Professor Susanne Schmidt
Professor

Susanne Schmidt

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 51050

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 research that is led by Indigenous experts and communities.

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:

  • Climate smart agriculture: quantifying the benefits of cultural burning in QLD grazing lands (led by Firesticks Alliance, funded by the AustDAF)
  • A Deadly Solution: Traditional Knowledge and Western Science for an Indigenous-led Bushfood Industry (ARC Discovery-Indigenous)
  • Realising Smart Compost Formulations (End Food Waste CRC)
  • Next-generation fertilisers and soil ameliorants (ARC Industry Transformation Training Centre 'Transforming Biosolids')

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

Availability

Professor Susanne Schmidt is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Agricultural systems analysis and modelling Agricultural, Veterinary and Food Sciences Agriculture, land and farm management Biological Sciences Climate change impacts and adaptation Conservation and biodiversity Ecological physiology Ecology Environmental Sciences Forestry sciences Natural resource management Plant biology Soil sciences Tree nutrition and physiology

Qualifications

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

Research interests

  • Quantifying the benefits of cultural burning

    Cultural burning has been used by Australia's Indigenous people for millennia and will be essential for safeguarding the nation from out of control wildfires. Firesticks Alliance is the lead agency in this project that spans Indigenous Biocultural Knowledge and Western Science. Biodiversity, carbon and nature repair market are among the topics explored.

  • Deadly solutions: Towards the Indigenous-led bushfood industry

    Australia is the country with the second highest plant biodiversity and many plants have have been used for food, medicines and materials by Australia's First Nation people. Three Indigenous communities collaborate with scientists and business experts to explore native plants for bushfoods and horticulture.

  • 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

Research impacts

We must restore and preserve Earth's function as it is the foundation for our existence. Agriculture and food systems currently have an enormous footprint: as soils degrade and generate greenhouse gases, agrichemicals pollute the environment, and biodiversity is impacted by land clearing. Transiting to a circ ular economy for a world without waste and pollutionand finding ways to protect and restore biodiversity are at the core of our reasearch. Our partners include Indigenous experts and communities, government and industry.

https://agriculture-food-sustainability.uq.edu.au/article/2023/10/%E2%80%98recycled%E2%80%99-phosphorus-fertiliser-could-sprout-greener-world

https://www.uq.edu.au/news/article/2022/09/power-of-compost-making-waste-climate-champion

https://study.uq.edu.au/stories/reducing-microplastics-fertiliser-pollution

https://agriculture-food-sustainability.uq.edu.au/article/2024/05/reducing-agricultural-pollution-environmentally-friendly-fertilisers

https://www.mla.com.au/news-and-events/industry-news/biocrusts-offer-natural-solution/

https://futurebeef.com.au/biocrusts-the-living-skin-of-rangeland-soils/

Search Professor Susanne Schmidt’s works on UQ eSpace

225 works between 1995 and 2025
All (225) Journal Article (174) Book Chapter (8) Conference Publication (37) Other Outputs (6)

61 - 80 of 225 works

2018

Journal Article

Effects of the growth environment on the yield and material properties of nanocellulose derived from the Australian desert grass Triodia

Pennells, Jordan, Yu Lin, Teo, Schmidt, Susanne, Gamage, Harshi, Godwin, Ian D., Erickson, Todd E., Hosseinmardi, Alireza, Martin, Darren J. and Amiralian, Nasim (2018). Effects of the growth environment on the yield and material properties of nanocellulose derived from the Australian desert grass Triodia. Industrial Crops and Products, 126, 238-249. doi: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2018.09.057

Effects of the growth environment on the yield and material properties of nanocellulose derived from the Australian desert grass Triodia

2018

Journal Article

Sorbents can tailor nitrogen release from organic wastes to match the uptake capacity of crops

Chin, A., Schmidt, S., Buckley, S., Pirie, R., Redding, M., Laycock, B., Luckman, P., Batstone, D. J., Robinson, N. and Brackin, R. (2018). Sorbents can tailor nitrogen release from organic wastes to match the uptake capacity of crops. Science of the Total Environment, 645, 1474-1483. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.07.135

Sorbents can tailor nitrogen release from organic wastes to match the uptake capacity of crops

2018

Journal Article

The effect of heterogeneous soil bulk density on root growth of field-grown mangrove species

Ola, Anne, Schmidt, Susanne and Lovelock, Catherine E. (2018). The effect of heterogeneous soil bulk density on root growth of field-grown mangrove species. Plant and Soil, 432 (1-2), 91-105. doi: 10.1007/s11104-018-3784-5

The effect of heterogeneous soil bulk density on root growth of field-grown mangrove species

2018

Journal Article

Climate and soils together regulate photosynthetic carbon isotope discrimination within C3 plants worldwide

