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 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
Qualifications
- Masters (Coursework), Universität Hohenheim
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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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.
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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.
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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
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://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://www.mla.com.au/news-and-events/industry-news/biocrusts-offer-natural-solution/
https://futurebeef.com.au/biocrusts-the-living-skin-of-rangeland-soils/
Works
Search Professor Susanne Schmidt’s works on UQ eSpace
2013
Journal Article
Carbon sequestration and soil fertility of tropical tree plantations and secondary forest established on degraded land
Sang, Phan Minh, Lamb, David, Bonner, Mark and Schmidt, Susanne (2013). Carbon sequestration and soil fertility of tropical tree plantations and secondary forest established on degraded land. Plant and Soil, 362 (1-2), 187-200. doi: 10.1007/s11104-012-1281-9
2013
Journal Article
Macroalgal species richness and assemblage composition of the Great Barrier Reef seabed
Hurrey, Lucy P., Pitcher, C. Roland, Lovelock, Catherine E. and Schmidt, Susanne (2013). Macroalgal species richness and assemblage composition of the Great Barrier Reef seabed. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 492, 69-83. doi: 10.3354/meps10366
2013
Journal Article
The mixotrophic nature of photosynthetic plants
Schmidt, Susanne, Raven, John A. and Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat (2013). The mixotrophic nature of photosynthetic plants. Functional Plant Biology, 40 (5), 425-438. doi: 10.1071/FP13061
2013
Book Chapter
Rhizophagy-a new dimension of plant-microbe interactions
Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat, Schmidt, Susanne, Webb, Richard I. and Lonhienne, Thierry G. A. (2013). Rhizophagy-a new dimension of plant-microbe interactions. Molecular Microbial Ecology of the Rhizosphere. (pp. 1199-1207) edited by Frans J. de Bruijn. Hoboken, NJ United States: Wiley-Blackwell. doi: 10.1002/9781118297674.ch115
2012
Journal Article
Past, present and future of organic nutrients
Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat, Visser, Jozef, Lonhienne, Thierry G. A. and Schmidt, Susanne (2012). Past, present and future of organic nutrients. Plant and Soil, 359 (1-2), 1-18. doi: 10.1007/s11104-012-1357-6
2012
Journal Article
Effect of fire and tree-grass patches on soil nitrogen in Australian tropical savannas
Richards, Anna E., Brackin, Richard, Lindsay, D. Alexander J. and Schmidt, Susanne (2012). Effect of fire and tree-grass patches on soil nitrogen in Australian tropical savannas. Austral Ecology, 37 (6), 668-677. doi: 10.1111/j.1442-9993.2011.02335.x
2012
Journal Article
Soluble inorganic and organic nitrogen in two Australian soils under sugarcane cultivation
Holst, Jirko, Brackin, Richard, Robinson, Nicole, Lakshmanan, Prakash and Schmidt, Susanne (2012). Soluble inorganic and organic nitrogen in two Australian soils under sugarcane cultivation. Agriculture Ecosystems and Environment, 155 (2), 16-26. doi: 10.1016/j.agee.2012.03.015
2012
Conference Publication
Microbial dynamics in forest and sugarcane soils of Queensland
Brackin, Richard, Robinson, Nicole, Lakshmanan, Prakash and Schmidt, Susanne (2012). Microbial dynamics in forest and sugarcane soils of Queensland. Soil Science: Joint Australian and New Zealand Soil Science Conference: Soil solutions for diverse landscapes, Hobart, Australia, 2-7 December 2012. Warragul, Victoria: Australian Society of Soil Science.
2012
Journal Article
Indigenous and modern biomaterials derived from Triodia ('spinifex') grasslands in Australia
Gamage, Harshi K., Mondal, Subrata, Wallis, Lynley A., Memmott, Paul, Martin, Darren, Wright, Boyd R. and Schmidt, Susanne (2012). Indigenous and modern biomaterials derived from Triodia ('spinifex') grasslands in Australia. Australian Journal of Botany, 60 (2), 114-127. doi: 10.1071/BT11285
2012
Conference Publication
Micron-size metal-binding hydrogel particles improve germination and radicle elongation of Australian metallophyte grasses in mine waste rock and tailings
Guterres, J., Rossato, L., Pudmenzky, A., Doley, D., Whittaker, M. and Schmidt, S. (2012). Micron-size metal-binding hydrogel particles improve germination and radicle elongation of Australian metallophyte grasses in mine waste rock and tailings. Seventh International Conference on Mine Closure, Brisbane, Australia, 25-27 September 2012. Nedlands, WA, Australia: Australian Centre for Geomechanics (ACG).
