Forecasting soil conditions

Summary

Not knowing where and how soil responds to climate change and human intervention compromises food, water, climate and energy security. Currently there is a lack of soil process knowledge and data infrastructure collectively causing significant uncertainty and risk in the assessments of key threats to soil. 

The project devises a new digital soil model to forecast where and how soil pH and carbon will change in New South Wales. Tested on sites within Australia, the model will give insight on the drivers of change and will provide a unique analysis of the effect of climate change and land management on the dynamics of soil.   

To find out more, contact Prof Budiman Minasny directly.

Supervisors

Professor Budiman Minasny, Professor Alex McBratney.

Research location

School of Life and Environmental Sciences

Program type

PHD

Synopsis

Soil is a key component of functional ecosystems and is crucial for food, water and energy security, maintaining above- and below- ground biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and has strong links to human health. The project will devise a suite of methods to forecast how soil function changes across space and time to facilitate tactical and strategic ecosystem management

Additional information

The successful candidate must have a good knowledge of soil science, spatial statistics, mathematical modelling, and computer programming. To find out more contact Prof Budiman Minasny directly. 
HDR Inherent Requirements: In addition to the academic requirements set out in the Science Postgraduate Handbook, you may be required to satisfy a number of inherent requirements to complete this degree. Examples of inherent requirements may include: 

• Confidential disclosure and registration of a disability that may hinder your performance in your degree;
• Confidential disclosure of a pre-existing or current medical condition that may hinder your performance in your degree (e.g. heart disease, pace-maker, significant immune suppression, diabetes, vertigo, etc.);
• Ability to perform independently and/or with minimal supervision; 
• Ability to undertake certain physical tasks (e.g. heavy lifting);
• Ability to undertake observatory, sensory and communication tasks; 
• Ability to spend time at remote sites (e.g. One Tree Island, Narrabri and Camden); 
• Ability to work in confined spaces or at heights;
• Ability to operate heavy machinery (e.g. farming equipment); 
• Hold or acquire an Australian driver’s licence;
• Hold a current scuba diving license;
• Hold a current Working with Children Check; 
• Meet initial and ongoing immunisation requirements (e.g. Q-Fever, Vaccinia virus, Hepatitis, etc.) 

You must consult with your nominated supervisor regarding any identified inherent requirements before completing your application.

Want to find out more?

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 2757

Other opportunities with Professor Budiman Minasny