Cornwell, William K., Wright, Ian J., Turner, Joel, Maire, Vincent, Barbour, Margaret M., Cernusak, Lucas A., Dawson, Todd, Ellsworth, David, Farquhar, Graham D., Griffiths, Howard, Keitel, Claudia, Knohl, Alexander, Reich, Peter B., Williams, David G., Bhaskar, Radika, Cornelissen, Johannes H. C., Richards, Anna, Schmidt, Susanne, Valladares, Fernando, Korner, Christian, Schulze, Ernst-Detlef, Buchmann, Nina and Santiago, Louis S. (2018). Climate and soils together regulate photosynthetic carbon isotope discrimination within C3 plants worldwide. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 27 (9), 1056-1067. doi: 10.1111/geb.12764

Climate and soils together regulate photosynthetic carbon isotope discrimination within C3 plants worldwide

2018

Journal Article

Optimising methods for the recovery and quantification of di- and tripeptides in soil

Jamtgard, Sandra, Robinson, Nicole, Moritz, Thomas, Colgrave, Michelle L. and Schmidt, Susanne (2018). Optimising methods for the recovery and quantification of di- and tripeptides in soil. Soil Research, 56 (4), 404-412. doi: 10.1071/SR17279

Optimising methods for the recovery and quantification of di- and tripeptides in soil

2017

Journal Article

Relationship between microbial composition and substrate use efficiency in a tropical soil

Bonner, Mark T.L., Shoo, Luke P., Brackin, Richard and Schmidt, Susanne (2017). Relationship between microbial composition and substrate use efficiency in a tropical soil. Geoderma, 315, 96-103. doi: 10.1016/j.geoderma.2017.11.026

Relationship between microbial composition and substrate use efficiency in a tropical soil

2017

Journal Article

Evolutionary conservation of a core root microbiome across plant phyla along a tropical soil chronosequence

Yeoh, Yun Kit, Dennis, Paul G., Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat, Weber, Lui, Brackin, Richard, Ragan, Mark A., Schmidt, Susanne and Hugenholtz, Philip (2017). Evolutionary conservation of a core root microbiome across plant phyla along a tropical soil chronosequence. Nature Communications, 8 (1) 002628, 215. doi: 10.1038/s41467-017-00262-8

Evolutionary conservation of a core root microbiome across plant phyla along a tropical soil chronosequence

2017

Journal Article

Improving in situ recovery of soil nitrogen using the microdialysis technique

Buckley, Scott, Brackin, Richard, Nasholm, Torgny, Schmidt, Susanne and Jamtgard, Sandra (2017). Improving in situ recovery of soil nitrogen using the microdialysis technique. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 114, 93-103. doi: 10.1016/j.soilbio.2017.07.009

Improving in situ recovery of soil nitrogen using the microdialysis technique

2017

Journal Article

The vegetative nitrogen response of sorghum lines containing different alleles for nitrate reductase and glutamate synthase

Diatloff, Eugene, Mace, Emma S., Jordan, David R., Filleur, Sophie, Tai, Shuaishuai, Schmidt, Susanne and Godwin, Ian D. (2017). The vegetative nitrogen response of sorghum lines containing different alleles for nitrate reductase and glutamate synthase. Molecular Breeding, 37 (11) 138. doi: 10.1007/s11032-017-0738-1

The vegetative nitrogen response of sorghum lines containing different alleles for nitrate reductase and glutamate synthase

2017

Journal Article

Invasive Andropogon gayanus (Gamba grass) alters litter decomposition and nitrogen fluxes in an Australian tropical savanna

Rossiter-Rachor, N. A., Setterfield, S. A., Hutley, L. B., McMaster, D., Schmidt, S. and Douglas, M. M. (2017). Invasive Andropogon gayanus (Gamba grass) alters litter decomposition and nitrogen fluxes in an Australian tropical savanna. Scientific Reports, 7 (1) 11705, 1-10. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-08893-z

Invasive Andropogon gayanus (Gamba grass) alters litter decomposition and nitrogen fluxes in an Australian tropical savanna

2017

Journal Article

Post-anthesis nitrate uptake is critical to yield and grain protein content in Sorghum bicolor

Worland, Belinda, Robinson, Nicole, Jordan, David, Schmidt, Susanne and Godwin, Ian (2017). Post-anthesis nitrate uptake is critical to yield and grain protein content in Sorghum bicolor. Journal of Plant Physiology, 216, 118-124. doi: 10.1016/j.jplph.2017.05.026

Post-anthesis nitrate uptake is critical to yield and grain protein content in Sorghum bicolor

2017

Journal Article

Introducing BASE: the Biomes of Australian Soil Environments soil microbial diversity database (vol 5, 1, 2016)

