Program

1 (1)

University

To be negotiated

Proposed supervisors

University

TBA

Industry

TBA

Project title

The role of water-soluble carbohydrates and fructans in drought survival of tall fescue

Project description

The periodic droughts experienced in north-west NSW are major environmental factors controlling the persistence of perennial grasses. It is therefore necessary to investigate the mechanisms and strategies of drought response of tall fescue in this environment and to identify adaptative metabolic processes that might be exploited in plant breeding for persistence of tall fescue.

The focus of this work will be on water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), in particular, fructans. Fructans are the major form of stored carbohydrate in many C3 grasses including tall fescue. An important role of fructan synthesis in C3 grasses may be to regulate osmotic potential during moisture stress. In addition, WSC reserves are considered a primary source of carbon for regrowth after defoliation or when an environmental stress is relieved. The accumulation of high molecular weight fructans in tiller bases has been positively correlated with drought survival and regrowth after drought in both cocksfoot and perennial ryegrass in Mediterranean environments.

The role of WSC and fructans in tall fescue has not been fully researched in Australia. A better understanding of their influence on drought tolerance will enhance the potential for a breeding program to select tall fescue material with superior persistence and production compared to existing cultivars for lower rainfall areas. If the traits associated with increased drought tolerance were under the control of major genes this would provide the potential for marker-assisted selection for persistence.

Possible experiments are; 1) evaluate the seasonal WSC and fructan concentrations in a range of tall fescue material (summer active to summer dormant + & - endophyte) at differing environments (900+mm/y to 500mm/y), 2) evaluate high and low WSC tall fescue material under drought conditions to assess growth and plant survival – maybe also assess the effect of WSC concentration on regrowth following differing defoliation, and 3) compare the WSC and fructan concentrations of tall fescue leaves differing in age.

Articulation with Program objectives

Program 1 objectives are to have new, drought tolerant perennial grasses, legumes and shrubs sown across the medium rainfall zone of southern Australia. This will increase the resilience of farming systems to climate change and will increase profitability and environmental outcomes. This PhD will investigate the drought tolerance mechanisms of Tall Fescue through WSC and fructans and will lead to better targeted breeding and evaluation projects for Tall Fescue and better adapted cultivars for drought-prone areas.

Program

1 (2)

University

Charles Sturt University

Proposed supervisors

University

Nicholas Sangster

Industry

Guangdi Li
Brian Dear

Project title

Parasite management on chicory based pastures

Project description

Farmers in general rely upon the routine use of anthelmintics to control internal parasites. With the increased cost of anthelmintics and the fast developed parasite resistance to anthelmintics, farmers are forced to seek alternative approaches for parasite control. Non chemical means of control offers the potential to reduce adverse effects of internal parasites, reduce anthelmintic use and minimising risk of development of drug resistance.

In other countries sheep grazing forage chicory under experimental conditions have been shown to carry lower burdens of some worm species and suffer less from parasitism. However, the mechanism of this beneficial effect by including chicory into pasture mix is unclear. Some researchers suggested that chicory contains low concentration of condensed tannins and some secondary phenolic compounds which has potential to reduce adverse effects of internal parasites. Others argue that the reason for reduced parasite problems with chicory is due to its taller growth habit relative to grasses and so fewer infective larvae are consumed by grazing animals. Third, there is evidence that beneficial effects are derived from the superior nutrition which enhances sheep immunity to parasites.

Research questions for this potential PhD project are:

1. Whether animals grazed on chicory-based pastures have fewer of internal parasites in Australian environments?
2. What is the mechanism of the effects both on worm numbers and effects of parasites on productivity when chicory is included in the diet?
3. How to manage chicory to maximise this beneficial effect?

A series of grazing experiments, in-house animal feeding experiments and laboratory analysis will be conducted at Wagga to quantify and confirm this beneficial effect in controlling internal parasites when grazing on chicory pastures. Investigation of the effects will include studies of parasite populations and distributions, nutrition, sheep immune parameters.

Articulation with Program objectives

The project is in line with the objectives of Program 1. The success of this project would offer opportunity to reduce the anthelmintic use on farm and minimise the risk of development of parasite resistance, hence increasing livestock productivity and improving profitability on farm, which would promote the adoption of chicory on permanent pasture zone in high rainfall region and in mixed farming zone in medium rainfall region.

