Title
Novel humate-based calcium formulations to ameliorate subsoil acidity, and to enhance nutrient and water use efficiencies, and crop productivity
Description
Surface soil acidity is commonly ameliorated with liming. However, amelioration of subsoil acidity is particularly difficult. Deep placement of lime for amelioration of subsoil acidity is often considered economically unfeasible. Coal derived products such as fulvic and humic acids can facilitate the movement of calcium and bicarbonate ions to ameliorate subsoil acidity when these products are surface spread. These products not only enhance the chemical aspects of organic anion-induced movement of basic cations including Ca and alkaline ions to ameliorate subsoil acidity, but also contribute to biological pH buffering through increased root activity and root exudation.The overall aim of the project is to prepare novel humate-based calcium formulations and quantify the subsoil acidity amelioration value of these formulations following their surface spreading across different farming sectors and agro-climatic conditions. The specific objectives include:
Payment type
Fortnightly Stipend
Value
$35000
Value unit
Per annum
Basis of award
Academic Achievement
Eligibility
Qualification: First class Honours or First class Masters in Agricultural and Environmental ScienceLanguage Skills: Proficiency in English written and spoken skillsPublications: Minimum two publications in SCI journals
Nationality
Australian Citizen, Australian Permanent Resident, International
Study area
Agricultural Science
Commencement date
04/07/2023
Applications open
28/03/2023
Applications close
31/05/2023
Tenable At
UWA Only
Currently available
Yes
Application status
Open