Bissett, Andrew, Fitzgerald, Anna, Court, Leon, Meintjes, Thys, Mele, Pauline M., Reith, Frank, Dennis, Paul G., Breed, Martin F., Brown, Belinda, Brown, Mark V., Brugger, Joel, Byrne, Margaret, Caddy-Retalic, Stefan, Carmody, Bernie, Coates, David J., Correa, Carolina, Ferrari, Belinda C., Gupta, Vadakattu V. S. R., Hamonts, Kelly, Haslem, Asha, Hugenholtz, Philip, Karan, Mirko, Koval, Jason, Lowe, Andrew J., Macdonald, Stuart, McGrath, Leanne, Martin, David, Morgan, Matt, North, Kristin I. ... Young, Andrew (2017). Introducing BASE: the Biomes of Australian Soil Environments soil microbial diversity database (vol 5, 1, 2016). Gigascience, 6 (5) gix021, 1-1. doi: 10.1093/gigascience/gix021

Introducing BASE: the Biomes of Australian Soil Environments soil microbial diversity database (vol 5, 1, 2016)

2017

Journal Article

Editorial: plant competition in a changing world

Simon, Judy and Schmidt, Susanne (2017). Editorial: plant competition in a changing world. Frontiers in Plant Science, 8 651. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2017.00651

Editorial: plant competition in a changing world

2017

Journal Article

A comparative study on student perceptions of their learning outcomes in undergraduate science degree programmes with differing curriculum models

Matthews, Kelly E., Firn, Jennifer, Schmidt, Susanne and Whelan, Karen (2017). A comparative study on student perceptions of their learning outcomes in undergraduate science degree programmes with differing curriculum models. International Journal of Science Education, 39 (6), 742-760. doi: 10.1080/09500693.2017.1304672

A comparative study on student perceptions of their learning outcomes in undergraduate science degree programmes with differing curriculum models

2017

Journal Article

Amino acid transporter mutants of Arabidopsis provides evidence that a non-mycorrhizal plant acquires organic nitrogen from agricultural soil

Ganeteg, Ulrika, Ahmad, Iftikhar, Jamtgard, Sandra, Aguetoni-Cambui, Camila, Inselsbacher, Erich, Svennerstam, Henrik, Schmidt, Susanne and Nasholm, Torgny (2017). Amino acid transporter mutants of Arabidopsis provides evidence that a non-mycorrhizal plant acquires organic nitrogen from agricultural soil. Plant, Cell and Environment, 40 (3), 413-423. doi: 10.1111/pce.12881

Amino acid transporter mutants of Arabidopsis provides evidence that a non-mycorrhizal plant acquires organic nitrogen from agricultural soil

2017

Journal Article

Responses of communities of soil organisms and plants to soil aging at two contrasting long-term chronosequences

Bokhorst, Stef, Kardol, Paul, Bellingham, Peter J., Kooyman, Robert M., Richardson, Sarah J., Schmidt, Susanne and Wardle, David A. (2017). Responses of communities of soil organisms and plants to soil aging at two contrasting long-term chronosequences. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 106, 69-79. doi: 10.1016/j.soilbio.2016.12.014

Responses of communities of soil organisms and plants to soil aging at two contrasting long-term chronosequences

2017

Conference Publication

Soil biological health - What is it, and how can we improve it?

Brackin, Richard, Schmidt, Susanne, Walter, David, Bhuiyan, Shamsul, Buckley, Scott and Anderson, Jay (2017). Soil biological health - What is it, and how can we improve it?. Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists, Cairns, QLD, Australia, 3-5 May 2017. Cairns, QLD, Australia: Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists.

Soil biological health - What is it, and how can we improve it?

2017

Conference Publication

Soil biological health-what is it and how can we improve it?

Brackin, Richard, Schmidt, Susanne, Walter, David, Bhuiyan, Shamsul, Buckley, Scott and Anderson, Jay (2017). Soil biological health-what is it and how can we improve it?. 39th Annual Conference of the Australian-Society-of-Sugar-Cane-Technologists, Cairns Australia, 2017. London, United Kingdom: Informa Agra.

Soil biological health-what is it and how can we improve it?

