Soil biology
The Pasture Soil Biology program is being undertaken by AWI to increase our understanding of soil biology under pastures and their potential impact on pasture productivity.
Australian Wool Innovation, Meat and Livestock Australia and Grains Research and Development Corporation are currently investing in the Pasture Soil Biology Program.
The Pasture Soil Biology Program is investing in fundamental research. The 3 priority projects in the program are:
- Root Rhizosphere interactions with soil-borne organisms in pasture plants
This project will investigate the interactions between the root rhizosphere and soil borne organisms.
- Molecular tools to study soil biological constraints to pasture productivity
This project has developed molecular assays for the identification of pathogens, general soil biota as well as key pasture species. These assays are currently being field calibrated before being used as research tools as part of MLA and AWI projects on increasing pasture productivity.
- Characterisation of pasture soil biology constraints
This project will characterise and quantify soil biological constraints in pasture systems.
Resources
Contact
Lu Hogan
Program Manager - Sustainable Production Systems
Tel: +61 2 8295 3100
Contact via email
Publications
Fungi rooted out as pasture nemesis, Beyond the Bale Feb/Mar 2007
AWI grower networks
Find out about AWI's community-based network groups in each state.