 29th April - 2nd May 2008. Brisbane, Australia: Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists.
Understanding nitrogen use efficiency in sugarcane: A quantitative genetics approach
Whan, A. P., Robinson, N., Aitken, K. S., Lakshmanan, P. and Schmidt, S. (2008). Understanding nitrogen use efficiency in sugarcane: A quantitative genetics approach. 30th Annual Conference Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists, ASSCT 2008, Townsville, QLD, Australia, 29 April - 2 May 2008. Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists.
Foreword to 'Plant and Ecosystem Physiology: Research and Methodology'
Schmidt, Susanne, Gleadow, Ros and Robinson, Sharon (2006). Foreword to 'Plant and Ecosystem Physiology: Research and Methodology'. Collingwood: Csiro Publishing. doi: 10.1071/FPv33n5_FO
Genetic and Physiological traits of diploid progenitors and newly synthesized polyploidy trees
Gamage, Harshi K., Prentis, Peter, Lowe, Andrew J., Lamont, Malcolm and Schmidt, Susanne (2006). Genetic and Physiological traits of diploid progenitors and newly synthesized polyploidy trees. IUFRO Division 2 Joint Conference: Low input breeding and genetic conservation of forest tree species, Antalya, Turkey, 9-13 October 2006.
Special issue: Ecophysiology of Australasian plants and ecosystems. Foreword
Hovenden, Mark and Schmidt, Susanne (2004). Special issue: Ecophysiology of Australasian plants and ecosystems. Foreword. doi: 10.1071/FPv31n5toc
Richards, A., Shapcott, A., Playford, J., Critchley, C. and Schmidt, S. (2001). Why are some plants rare?. Situating the Environment 2001, The University of Queensland, 15-16 February, 2001. St Lucia, Brisbane: The University of Queensland.
Efficient nutrient acquisition by Australian native plants
Mason, M., Downey, M., Ealing, P. M., Von Wiren, N., Critchley, C., Schmidt, S. and Stewart, G. (2000). Efficient nutrient acquisition by Australian native plants. Com Bio 2000, Wellington, NZ, 11-14 Dec, 2000. Victoria, Australia: Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Internal nitrogen cycling in seagrass: Patterns and process
Collier, C., Dennison, W. C. and Schmidt, S. (1999). Internal nitrogen cycling in seagrass: Patterns and process. Combio 99, Conrad Jupiters, Gold Coast, 27-30 Sept 99. Kentown, SA: Australian Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology.
Novel biomonitoring techniques for evaluating the sustainability of mine site revegetation
Schmidt, S., Stewart, G., Golding, S. D. and Sullivan, C. (1999). Novel biomonitoring techniques for evaluating the sustainability of mine site revegetation. Combio 99, Conrad Jupiters, Gold Coast, 27-30 September, 1999. Kentown, SA: Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Australian and New Zealand Society for Cell & Developmental Biology and Australian Society of Plant Physiologists.
Royal fertilizer at the polar front
Erskine, P. D., Bergstrom, D., Schmidt, S., Stewart, G., Tweedie, C. and Shaw, J. D. (1999). Royal fertilizer at the polar front. 9th ITEX Meeting, Marriott Hotel, East Lansing, MI, January 5 - 7, 1999. Michigan, USA: Michigan State University.
Harwood, M. R., Grigg, A. H., Schmidt, S., Mulligan, D. R., Bellairs, S. M. and Foot, P. (1999). Vegetation, nutrients, water and fire: ecosystem development following heavy mineral sands mining on north Stradbroke Island. Mining into the next century: environmental opportunities ans, Townsville, Queensland, 10th - 15th October,1999. Canberra: Minerals Council of Australia.
Root adaptation and nitrogen source acquisition in natural ecosystems
Turnbull, M. H., Schmidt, S., Erskine, P. D., Richards, S. and Stewart, G. R. (1996). Root adaptation and nitrogen source acquisition in natural ecosystems. International Symposium on Dynamics of Physiological Processes in Woody Roots, Ithaca, NY, United States, 8-11 October 1995. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press.