Program

1/6 (3)

University

University of Melbourne

Proposed supervisors

University

Bill Malcolm

Industry

Bob Farquharson

Ralph Behrendt

Angela Avery

Project title

Evaluation of novel perennial plant systems for livestock production in the High rainfall zone

Project description

EverGraze is a national project developing and extending innovative animal production systems based on perennial pastures that are 50% more profitable than current practice while simultaneously improving environmental outcomes. The primary elements of the system are perennial pastures, high genetic livestock and matching pastures with soil type and land class. The project measures productivity and environmental aspects of the system and depends heavily upon modelling at a range of levels for the development of future farming systems.

Key questions of interest arising are about the implications for medium term profit, cash flow, growth and risk of farm systems of a range of sizes and grazing and mixed farming activities and systems and with varying proportions of suitable land. Second, what are the implications of these changed pastures in farm systems for groundwater recharge and downstream effects.

For the farm systems, the questions concern the implications for productivity of incorporating these perennial pastures species, in terms of quantity and quality and timing of metabolizable energy and protein produced and utilized. Further what are the net benefits of alternative pasture and grazing management regimes?

Analysing the net benefits of changes to pasture systems requires detailed energy budgets for livestock production; detailed information about plant-soil-water relationships and pasture production; and detailed representation of the operation of whole farm systems, be they real or representative systems. Then, information regarding rainfall variability can be incorporated to introduce seasonal volatility over time. Allied to information about price and cost volatility, the stability/volatility of alternative pasture regimes and their effects on farm net worth can be assessed.

Similarly, probabilistic analyses would be applied to recharge analyses.

Such a study would require the initial question of interest to be determined in discussions with local farmers and researchers. Once the question is determined possible alternative methods and approaches to analysis would be discussed and a final approach decided

The approach will be to take the EverGraze trial results and determine the effects of introducing these changes to the business on achieving the goals of the farmer and on the risk profile of the business. The process of change and the outcomes of change will be incorporated into the overall assessment of the merit of the innovation.

At present the trial results suggest a significant technical superiority of performance of new pastures and animals on these new pastures. The questions that need answering are whether the improved technical performance improves profit and risk and flexibility within the system sufficiently to make it an attractive innovation to adopt, once the process of change and implications for all farm resources and related changes to the farm system are taken into account. A detailed whole farm real case study can deliver these answers.

Articulation with Program objectives

In the EverGraze project trial and experimental work has established information about the performance of perennial pasture plant species in several sites. The aim is to try to

• Increase profitability by 50%
• significantly improve natural resource outcomes (note the initial focus was on recharge reduction)

These projects have at least 2 years of data. These in theory finish this June, but we are/will be seeking funding for at least a further 24 months.  Site are based in Hamilton, Wagga and Albany.

There are also three native species sites (one site is more case study than a single site - Tamworth)

The aim is to try to:

• Increase profitability by 50%
• reduce recharge/ improve NRM outcomes

These are going through the first year now and have another 18 months to run.

All sites have had initial MIDAS type analyses undertaken, so the modelling and results for all sites would be available.  

The approach being used at the Tamworth site is based on benchmarking and economic modelling. This site would provide a different perspective for a PhD student and may further support their research.

Program

1 (4)

University

University of Western Australia

Proposed supervisors

University

Phil Vercoe

Industry

Dean Revell
Hayley Norman (CSIRO)

Project title

New plant combinations to capitalise on plant compounds that are beneficial to livestock

Project description

New farmscapes that deliver profitable production, sound natural resource management, and a capacity to respond to external factors such as new market demands or climate change are being developed. Innovative livestock systems provide an exciting opportunity to provide the motivation and capacity to change current practices, by incorporating perennial-based forage mixtures into farming systems to address multiple goals. Such an approach introduces a range of plant species, including native shrubs, which have not yet been considered in an agricultural context, and presents an opportunity to consider the way animals interact with a diverse plant mixture. This project will investigate the role of alternative plant species and the inherent profile of plant compounds in influencing diet selection and grazing behaviour, rumen microbial function, and/or animal health, especially gut health.