2016

Journal Article

Crosstalk between sugarcane and a plant-growth promoting Burkholderia species

Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat, Lonhienne, Thierry G. A., Yeoh, Yun Kit, Donose, Bogdan C., Webb, Richard I., Parsons, Jeremy, Liao, Webber, Sagulenko, Evgeny, Lakshmanan, Prakash, Hugenholtz, Philip, Schmidt, Susanne and Ragan, Mark A. (2016). Crosstalk between sugarcane and a plant-growth promoting Burkholderia species. Scientific Reports, 6 (1) 37389, 37389. doi: 10.1038/srep37389

Crosstalk between sugarcane and a plant-growth promoting Burkholderia species

2016

Journal Article

Introducing BASE: the Biomes of Australian Soil Environments soil microbial diversity database

Bissett, Andrew, Fitzgerald, Anna, Meintjes, Thys, Mele, Pauline M., Reith, Frank, Dennis, Paul G., Breed, Martin F., Brown, Belinda, Brown, Mark V., Brugger, Joel, Byrne, Margaret, Caddy-Retalic, Stefan, Carmody, Bernie, Coates, David J., Correa, Carolina, Ferrari, Belinda C., Gupta, Vadakattu V. S. R., Hamonts, Kelly, Haslem, Asha, Hugenholtz, Philip, Karan, Mirko, Koval, Jason, Lowe, Andrew J., Macdonald, Stuart, McGrath, Leanne, Martin, David, Morgan, Matt, North, Kristin I., Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat ... Young, Andrew (2016). Introducing BASE: the Biomes of Australian Soil Environments soil microbial diversity database. Gigascience, 5 (1) 21, 21.1-21.11. doi: 10.1186/s13742-016-0126-5

Introducing BASE: the Biomes of Australian Soil Environments soil microbial diversity database

Current funding

  • 2025 - 2027
    Biodegradable and bioderived coatings for controlled release fertilisers
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 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

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.

  • Deadly solutions: towards the Indigenous-led bushfood and horticulture industry

    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

  • 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. The research is in collaboration with Desert Channels (Longreach, QLD).

  • 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.

  • 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. Among the many benefits is avoiding landfill, restoring soils and increasing 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.

  • 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.

  • Effects of cultural burning on landscape indicators

    This project is led by Firesticks Alliance, a leading Indigeous organisation concerned with re-introducting cultural fire practices. Four cattle properties (two in SEQLD, two in NQLD) are the focus of the research in which plants, animals and soils are studied to quantify the benefits of cultural burning..

  • Deadly solutions: towards the Indigenous-led bushfood and horticulture industry

    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

  • 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. The research is in collaboration with Desert Channels (Longreach, QLD).

  • 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.

  • 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. Among the many benefits is avoiding landfill, restoring soils and increasing 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.

  • 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.

  • Effects of cultural burning on landscape indicators

    This project is led by Firesticks Alliance, a leading Indigeous organisation concerned with re-introducting cultural fire practices. Four cattle properties (two in SEQLD, two in NQLD) are the focus of the research in which plants, animals and soils are studied to quantify the benefits of cultural burning..

  • Effects of cultural burning: landscape and biodiversity indicators and Nature Repair Market

    This project is led by Firesticks Alliance, a leading Indigeous organisation re-introducing cultural fire practices throughout Australia and globally to prevent out of control wildfires and manage landscapes with Indigenous Biocultural Knowledge. Four cattle properties (two in SEQLD, two in NQLD) are the focus of this project in which plants, animals and soils are studied with scientific methodologies to quantify the benefits of cultural burning, quantifying indicators that range from biochar and carbon accural to plant and animal biodiversity. The research will connect to the Nature Repair Marktet an emerging economic tool to pay for beneficial environmental outcomes (Feb 2025: https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2025L00253/asmade). Indigenous and non-Indigenous students are invited to apply for Honours, MSc, MPhil and PhD projects.

  • Deadly solutions: towards the Indigenous-led bushfood and horticulture industry

    Our Indigenous co-led project "A Deadly Solution: Towards an Indigenous-led bush food industry" empowers Indigenous communities in Queensland to chose plants from their land to connect to the expanding Australian bushfood industry and develop plant-based bushfoods for new food and flavour products. Advancing economic opportunities for Australia's Traditional Owners to achieve cultural, health and environmental benefits, this interdisciplinary project includes identifying bushfood plants, their propagation and selection of ecotypes with desirable traits, growing them including on degraded land, and and develop production systems - from wild harvest to horticulture. Students work with a team of food and plant scientists, social science and business experts. Projects are available for students of all levels (undergraduate, Honours, postgraduate) and Indigenous and non-indigenous students are encouraged to apply. https://agriculture-food-sustainability.uq.edu.au/research/bushfoods

  • Soil dermatology: formulating biocrust organisms to restore degraded soils

    Cattle grazing in Australia's savannas has to be sustainable. This 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. The research is in collaboration with industry partern Desert Channels (Longreach, QLD). More information and our biocrust movie: https://futurebeef.com.au/biocrusts-the-living-skin-of-rangeland-soils/.

  • 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. Among the many benefits is avoiding landfill, restoring soils and increasing 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. https://endfoodwaste.com.au/

  • 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.

Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

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