The 15N natural abundance patterns of field-collected fungi from three kinds of ecosystems
Handley, L. L., Brendel, O., Scrimgeour, C. M., Schmidt, S., Raven, J. A., Turnbull, M. H. and Stewart, G. R. (1996). The 15N natural abundance patterns of field-collected fungi from three kinds of ecosystems. 2nd Stable Isotope Mass Spectrometry Users Group (SIMSUG) Meeting, Bangor, Wales, 10-12 January 1996. West Sussex, United Kingdom: John Wiley & Sons. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-0231(19960610)10:8<974::AID-RCM533>3.0.CO;2-Z
A review of nitrogen use efficiency in sugarcane
Bell, Mike J., Biggs, Jody, Brennan McKellar, L., Connellan, Julian, Di Bella, Lawrence, Dwyer, Rod, Empson, Marine, Garside, Alan J., Harvey, Tim, Kraak, Jeff, Lakshmanan, Prakash, Lamb, David W., Meier, Elizabeth, Moody, Phil, Muster, Tim, Palmer, Jeda, Robinson, Nicole, Robson, Andrew, Salter, Barry, Schroeder, Bernard, Silburn, Mark, Schmidt, Susanne, Skocaj, Danielle M., Stacey, Samuel, Stanley, John, Thorburn, Peter, Verburg, Kirsten, Walker, Charlie, Wang, Weijin and Wood, Andrew (2015). A review of nitrogen use efficiency in sugarcane. Sugar Research Australia Limited.
Rossato, L., Suzanne, R., Monteiro, Michael, Whittaker, M., Baumgartl, T., Doley, D., Pudmensky, A. and Schmidt, S. (2011). Soil remediation process. ZA201009100.
Rossato, Laurence Suzanne Rosa, Pudmenzky, Alexander, Doley, David, Monteiro, Michael, Whittaker, Michael and Schmidt, Susanne (2008). Soil remediation process. 20110182670.
Nitrogen relations in tropical and subtropical Australian plant communities
Schmidt, Susanne (1996). Nitrogen relations in tropical and subtropical Australian plant communities. PhD Thesis, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/5319c2d
A Deadly Solution: Towards an Indigenous-led Bush Food Industry
(2022–2027) ARC Discovery Indigenous
Realising Smart Compost Formulations
(2022–2026) Fight Food Waste CRC
Advancing rapid in-field quantification of Soil Organic Carbon
(2022) Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources
(2020–2025) Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University
From food waste to smart compost formulations (SCF)
(2020–2021) Fight Food Waste CRC
Boosting natural regeneration of the nitrogen capital in grazing lands
(2019–2024) Meat & Livestock Australia
The Integrated Bio-economy Project and the Controlled Biosphere
(2019–2022) ARC Linkage Projects
Micro-analysis and micro-manipulation equipment for next-generation fertiliser development
(2019) UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
(2018–2023) University of Tasmania
(BriBo) Collaboration on Efficiency of recycled phosphorus as next-generation fertiliser
(2018–2019) Universities Australia - Germany Joint Research Co-operation Scheme
(2017–2023) University of the Sunshine Coast
Environmentally responsive biocomposite fertilisers
(2017–2021) Queensland Government Advance Queensland Innovation Partnerships
(2017–2020) Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry
Licence to farm: Nitrogen use efficient varieties to meet the future environmental targets
(2016–2019) Sugar Research Australia Limited
Mineral controls on soil carbon stability along the subtropical giant podzol Cooloola chronosequence
(2015–2019) Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
(2015–2017) Biological Crop Protection Pty Ltd
Developing next-generation bio-fertilisers
(2015–2016) UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund - Seed Research Grant
(2015–2016) Everyone's Environment Grants
(2014–2015) UniQuest Pty Ltd
(2014–2015) UniQuest Pty Ltd
(2014) UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund - Seed Research Grant
Optimised harvesting of spinifex
(2014) UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund - FirstLink
Functional response of Triodia in the Australian arid zone
(2013–2018) Australian Flora Foundation Inc.