2012
Conference Publication
Novel metal-binding hydrogel particles alleviate soil toxicity and facilitate healthy plant establishment of the native metallophyte grass Astrebla lappacea in mine waste rock and tailings
Bigot, M., Guterres, J., Rossato, L., Pudmenzky, A., Doley, D., Whittaker, M., Pillai-McGarry, U. and Schmidt, S. (2012). Novel metal-binding hydrogel particles alleviate soil toxicity and facilitate healthy plant establishment of the native metallophyte grass Astrebla lappacea in mine waste rock and tailings. Seventh International Conference on Mine Closure, Brisbane, Australia, 25-27 September 2012. Nedlands, WA, Australia: Australian Centre for Geomechanics (ACG).
2012
Journal Article
Amino acids are a nitrogen source for sugarcane
Vinall, Kerry, Schmidt, Susanne, Brackin, Richard, Lakshmanan, Prakash and Robinson, Nicole (2012). Amino acids are a nitrogen source for sugarcane. Functional Plant Biology, 39 (6), 503-511. doi: 10.1071/FP12042
2011
Journal Article
Arabidopsis and Lobelia anceps access small peptides as a nitrogen source for growth
Soper, Fiona M., Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat, Brackin, Richard, Rentsch, Doris, Schmidt, Susanne and Robinson, Nicole (2011). Arabidopsis and Lobelia anceps access small peptides as a nitrogen source for growth. Functional Plant Biology, 38 (10), 788-796. doi: 10.1071/FP11077
2011
Journal Article
Metal-binding particles alleviate lead and zinc toxicity during seed germination of metallophyte grass Astrebla lappacea
Rossato, L., MacFarlane, J., Whittaker, M., Pudmenzky, A., Doley, D., Schmidt, S. and Monteiro, M. J. (2011). Metal-binding particles alleviate lead and zinc toxicity during seed germination of metallophyte grass Astrebla lappacea. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 190 (1-3), 772-779. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.03.116
2011
Journal Article
Nitrate paradigm does not hold up for sugarcane
Robinson, Nicole, Brackin, Richard, Vinall, Kerry, Soper, Fiona, Holst, Jirko, Gamage, Harshi, Paungfoo-Lonhienne, Chanyarat, Rennenberg, Heinz, Lakshmanan, Prakash and Schmidt, Susanne (2011). Nitrate paradigm does not hold up for sugarcane. PLoS One, 6 (4 Article # e19045) e19045, e19045. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019045
2011
Journal Article
Identification of drought-response genes and a study of their expression during sucrose accumulation and water deficit in sugarcane culms
Iskandar, Hayati M., Casu, Rosanne E., Fletcher, Andrew T., Schmidt, Susanne, Xu, Jingsheng, Maclean, Donald J., Manners, John M. and Bonnett, Graham D. (2011). Identification of drought-response genes and a study of their expression during sucrose accumulation and water deficit in sugarcane culms. BMC Plant Biology, 11 (1) 12. doi: 10.1186/1471-2229-11-12
2011
Conference Publication
Micron-sized metal-binding hydrogel particles improve germination and root elongation of Australian metallophyte grasses (Astrebla lappacea and Austrostipa scabra) on highly polluted waste rock and tailings
Guterres, Jaquelina, Rossato, Laurence, Pudmenzky, Alex, Doley, David, Whittaker, Michael and Schmidt, Susanne (2011). Micron-sized metal-binding hydrogel particles improve germination and root elongation of Australian metallophyte grasses (Astrebla lappacea and Austrostipa scabra) on highly polluted waste rock and tailings. 32nd Australasian Polymer Symposium, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia, 13-16 February 2011.
