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
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Masters (Coursework), Universität Hohenheim
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Susanne Schmidt is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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/)
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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
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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
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Doctor Philosophy
Advancing the circular economy: phosphorus recycling and next-generation fertilisers
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bronwyn Laycock, Professor Gary Schenk
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Doctor Philosophy
Agronomic assessment of Smart Compost Formulations with legume and grain crops
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nicole Robinson, Dr Vijaya Singh
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Master Philosophy
Testing suitability of biosolids derivatives for carbon sequestration into soils and post-mining substrates
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Thierry Bore
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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
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Doctor Philosophy
Development of an efficient, safe and environmentally friendly oil extraction process from microalgae
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Towards responsible nitrogen use in Oceania
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Renuka Mahadevan
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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
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Doctor Philosophy
Biocrust microorganisms and their function in Australian savanna grazing lands
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Paul Dennis, Dr Jiarui Sun
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Doctor Philosophy
Advancing biofertiliser for sustainable agriculture
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Esteban Marcellin, Dr Axa Gonzalez
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Doctor Philosophy
Bushfoods and native plants of three Indigenous communities in Queensland: A cultural stewardship approach.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Robyn Cave
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Doctor Philosophy
Costs and benefits of plant-microbe symbioses
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Paul Dennis
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Doctor Philosophy
Assigning function to the core bacterial microbial of Musa spp.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jiarui Sun, Associate Professor Paul Dennis
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Doctor Philosophy
Characterising Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Sugarcane
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nicole Robinson
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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
Completed supervision
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
From complex to complicated: Addressing global phosphorus inefficiency with field scale agricultural systems models
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Daniel Rodriguez
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Optimisation and application of microdialysis in monitoring nutrient availability in the soil-plant continuum
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nicole Robinson
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
The role of nitrogen in enhancing the resilience of tropical tree seedlings used for restoration
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nicole Robinson
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Functional response of Triodia species to the Australian arid zone
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Memmott
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Evaluating the Efficacy of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria In Australian Agriculture
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nicole Robinson, Associate Professor Paul Dennis
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Soil organic matter turnover over decadal to millennial timescales
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Adjunct Professor Ram Dalal AM
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
DEVELOPING SUGARCANE - LEGUME COMPANION CROPPING SYSTEMS TO MINIMISE NITROUS OXIDE EMISSIONS
Principal Advisor
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
A microdialysis perspective of soil nitrogen availability
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Paul Dennis
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Effect of soil amendments on greenhouse gas emissions from subtropical soils
Principal Advisor
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Restoration of soil microbes and organic matter through tropical reforestation
Principal Advisor
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Conditional up-regulation of cytokinin status increases growth and survival of sugarcane in water-limited conditions
Principal Advisor
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Microbial processes in sugarcane soils in context of nitrogen and carbon cycles
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nicole Robinson
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2012
Doctor Philosophy
Predicting growth in mixed-species tree plantations: An Australian Wet Tropics case study
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jim Hanan
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
Carbon sequestration and soil fertility of tropical tree plantations and secondary forests in Vietnam
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Peter Erskine
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2008
Doctor Philosophy
Nitrous oxide and methane fluxes from subtropical mangrove sediments and sugar cane soils in coastal Queensland
Principal Advisor
-
2008
Doctor Philosophy
Interactions between tree species composition and nutrient relations in tropical and subtropical forest recovery
Principal Advisor
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2007
Doctor Philosophy
CARBON SEQUESTRATION IN NATIVE RAINFOREST TREE PLANTATIONS
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Adjunct Professor Ram Dalal AM
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2003
Doctor Philosophy
Nitrogen and Carbon cycling in Macadamia integrifolia
Principal Advisor
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2003
Doctor Philosophy
THE INFLUENCE OF LIGHT ON NITROGEN METABOLISM
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jimmy Botella
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2002
Master Science
Development of biomonitoring indicators for evaluating the sustainability of mine site revegetation
Principal Advisor
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
The Influence of Soil pH on Microbial Community Structure and Function
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Paul Dennis
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
The ecology of Macrozamia lucida L.A.S.Johnson cycads with special reference to the environmental requirements of the most sensitive life cycle transitions.
Associate Advisor
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
The development of green microalgae as a biofertiliser and biostimulant to improve Spinacia oleracea crop quality and yield.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Juliane Wolf, Professor Ben Hankamer
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Water use of tropical trees: plant traits and water isotope relationships
Associate Advisor
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
The Roots of Blue Carbon: Effects of physical soil properties on root growth and carbon sequestration in mangrove forests.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Catherine Lovelock
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
The journey of nitrate from source to sink in Sorghum bicolor: Uncovering the physiology and gene expression of nitrate storage, mobilisation, assimilation and remobilisation in sorghum
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Emma Mace, Professor Ian Godwin
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the physiological flexibility of reef-building corals in a changing environment
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg
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2017
Master Philosophy
Genome wide analysis and allele mining of diverse sorghum genes involved in nitrogen use efficiency
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Emma Mace, Professor Ian Godwin
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Investigation of root and associated soil microbiomes of sugarcane and other plants
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Phil Hugenholtz
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2014
Master Philosophy
An investigation of sustainable spinifex-harvesting and knowledge revival: A case study in northwest Queensland
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Ian Lilley, Professor Paul Memmott
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Biogeography of the Australian Monsoon Flora, with emphasis on the broad-leaved paper barks (Melaleuca leucadendra species complex)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Lyn Cook
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
The Ecology of Cycads: Living Representatives of an Ancient Plant Lineage and their Interactions with Animals.
Associate Advisor
-
2010
Doctor Philosophy
Relating resource availability and herbivore escape opportunity to plant community invasibility: Creating integrated strategies to manage Alternanthera philoxeroides and Phyla canescens
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Catherine Lovelock
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the mechanisms behind invasion to improve the efficacy of control strategies
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Hugh Possingham
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2007
Doctor Philosophy
Comparative ecophysiology of Graptophyllum species in Australia
Associate Advisor
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2005
Doctor Philosophy
DEVELOPMENT OF PASSIVE AIR SAMPLERS FOR SEMIVOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jochen Mueller
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2004
Doctor Philosophy
ANALYSES OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STABLE ISOTOPE SIGNATURES, LEAF EPIDERMAL MORPHOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Associate Advisor
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
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