Some key research questions include:

• How can grazing animals be managed to ensure they consume ‘medicinal’ plants in appropriate proportions of their diets?
• How variable is the content of ‘bioactive’ plant compounds between individual plants and provenances of plant species, and how does it vary across sites and stages of plant maturity?
• What is the impact of different plant combinations on diet selection and gut function?
• Can particular assemblies of plants be designed to achieve gut health benefits for livestock?
• Can we better understand innate and learnt behaviour of animals in the acquisition of nutrients from a diverse mixture, and their capacities to self medicate and obtain a balanced diet?
• How do bioactive compounds vary in response to grazing, and can grazing management be used to manipulate the concentration of secondary plant compounds to desirable levels?

Articulation with Program objectives

This project would fit within the Enrich phase 2 project.

Program

1 (5)

University

University of Adelaide

Proposed supervisors

University

Jennifer Watling, David Paton

Industry

Jason Emms (SARDI)

Project title

The physiological responses of Australian native forage shrubs to grazing

Project description

Forage shrubs are seen as a promising option for providing a perennial feed base in the lower rainfall areas of the livestock cropping region of southern Australia. In much of these lower rainfall regions perennial herbaceous pasture options are extremely limited. Consequently, forage shrubs will be a significant component of the livestock diet outside of the winter growing season. Whilst tagasaste and old man saltbush have been adopted to a limited degree, there is a range of other shrubs being investigated for their potential inclusion in grazing systems. Balancing the needs of the grazing animal, the forage plant and the overall enterprise is a necessary but potentially complex issue. The ability of the shrub to withstand and respond productively to grazing will influence the productivity and sustainability of the grazing system.

The physiological factors which determine the ability of forage shrubs to withstand grazing and for subsequent regrowth are not well understood. The differing roles and levels of photosynthates and stored carbon may explain the varying response of shrubs to defoliation. Understanding temporal variation in carbohydrates, particularly in response to summer drought and defoliation should provide knowledge on the capacity of the shrub base of the system to contribute to the yearly feed base. A better understanding of the physiological limitations of these species will allow prudent management of the grazing system for both short and long term productivity.

Articulation with Program objectives

This project would fit within the Enrich phase 2 project.

Program

1 (6)

University

University of Adelaide or University of Western Australia

Proposed supervisors

University

To be confirmed (Dean Revell is an Affiliate or Adjunct Assoc. Prof. at both universities); Bill Bellotti (UofA)

Industry

Jason Emms (SARDI); Ian Pullbrook (Greenoil Nurseries)

Project title

Biology and ecology of Rhagodia preissii Moq. and how this relates to its potential as a grazing forage

Project description

Rhagodia preissii Moq. is a chenopod shrub native to southern Australia which is gaining interest as a forage shrub in low rainfall grazing enterprises. A small but growing number of producers are investing in planting R. preissii with the aim to stabilise their feed base, and address environmental issues. However, there is limited knowledge about the fundamental biology and ecology of R. preissii. This may hamper the success and further adoption of this shrub species in areas where other perennial plant options are limited. There is scope to examine aspects of the species’ biology that will allow management practices to be determined to allow its successful utilisation as a forage shrub. Particular aspects that are of importance include its phenology, reproduction and biochemistry, especially when it is subject to grazing. Limited data currently available show that its acceptability (or palatability) to grazing sheep varies over time. It appears to have low palatability over an extended period of flowering. We need to understand more about the plant physiology to improve our utilisation of this otherwise promising plant.

Articulation with Program objectives

This project would fit within the Enrich phase 2 project.

Program

2/6 (1)

University

University of Melbourne

Proposed supervisors

University

Bill Malcolm

Industry

Bob Farquharson

Project title

Evaluating the role of perennial pasture plants in mixed farming systems in Southern NSW

Project description

The potential agronomic role of perennial pastures in paddocks as part of cropping sequences in mixed farming systems is well established. The implications for whole farm profit and risk over time of introducing perennials into whole-farm plans of mixed farming systems is more problematic. The net benefit of using perennials in mixed farming systems in southern NSW is determined by the complex interplay of many factors: rainfall, technical standards of operations, varieties of pasture and crop, seasonal weather conditions, disease, soil structure and nutrient status, quantity and quality of crop products and pastures over time, prices of livestock and crop products, interest rates and the year-on-year interactions between the types and performances of individual activities on particular areas of the farm.

