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Professor Susanne Schmidt
Professor

Susanne Schmidt

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 51050

Overview

Background

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 in a project that is led by Indigenous Australians.

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:

  • A Deadly Solution: Combining Traditional Knowledge and Western Science for an Indigenous-led Bushfood Industry (ARC Discovery-Indigenous)
  • Realising Smart Compost Formulations (Fight Food Waste CRC)
  • Next-generation fertilisers and soil ameliorants (ARC Industry Transformation Training Centre 'Transforming Biosolids')
  • Boosting the natural regeneration of the nitrogen capital in grazing lands (Meat & Livestock Australia)
  • Validating novel phosphorus formulations augmented with beneficial microbes (Innovation Connections Partnership, EcoGrowth Fertilisers)
  • The integrated bio-economy project and the controlled biosphere (ARC Linkages)
  • Ultrahigh-resolution remote sensing for assessing biodiversity hotspots (ARC Discovery)

Completed recent projects

  • Environmentally responsive bio-composite fertilisers
  • Ecofriendly fertilisers for sustainable farming
  • Effective microbial biostimulants in horticulture
  • New technologies and management: transforming nitrogen use efficiency in cane production
  • Recycled phosphorus from waste streams as efficient sources for agriculture
  • License to farm - nitrogen use efficiency in sugarcane production
  • Developing sugarcane-legume companion cropping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  • Spinifex desert grass - ecophysiology and nano-cellulose production for novel biomaterials
  • The role of soil microbes to restore soil carbon in tropical reforestation
  • Soil carbon sequestration in the Cooloola biosphere chronosequence
  • Advancing Livestock Waste as Low Emission-High Efficiency Fertilizers
  • Ecogenomic profiling of Queensland sugarcane soils
  • more (not listed)

Availability

Professor Susanne Schmidt is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Qualifications

  • Masters (Coursework), Universität Hohenheim
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland

Research interests

  • Nutrient stewardship and the circular nutrient economy

    Plant nutrition, next-generation fertilisers, organic forms of nutrients, re-purposing waste streams, compost, biochar, biosolids, matching crop nutrient demand and nutrient release, risk of nutrient losses, sustainable agriculture, industry partnerships, organic and regenerative farming

  • Soil health and carbon sequestration

    Soil metabolism, microbial communities, plant-beneficial microbes, soil organic matter, compost, biochar, rhizosphere processes, quantifying fluxes in soil with innovative tools (microdialysis), carbon neutrality for agriculture, sustainable use of grazing lands

  • Responsible use of Australia's ecosystems

    Bioproduction and conservation outcomes, Australian native plants, protecting biodiversity, soil and ecosystem restoration, greenhouse gas fluxes, climate change mitigation, carbon storage

  • Indigenous-led bushfood industry and natural assets markets

    Bushfood, horticulture, carbon credits, biodiversity credits, managing bushfire by Traditional Owners, socio-cultural benefits, economic advancement of Australia's Traditional Owners

  • Plant ecophysiology and global change

    How plants - including trees - respond to changing environments with increasing carbon dioxide levels, changing water relations, altered soil conditions, and what we can do to ensure healthy landscapes and protect the genetic diversity of Australian plants and soil organisms

Research impacts

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.

Works

Search Professor Susanne Schmidt’s works on UQ eSpace

203 works between 1995 and 2024

1 - 20 of 203 works

2024

Journal Article

Enabling the circular nitrogen economy with organic and organo-mineral fertilisers

Schmidt, Susanne, Krishnan, Vithya, Gamage, Harshi, Walsh, Michael, Huelsen, Tim, Wolf, Juliane, Wadewitz, Peter, Jensen, Paul, Das, Bianca and Robinson, Nicole (2024). Enabling the circular nitrogen economy with organic and organo-mineral fertilisers. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems. doi: 10.1007/s10705-024-10380-7

Enabling the circular nitrogen economy with organic and organo-mineral fertilisers

2024

Journal Article

Evaluating novel biodegradable polymer matrix fertilizers for nitrogen‐efficient agriculture

Witt, Torsten, Robinson, Nicole, Palma, Ana C., Cernusak, Lucas A., Pratt, Steven, Redding, Matthew, Batstone, Damien J., Schmidt, Susanne and Laycock, Bronwyn (2024). Evaluating novel biodegradable polymer matrix fertilizers for nitrogen‐efficient agriculture. Journal of Environmental Quality, 53 (3), 287-299. doi: 10.1002/jeq2.20552

Evaluating novel biodegradable polymer matrix fertilizers for nitrogen‐efficient agriculture