2011
Book Chapter
Effects of seabirds on plant communities
Ellis, J. C., Bellingham, P. J., Cameron, E. K., Croll, D. A., Kolb, G. S., Kueffer, C., Mittelhauser, G. H., Schmidt, S., Vidal, E. and Wait, D. A. (2011). Effects of seabirds on plant communities. Seabird Islands: Ecology, invasion and restoration. (pp. 177-211) edited by Christa Mulder, Wendy Anderson, David Towns and Peter Bellingham. New York, USA: Oxford Univ Press. doi: 10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199735693.003.0006
2011
Journal Article
Seasonal variation in nitrous oxide and methane emissions from subtropical estuary and coastal mangrove sediments, Australia
Allen, D., Dalal, R. C., Rennenberg, H. and Schmidt, S. (2011). Seasonal variation in nitrous oxide and methane emissions from subtropical estuary and coastal mangrove sediments, Australia. Plant Biology, 13 (1), 126-133. doi: 10.1111/j.1438-8677.2010.00331.x
2011
Book Chapter
Impacts of seabirds on plant and soil properties
Mulder, C. P. H., Jones, H., Kameda, K., Palmborg, C., Schmidt, S., Ellis, J., Orrock, J. L., Wait, A., Wardle, D. A., Yang, L., Young, H., Croll, D. and Vidal, E. (2011). Impacts of seabirds on plant and soil properties. Seabird Islands: Ecology, invasion and restoration. (pp. 135-176) edited by Christa P. H. Mulder, Wendy B. Anderson, David R. Towns and Peter J. Bellingham. New York, USA: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199735693.003.0005
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.
-
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.
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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.
-
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
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Doctor Philosophy
Towards responsible nitrogen use in Oceania
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
Development of an efficient, safe and environmentally friendly oil extraction process from microalgae
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Bushfoods and native plants of three Indigenous communities in Queensland: A cultural stewardship approach.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Robyn Cave, Dr Marlize Bekker
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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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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
Sustainable Agriculture and the Phosphorus Bioeconomy
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
-
Doctor Philosophy
Advancing the circular economy: phosphorus recycling and next-generation fertilisers
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bronwyn Laycock, Professor Gary Schenk
-
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
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
Sustainable Agriculture and the Phosphorus Bioeconomy
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bronwyn Laycock, Professor Gary Schenk
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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
-
Doctor Philosophy
Characterising Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Sugarcane
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nicole Robinson
-
Doctor Philosophy
Costs and benefits of plant-microbe symbioses
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Mark Turner, Associate Professor Paul Dennis
-
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
Advancing biofertiliser for sustainable agriculture
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Esteban Marcellin, Dr Axa Gonzalez
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Doctor Philosophy
Biocrust microorganisms and their function in Australian savanna grazing lands
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jiarui Sun, Associate Professor Paul Dennis
-
Doctor Philosophy
Advancing biofertiliser for sustainable agriculture
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Esteban Marcellin, Dr Axa Gonzalez
-
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
Assigning function to the core bacterial microbial of Musa spp.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jiarui Sun, Associate Professor Paul Dennis
Completed supervision
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Sustainable Agriculture and the Phosphorus Bioeconomy
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bronwyn Laycock, Professor Gary Schenk
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Productivity, Profitability and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Rice Cropping in the Philippines
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Renuka Mahadevan
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
-
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
-
2007
Doctor Philosophy
CARBON SEQUESTRATION IN NATIVE RAINFOREST TREE PLANTATIONS
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Adjunct Professor Ram Dalal AM
-
2003
Doctor Philosophy
Nitrogen and Carbon cycling in Macadamia integrifolia
Principal Advisor
-
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
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
Assigning function to the core bacterial microbiome of Musa spp.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jiarui Sun, Associate Professor Paul Dennis
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
The Influence of Soil pH on Microbial Community Structure and Function
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Paul Dennis
-
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
-
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
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Water use of tropical trees: plant traits and water isotope relationships
Associate Advisor
-
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
-
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
Exploring the physiological flexibility of reef-building corals in a changing environment
Associate Advisor
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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
-
2005
Doctor Philosophy
DEVELOPMENT OF PASSIVE AIR SAMPLERS FOR SEMIVOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jochen Mueller
-
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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