Developing sugarcane-legume companion cropping systems
(2013–2017) Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry
Accelerated crop development and environmental compliance of agricultural and food systems
(2013) UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
Advancing livestock waste as low emission - high efficiency fertilizers
(2012–2015) Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Developing native micro-organisms as bio-fertiliser for sustainable sugarcane production
(2012–2014) UQ FirstLink Scheme
Ecogenomics of Queensland sugarcane soils
(2012–2014) Queensland Government Smart Futures Co-Investment Fund
Profiling biodunder formulations as organic soil amendment for the sugarcane industry
(2012–2014) UniQuest Pty Ltd
(2012–2014) UQ FirstLink Scheme
(2012–2013) UniQuest Pty Ltd
Evaluating soil carbon turnover along the Cooloola chronosequence with radiocarbon dating
(2012) Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
(2011–2013) Climate Change Adaptation Research Grants Program
(2011) UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
Constructing a comparative reference collection of phytoliths from north Queensland vegetation
(2010–2013) The Hermon Slade Foundation
(2010–2012) UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund
SaveN cane: Developing selection tools for nitrogen efficient sugarcane
(2009–2014) Sugar Research & Development Corporation
(2009–2012) Griffith University
Towards sustainable bioproduction systems: harnessing organic nitrogen for plant growth
(2009–2011) ARC Discovery Projects
(2008–2012) ARC Discovery Projects
(2008–2009) UQ FirstLink Scheme
Advanced environmental and process analysis facility
(2008) UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
Controlled Environment Facilities for the Challenges of the 21st Century
(2008) UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
(2007–2010) ARC Linkage Projects
Creating Sustainable Sugarcane Production Systems: Reducing Plant Nitrogen Demand
(2007–2010) CRC for Sugar Industry Innovation through Biotechnology
(2006–2008) Commonwealth Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
(2006) Florida Atlantic University
Soil carbon turnover in native subtropical tree plantations in Australia
(2006) Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
Feasting on protein? Strategies of organic nitrogen acquisition by plant roots
(2005–2007) ARC Discovery Projects
(2005–2007) Florida Atlantic University
(2004–2006) University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
(2003–2008) CRC for Sugar Industry Innovation through Biotechnology
Greenhouse gas emission from sugarcane and mangrove communities in coastal Queensland
(2003–2006) ARC Linkage Projects
(2003–2004) Australian Antarctic Division
The Functional Importance of Forest Biodiversity for Carbon Sequestration
(2003–2004) UQ FirstLink Scheme
Nitrogen characteristics of plant communities along the North Australian Tropical Transect (NATT)
(2002–2004) ARC Discovery Projects
Can Hakea cluster roots take up peptides from the soil?
(2002) UQ Early Career Researcher
The physiological profile of rarity in plants of the Queensland wet tropics.
(2000) ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
(1997–2002) Antarctic Science Advisory Committee
Nitrogen studies in Subantarctic terrestrial environments
(1997–2001) Antarctic Science Advisory Committee
Travel to the Northern Territory
(1994) Australian Nature Conservation Agency
Assessing the Financial, Economic, and Market Feasibility of Bio-Fertilizer Technology on Agricultural and Tree Crop Production in Visayas, Philippines
Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
Development of an efficient, safe and environmentally friendly oil extraction process from microalgae
Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Sustainable biofuel production from microalgae using a closed nutrient loop
Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Testing suitability of biosolids derivatives for carbon sequestration into soils and post-mining substrates
Master Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
From complex to complicated: Addressing global phosphorus inefficiency with field scale agricultural systems models
Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
On-ground management of soil nutrients by integrating proximal and remote sensing platforms in northern Australian savannas grazing lands
Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
Towards responsible nitrogen use in Oceania
Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
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Optimising supply chain and composting techniques to reduce Australia's food waste problem
Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
Advancing the circular economy: phosphorus recycling and next-generation fertilisers
Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
Assigning function to the core microbiome of banana
Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
Costs and benefits of plant-microbe symbioses
Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
Characterising nitrogen use efficiency in sugarcane
Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
Minimising the impacts of land use on microbially mediated soil ecosystem services
Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
Assessing the effect of species selection on reforestation success: case studies from Australia and the Philippines.
Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Advancing biofertiliser for sustainable agriculture
Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
Biocrust microorganisms and their function in Australian savanna grazing lands
Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
(2022) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
The role of nitrogen in enhancing the resilience of tropical tree seedlings used for restoration
(2022) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
Evaluating the Efficacy of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria In Australian Agriculture
(2021) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
Functional response of Triodia species to the Australian arid zone
(2021) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
A microdialysis perspective of soil nitrogen availability
(2019) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
DEVELOPING SUGARCANE - LEGUME COMPANION CROPPING SYSTEMS TO MINIMISE NITROUS OXIDE EMISSIONS
(2019) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Soil organic matter turnover over decadal to millennial timescales
(2019) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
Effect of soil amendments on greenhouse gas emissions from subtropical soils
(2017) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Restoration of soil microbes and organic matter through tropical reforestation
(2017) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
(2015) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Microbial processes in sugarcane soils in context of nitrogen and carbon cycles
(2014) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
Predicting growth in mixed-species tree plantations: An Australian Wet Tropics case study
(2012) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
Use of inorganic and organic nitrogen sources by sugarcane
(2011) Master Philosophy — Principal Advisor
(2009) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
The genetic basis of nitrogen use efficiency in sugarcane
(2009) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
(2008) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
(2008) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
CARBON SEQUESTRATION IN NATIVE RAINFOREST TREE PLANTATIONS
(2007) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
Nitrogen and Carbon cycling in Macadamia integrifolia
(2003) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
THE INFLUENCE OF LIGHT ON NITROGEN METABOLISM
(2003) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
Development of biomonitoring indicators for evaluating the sustainability of mine site revegetation
(2002) Master Science — Principal Advisor
The Influence of Soil pH on Microbial Community Structure and Function
(2023) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
(2023) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
(2022) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
Water use of tropical trees: plant traits and water isotope relationships
(2022) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Exploring the physiological flexibility of reef-building corals in a changing environment
(2019) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
(2019) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
(2019) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
Genome wide analysis and allele mining of diverse sorghum genes involved in nitrogen use efficiency
(2017) Master Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
Investigation of root and associated soil microbiomes of sugarcane and other plants
(2015) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
(2014) Master Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
(2013) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
(2011) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
(2010) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
Understanding the mechanisms behind invasion to improve the efficacy of control strategies
(2009) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
Comparative ecophysiology of Graptophyllum species in Australia
(2007) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
DEVELOPMENT OF PASSIVE AIR SAMPLERS FOR SEMIVOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
(2005) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
ANALYSES OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STABLE ISOTOPE SIGNATURES, LEAF EPIDERMAL MORPHOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2004) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Note for students: The possible research projects listed on this page may not be comprehensive or up to date. Always feel free to contact the staff for more information, and also with your own research ideas.
Indigenous-led bushfood industry: advancing Australia's native plant foods
Our Indigenous-led Australian Research Council-funded "A Deadly Solution: Towards an Indigenous-led bush food industry" has Indigenous communities in Queensland guide the expanding Australian bushfood industry to develop plants for new food and flavour products. Advancing economic opportunities for Australia's Traditional Owners to achieve cultural, health and environmental benefits, this interdisciplinary project facets include identifying bushfood plants, propagation, selecting ecotypes with desirable traits, restoring degraded land, and developing new production systems - from horticulture to wild harvest. Projects are available for students of all levels (undergraduate, Honours, postgraduate) and we encourage with Indigenous and non-indigenous students encouraged to apply. https://agriculture-food-sustainability.uq.edu.au/research/bushfoods
Formulating biocrust organisms to restore degraded soils
Cattle grazing in Australia's savannas has to be sustainable. Our project explores biocrusts, the living soil cover composed of biodiverse communities of microscopic organisms. Biocrusts fix carbon and nitrogen and are essential for maintaining soil fertility. This project will profile effective biocrust to develop methodologies to restore landscapes in which soils are degraded. The project is part of a consortium of government and industry stakeholders. All levels of students are encouraged to apply.
War on Waste - superior fertilisers and soil amendments from organic wastes and recyclates
We are developing next-generation fertilisers from waste, including compost and other recyclates. This has many benefits as next-generation fertilisers avoid landfill (where waste generates greenhouse gases), supplement or replace conventional fertilisers, which can be costly and damage the environment, and support soil health and farm profits. The project is supported by the Fight Food Waste CRC (https://fightfoodwastecrc.com.au/) and the organic waste recycling industry. Projects are available (lab, glasshouse, field, modelling) in collaboration with engineers, farmers and government in Australia and overseas.
Boosting soil carbon storage and nutrient efficiency with biosolids including biochar
We can mitigate climate change and restore degraded soils by replenishing carbon and organic matter through re-purposing carbon- and nutrient-rich organic wastes. This transdisciplinary project has plant and soil scientists working alongside waste engineers, government and industry partners in the Industry Transformation Training Centre for Biosolids. Candidates interested in researching biosolids - digested, heated or pyrolysed will identify safe and efficient ways for rebuilding soil carbon stores and delivering nutrients to plants. Projects available for all levels (undergraduate, Honours, postgraduate).