2023

Journal Article

Key drivers of phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) in a dryland cropping system

Das, Bianca Tara, Schmidt, Susanne, Harrison, Matthew Tom, Hunt, Ian, Biggs, Jody Scott and Huth, Neil Ian (2023). Key drivers of phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) in a dryland cropping system. Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 43 (6) 76, 1-17. doi: 10.1007/s13593-023-00929-1

Key drivers of phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) in a dryland cropping system

2023

Journal Article

Realising the circular phosphorus economy delivers for sustainable development goals

Walsh, Michael, Schenk, Gerhard and Schmidt, Susanne (2023). Realising the circular phosphorus economy delivers for sustainable development goals. npj Sustainable Agriculture, 1 (1) 2, 1-15. doi: 10.1038/s44264-023-00002-0

Realising the circular phosphorus economy delivers for sustainable development goals

2023

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, 1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.soilbio.2023.109061

Molecular complexity and diversity of persistent soil organic matter

2023

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

Ecosystem services at the farm level—overview, synergies, trade‐offs, and stakeholder analysis

2023

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, 1-4. doi: 10.1016/j.geoderma.2023.116510

Microdialysis fluxes of inorganic nitrogen differ from extractable nitrogen by minimising disturbance of mineral-associated sources

2023

Journal Article

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

Effects of grazing and fire management on rangeland soil and biocrust microbiomes

2023

Journal Article

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

Using digital photography to monitor changes in biocrusts and ground cover in a savanna rangeland

2023

Journal Article

Organic nitrogen improves the water use of tropical tree seedlings cultivated for restoration plantings

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

Organic nitrogen improves the water use of tropical tree seedlings cultivated for restoration plantings

2023

Journal Article

Fire frequency has a contrasting effect on vegetation and topsoil in subcoastal heathland, woodland and forest ecosystems, south-east Queensland, Australia

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, 48 (8), 1865-1887. doi: 10.1111/aec.13427

Fire frequency has a contrasting effect on vegetation and topsoil in subcoastal heathland, woodland and forest ecosystems, south-east Queensland, Australia

2023

Journal Article

Managing nitrogen environmental impacts to improve green technical efficiency in Philippines rice cultivation

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 (Pt B) 116529, 1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116529

Managing nitrogen environmental impacts to improve green technical efficiency in Philippines rice cultivation

2022

Journal Article

A precision compost strategy aligning composts and application methods with target crops and growth environments can increase global food production

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

A precision compost strategy aligning composts and application methods with target crops and growth environments can increase global food production

2022

Journal Article

Simulating long-term phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon dynamics to advance nutrient assessment in dryland cropping

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

Simulating long-term phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon dynamics to advance nutrient assessment in dryland cropping

2022

Journal Article

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, coac056. doi: 10.1093/conphys/coac056

Stable isotope approaches and opportunities for improving plant conservation

2022

Journal Article

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

Germination screen for microalgae-generated plant growth biostimulants

2022

Journal Article

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

Biofertilizers can enhance nitrogen use efficiency of sugarcane

2022

Journal Article

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

Editorial: Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Sustainable Nitrogen Management in Crop Plants

2022

Journal Article

The influence of sucrose on soil nitrogen availability – A root exudate simulation using microdialysis

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

The influence of sucrose on soil nitrogen availability – A root exudate simulation using microdialysis

2022

Journal Article

Screening two biodegradable polymers in enhanced efficiency fertiliser formulations reveals the need to prioritise performance goals

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

Screening two biodegradable polymers in enhanced efficiency fertiliser formulations reveals the need to prioritise performance goals