Modelling techniques that capture the time-related, dynamic and risky characteristics of the whole farm mix of agronomic and animal activities enable the merit to be evaluated of alternative innovations to mixed farming systems involving perennials. The performance of changed systems will be evaluated compared with alternative systems, including the status quo.

A PhD study in this field could involve investigating the whole-farm economic implications of adapting the mixed farming system in southern NSW by introducing perennial pastures into cropping sequences. In particular, the effects on risk profile of the business and the implications over time of such innovations would be identified. Real and representative farm systems could be analysed to provide a body of results leading to rigorous conclusions and providing credible information which is useful to farmers making decisions about adapting their systems to incorporate greater use of perennials.

Such a study would require the initial question of interest to be determined in discussions with local farmers and researchers. Once the question is determined possible alternative methods and approaches to analysis would be discussed and a final approach decided.

Articulation with Program objectives

This project helps meet the goal of Program 2 which is to see perennial plants incorporated into farming systems in the mixed farming zone of Australia. For landholders to make decisions about whether or not to change their management to incorporate a perennial will depend on not just their technical capacity but also their attitude to risk. The modelling approach proposed in this study attempts to capture these issues for a whole farm situation.

This project also meets the goals of Program 6 which are to evaluate whether sound technical innovations to farm systems and NRM also make economic sense. Research that evaluates the costs and benefits of changes to farming systems, with proper consideration of risk, provides information that enables informed decisions about farm and natural resource management. The results of this project will provide the knowledge needed to make sound decisions about adoption of such innovations.

Program

2 (2)

University

University of Western Australia

Proposed supervisors

University

Megan Ryan

Industry

Clinton Revell
Daniel Real

Project title

Overcoming the limitations to commercial seed production of new low rainfall perennial legumes, in particular Bituminaria and Cullen

Project description

The development of deep rooted perennial species that are adapted to difficult soils and low rainfall is a high priority for future farming systems. New plant species have been identified to meet this need.

The Future Cropping Systems Program envisages landscapes of grain crops growing together or in rotation with pastures based on perennial plant species, complimented with remnant vegetation. Increasing the proportion of perennial vegetation in a wheatbelt landscape should assist farming systems cope with climate change, particularly in southern Australia where winter rainfall is predicted to decline and summer rainfall may increase. Benefits will flow from more effective use of incident rainfall, lengthening the period of green feed and reduced erosion of sandy soils (from greater soil cover).

With the exception of lucerne (Medicago sativa), there are virtually no perennial forage legumes currently available for the drier cropping regions (<375mm annual average rainfall). Here, the use of lucerne is constrained by its lack of tolerance to acid soils, variable out of season feed production and poor tolerance of continuous grazing. Focussed pre-breeding as part of the CRC Plant Based Management of Dryland Salinity and recent plant collection missions have identified promising new sources of perennial forage legumes in native Australian habitats as well as in other Mediterranean environments (Canary Islands, Spain, North America, South Africa and Azerbaijan). This material now requires further selection and breeding in the target environments to develop appropriately adapted and productive cultivars to meet the challenges of current and future farming systems.

Candidate species include Bituminaria sp. and Cullen sp. While breeding starts in these most promising species, an understanding of their seed production and ecology is important to support their incorporation into farming systems and the development of appropriate strategies for agronomic management.

A PhD study in this field would examine the pattern of flowering in these indeterminate species, the variability among accessions, defoliation management to synchronize flowering, harvesting methodologies and seed processing. All of these characteristics will underpin the availability of seed and this is critical for eventual adoption of the species. Research may also consider seed development (in relation to dormancy mechanisms and release from dormancy) and seedling recruitment.

Articulation with Program objectives

The production of new perennial legumes for the low rainfall zone is a goal in the FFI CRC Business Plan for Program 2. This project will provide some underpinning research that will allow the seed production systems of some of the identified species to be investigated, hence value adding to the Program 2 foundation acitivities.

Program

2 (3)

University

University of Western Australia or University of Adelaide

Proposed supervisors

University

Tim Colmer ( FNAS, University of Western Australia) or

Ian Dundas ( Plant and Food Science, University of Adelaide) or

Peng Zhang (USyd)

Industry

Phil Larkin (CSIRO)

Project title

Molecular cytogenetic analysis and disease resistance of perennial wheat derived from wheat-alien hybrids

Project description

Amphiploids and partial amphiploids, involving wheat genomes and genomes from perennial Triticeae grasses, hold particular promise as new perennial dual-purpose forage and grain “wheats”. Among their potential benefits to Australian agriculture and environment are the hydrological advantages of their deep roots, low input requirements, soil conservation, forage value and carbon sequestration.