Quantifying the benefits of compost for sugarcane farming
Soil and crop health are integral to high crop yields, yet degraded soils that have lost physical, chemical and biological function often reduce crop vigour and yield. We want to understand how compost can improve soils, and this project will test the changes in vital soil functions at an innovative sugarcane farm in NQLD that has been using compost for several years. Soil traits, nutrient supply, and yield are among the topics to explore in collaboration with economist, transportation engineer, and modeler. Projects are available for all levels (undergraduate, Honours, postgraduate. https://fightfoodwastecrc.com.au/)
Is organically grown food superior to conventionally grown food?
There is a lot of debate about farming systems that more efficiently use nutrients (fertilisers) to avoid high costs to farmers and the environment. Our research is testing a range of organic recyclates, including compost and microbial biomass as organic sources of fertilisers. This project will allow the student to set up experiments to test if food crops differ in nutritional value and taste when grown with organic vs. mineral fertiliser. Further, the student can compare purchased organic vs. conventional foods from supermarkets/markets for taste and food quality.
Better fertilisers - harnessing material engineering for the circular economy
Nitrogen pollution exceeds the safe planetary boundaries and has a terrible impact on the natural environment, such as the iconic Great Barrier Reef. Nitrogen pollution originates from wastes (such as manures and sewage) and the inefficient use of fertilisers in agricultural land. There is much opportunity to advance the circular nutrient economy by repurposing and re-designing fertilisers that better match crop demand and have a longer soil residence time than current products. This interdisciplinary project combines expertise in plants, soil, microbes and engineering.to address the pervasive problem of nutrient inefficiencies to boost crop production, climate change mitigation, and the economics of farming.
Legumes for people, crops and soil
Grain legumes, such as chickpea, soy and mungbean, are essential elements of human nutrition as a protein substitute for meat and a healthy complement to a cereal-rich diet. Grain legumes also benefit other crops by generating nitrogen biologically and restocking soil N reserves, thereby supplementing synthetic N fertiliser. Despite the many benefits of legumes with superior values for humans and the environment, their production is limited by low and variable yields. We integrate research from molecular advances to agronomic outcomes, evaluating roots of grain legumes as the basis for resource-efficient and resilient future crops. Projects available at all project levels, co-supervised by government and industry.
Quantifying the health benefits of black garlic using metabolite analysis
There is much interest in optimising our health and the role food plays. Garlic is a significant health food but one that not everyone can tolerate. In this project, we are collaborating with an industry partner who is developing 'Black Garlic' as a health food with a sweet rather than 'garlic' flavour. The student will be co-supervised by food scientists and work with the industry partner and garlic producers to quantify the phytochemicals in different types of raw and processed (black) garlic. A metabolomics platform will be used to quantify anti-inflammatory phytochemicals, vitamins and others. The outcomes of the project is optimising black garlic production, producing information that back up health claims and enabling the Australian garlic industry to expand into a new market.
Liverworts in Australia drylands: who are they and what are they doing?
Liverworts occupy some of the most inhospitable regions. They form part of biocrusts, the living cover of soils that protect from erosion and inputs nitrogen and carbon. Liverworts are often the main green plant in a biocrust matrix dominated by cyanobacteria and other microorganisms. The role of liverworts is not well established, although we find liverwort-rich and -poor biocrusts in different situations. The project will explore these amazing plants with resurrection capacity - and examine their role in nitrogen and carbon cycling in savannas and grasslands. Liverwort taxonomy will be explored in collaboration with experts from the Royal Botanical Gardens (Canberra), and the student will work alongside our biocrust team, connecting fundamental science and sustainable land uses.
Protecting rare rainforest plants from myrtle rust
Rare species in the Myrtaceae family occupy Queensland’s world-heritage listed Gondwanan rainforest. Many of these species are on the brink of extinction because myrtle rust is killing vulnerable species that are weakened by changing weather patterns. The protection status of the forest prevents the use of fungicides and alternatives are sought. Many of these plants naturally accumulate heavy metals, and an intriguing idea is if these metals could fend off myrtle rust. Our interdisciplinary team of experts in plant ecophysiology, pathology, rare plant ecology and propagation will support students carrying out field and laboratory research to test the interactions between heavy metal accumulation and tolerance to myrtle rust. Seedlings have been propagated by a local nursery and a scoping project at Honours level is now available.