Funding

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2027
    Quantitative Geophysics for Monitoring and Assessment of Mining Residue Structure
    Technological Resources Pty Limited
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2027
    Chemicals in compostable food contact paper packaging materials
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2026
    Realising Smart Compost Formulations
    Fight Food Waste CRC
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2027
    A Deadly Solution: Towards an Indigenous-led Bush Food Industry
    ARC Discovery Indigenous
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2025
    ARC Training Centre for Transformation of Australia's Biosolids Resource (ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre led by RMIT)
    Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2024
    Rain Ready Rangelands Research Agreement 1
    Northern Territory of Australia
    Open grant
  • 2024
    Rain Ready Rangelands Research Agreement 2
    Northern Territory Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
    Open grant
  • 2024
    Rain Ready Rangelands Research Agreement 3
    Northern Territory Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
    Open grant
  • 2024
    Rain Ready Rangelands Research Agreement 4
    Northern Territory Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
    Open grant
  • 2022
    Advancing rapid in-field quantification of Soil Organic Carbon
    Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2021
    From food waste to smart compost formulations (SCF)
    Fight Food Waste CRC
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2024
    Boosting natural regeneration of the nitrogen capital in grazing lands
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    The Integrated Bio-economy Project and the Controlled Biosphere
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2019
    Micro-analysis and micro-manipulation equipment for next-generation fertiliser development
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2024
    Ultrahigh-resolution remote sensing for assessing biodiversity hotspots (ARC Discovery Project administered by the University of Tasmania)
    University of Tasmania
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    (BriBo) Collaboration on Efficiency of recycled phosphorus as next-generation fertiliser
    Universities Australia - Germany Joint Research Co-operation Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2023
    Enhancing livelihoods through forest and landscape restoration (ACIAR grant administered by University of the Sunshine Coast)
    University of the Sunshine Coast
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2021
    Environmentally responsive biocomposite fertilisers
    Queensland Government Advance Queensland Innovation Partnerships
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2020
    More profit from Nitrogen - new technologies and managements: transforming nitrogen use efficiency in cane production
    Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    Licence to farm: Nitrogen use efficient varieties to meet the future environmental targets
    Sugar Research Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2019
    Mineral controls on soil carbon stability along the subtropical giant podzol Cooloola chronosequence
    Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    Regenerating a soil food web capable of improving soil health and reducing losses from soilborne pests and pathogens of sugarcane
    Biological Crop Protection Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Improved survey methods to reveal population shifts and inform conservation of the endangered bridled nailtail wallaby
    Everyone's Environment Grants
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Developing next-generation bio-fertilisers
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund - Seed Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Assessment of nitrification potentials of Biodunder formulations in combination with nitrification inhibitors.
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Evaluating the Potential of Cyanobacterial-mediated Nitrogen Inputs into Sugarcane Systems Delivered with Biodunder
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Evaluating nitrated nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) from native spinifex grass as superior propellant materials.
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund - Seed Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Optimised harvesting of spinifex
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund - FirstLink
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2018
    Functional response of Triodia in the Australian arid zone
    Australian Flora Foundation Inc.
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2017
    Developing sugarcane-legume companion cropping systems
    Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry
    Open grant
  • 2013
    Accelerated crop development and environmental compliance of agricultural and food systems
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2015
    Advancing livestock waste as low emission - high efficiency fertilizers
    Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    Profiling biodunder formulations as organic soil amendment for the sugarcane industry
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    Ecogenomics of Queensland sugarcane soils
    Queensland Government Smart Futures Co-Investment Fund
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Evaluating soil carbon turnover along the Cooloola chronosequence with radiocarbon dating
    Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    Aboriginal responses to climate change in arid zone Australia - Regional understandings and capacity building for adaptation
    Climate Change Adaptation Research Grants Program
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC), with MS detector, system for pharmacology, parasitological, microbiological and clinical research, plus PCR studies
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    Spinifex as a sustainable bio-resource for the building industry - harvesting feasibility and resin benchmarking
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2013
    Constructing a comparative reference collection of phytoliths from north Queensland vegetation
    The Hermon Slade Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2014
    SaveN cane: Developing selection tools for nitrogen efficient sugarcane
    Sugar Research & Development Corporation
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2012
    Biodiversity impacts and adaptation (Part of the CSIRO Flagship Collaboration Cluster - Regional adaptation to climate change - administered by Griffith University)
    Griffith University
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2011
    Towards sustainable bioproduction systems: harnessing organic nitrogen for plant growth
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2009
    Bigger, Better Bushfood: Improving the Commercial Potential of Australian Native Citrus (Finger Lime)
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2008
    Advanced environmental and process analysis facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2008
    Controlled Environment Facilities for the Challenges of the 21st Century
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2012
    Towards Novel Biomimetic Building Materials: Evaluating Aboriginal and Western Scientific Knowledge of Spinifex Grasses
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2010
    Accelerated breeding for a changing environment: genomic and physiological profiling of newly generated polyploid trees
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2010
    Creating Sustainable Sugarcane Production Systems: Reducing Plant Nitrogen Demand
    CRC for Sugar Industry Innovation through Biotechnology
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2008
    GREENHOUSE ACTION IN REGIONAL AUSTRALIA -STRATEGIC R&D INVESTMENT PLAN: Soil microbial activity as a surrogate for N2O emissions in Australian agriculture
    Commonwealth Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
    Open grant
  • 2006
    Release from natural enemies below ground could explain why Lygodium microphyllum is such a successful invader in Florida
    Florida Atlantic University
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2007
    Lygodium Growth Study
    Florida Atlantic University
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2007
    Feasting on protein? Strategies of organic nitrogen acquisition by plant roots
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2006
    Novel Approach For Designing Complex Biological Systems: Optimising Tree Species Assemblages For Carbon Sequestration
    University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2004
    AUSTRALIAN ANTARCTIC SCIENCE (AAS) GRANT: Identifying global change: stable isotope composition and cuticle characteristics of Antarctic plants
    Australian Antarctic Division
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2008
    Reducing nitrogen input - physiological and molecular approaches to improve nitrogen acquisition and utilisation efficiencies in sugarcane
    CRC for Sugar Industry Innovation through Biotechnology
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2006
    Greenhouse gas emission from sugarcane and mangrove communities in coastal Queensland
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2004
    The Functional Importance of Forest Biodiversity for Carbon Sequestration
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2002
    Can Hakea cluster roots take up peptides from the soil?
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2004
    Nitrogen characteristics of plant communities along the North Australian Tropical Transect (NATT)
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2000
    The physiological profile of rarity in plants of the Queensland wet tropics.
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1997 - 2001
    Nitrogen studies in Subantarctic terrestrial environments
    Antarctic Science Advisory Committee
    Open grant
  • 1997 - 2002
    Regional sensitivity to climate change in Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems (RISCC): the periantarctic region
    Antarctic Science Advisory Committee
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Professor Susanne Schmidt is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Available projects

  • Quantifying on-farm crop residues for 'Cool Farms

    This project is a collaboration with the Fight Food Waste Cooperative Reserach Center in which the student will quantiify on-farm waste from crop production. This information will be used for the 'Cool Farm Tool work aimed at understanding the CO2 impacts of different farming practices for our key crops. The student will assess what should or could be harvested with focus on pea, potato and maize crops. We expect to use the WWF on-farm loss (see link above) including guidance with FAQ, video tutorials, a field worksheet for the in-field measurement componen. It is in beta version (yet fully to be developed) for testing and WWF USA are supportive of a pilot here in Australia. Locations of the research include Tasmania and Bathurst.

  • 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 degraded landscapes. The project is part of a consortium of government and industry stakeholders. All levels of students are encouraged to apply.

  • War on Waste - 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).

  • 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.

  • Quantifying crop residue for Cool Farm Tool - WWF

    The student will collect on-farm data from farms including peas, potato and corn to quantify the harvest residue. The project is supported by the Fight Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre to advance understanding of the CO2 impact of different farming practices.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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/)

  • 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.

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Master Philosophy

    Testing suitability of biosolids derivatives for carbon sequestration into soils and post-mining substrates

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Thierry Bore

  • Doctor Philosophy

    On-ground management of soil nutrients by integrating proximal and remote sensing platforms in northern Australian savannas grazing lands

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Andries Potgieter, Dr Yan Zhao

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Development of an efficient, safe and environmentally friendly oil extraction process from microalgae

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Towards responsible nitrogen use in Oceania

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Renuka Mahadevan

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Sustainable biofuel production from microalgae using a closed nutrient loop

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Productivity, Profitability and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Rice Cropping in the Philippines

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Renuka Mahadevan

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Optimising supply chain and composting techniques to reduce Australia's food waste problem

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Tyron Venn, Associate Professor Renuka Mahadevan

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Advancing the circular economy: phosphorus recycling and next-generation fertilisers

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Bronwyn Laycock, Professor Gary Schenk

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Agronomic assessment of Smart Compost Formulations with legume and grain crops

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Nicole Robinson, Dr Vijaya Singh

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Wildly productive urban landscapes: Exploring the agency of public urban landscapes in creating healthy cities and community engagement

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Jonathan Corcoran, Dr Liz Brogden, Dr Silvia Micheli

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Biocrust microorganisms and their function in Australian savanna grazing lands

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Paul Dennis, Dr Jiarui Sun

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Advancing biofertiliser for sustainable agriculture

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Esteban Marcellin, Dr Axa Gonzalez

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Bushfoods and native plants of three Indigenous communities in Queensland: A cultural stewardship approach.

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Robyn Cave

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Costs and benefits of plant-microbe symbioses

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Paul Dennis

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Assigning function to the core bacterial microbial of Musa spp.

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Jiarui Sun, Associate Professor Paul Dennis

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Characterising Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Sugarcane

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Nicole Robinson

Completed supervision

Media

Enquiries

Contact Professor Susanne Schmidt directly for media enquiries about:

  • bioeconomy
  • circular nutrient economy
  • climate change mitigation
  • compost
  • next-generation fertilisers
  • Plant nutrition
  • soil restoration and recarbonisation
  • sustainable farming

Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au