The available germplasm derives its perenniality from wheatgrass species such as Thinopyrum intermedium and Th. ponticum. As the evaluation of physiology, perenniality and summer dormancy proceeds, it is important to define the genomes and chromosomes present in this germplasm. Molecular cytogenetic techniques such as GISH (genomic in situ hybridisation) and indicator molecular markers will be used to define the chromosomal composition of the promising germplasm. Intercrosses between lines of potential value will be used to confirm whether the extra alien genomes are of similar composition. Only lines of similar genomic make-up will be compatible as parents in a subsequent breeding program. A breeding strategy will be devised.

Disease resistance will be of particular importance for perennial wheat. The donor perennial wheatgrass species are also excellent sources of disease resistance. Potentially useful germplasm will be studied for disease resistance, especially for wheat streak mosaic virus, barley yellow dwarf viruses, leaf rust, stem rust and stripe rust, and root and crown rots.

Articulation with Program objectives

This project will contribute to the goal of Program 2 which is to see perennial plants incorporated into farming systems in the mixed farming zone of Australia, and specifically will be important in determining the usefulness of particular perennial wheats and whether a breeding program is feasible for ongoing support of a perennial wheat industry.

The capacity developed will also be of value in defining the germplasm associated with the saline tolerant wheats of Program 2 (Dr Tim Colmer).

Program

3 (1)

University

University of WA / Based at Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth, Western Australia

Proposed supervisors

University

Jason Stevens

Christopher Loo

Industry

Mike Bennell

Project title

Enhancing native perennial woody species establishment through seed enabling technologies

Project description

Australian native species have specific requirements that must be met in order for germination to occur. This is in part due to native seeds having developed protection mechanisms to ensure long-term species persistence through erratic seasonal conditions. As a part of a national research initiative this PhD project will focus on:

1. Understanding the germination strategies that Australian native woody species have developed to ensure species persistence in nature. More specifically how seeds cope with inconsistent soil water availability during the germination and early seedling emergence phase.

2. Manipulating seed germination strategies through seed enabling technologies to improve early seedling vigour and establishment success in a range of native species for use in biodiversity plantings and agroforestry systems.

3. Understanding the opportunities of how this novel technology combines with field based restoration and production systems across Australia.

Kings Park has developed a strong multidisciplinary approach to conservation and restoration of native plants and degraded landscapes. The research team of over 40 staff specialise in seed ecology, propagation science, germplasm storage, conservation genetics and conservation ecology. This research group has contributed significantly to seed science in Australia, with major advances in seed dormancy alleviation (pioneering work in smoke technology), restoration ecology and conservation of seed and somatic tissue.

Articulation with Program objectives

New tree and shrub crops in southern Australian agricultural landscapes will provide landowners with opportunities to create new farming systems that can assist in adaptation to changing social and environmental conditions. With increasing prospects for planting large areas of native perennial woody species for forage, biomass production, carbon sequestration, biodiversity and mine rehabilitation, the importance of reliable and cost-effective methods for establishing perennial plants is pressing. Direct seeding has the potential to substantially reduce costs compared with nursery raised seedlings, however it is currently a high risk method particularly in more hostile environments. The project will undertake seed biology and establishment research at the fundamental scientific level combined with a national applied field experimentation leading to significant gains in reliability and cost reduction.

The work of the PhD project will be closely integrated into the larger national project including sharing trial sites and participating in team meetings and workshops.

Program

3 (2)

University

University of Adelaide

Proposed supervisors

University

Cameron Grant

Industry

Mike Bennell

Project title

Improving the successful establishment of woody perennials by direct seeding

Project description

Success in native plant establishment from seed is challenged by the inherently variable properties of native seeds plus the soil and climatic conditions they face. This project will undertake research at the fundamental scientific level on the interactions between seed, soil and climate to provide understanding of the dynamics of germination and seedling survival during the first 6 months of growth . The project will work closely with research being undertaken at Kings Park on the biology of the seeds of important native species. This will involve controlled-environment glasshouse studies together with extensive instrumentation of field sites to study impacts of soil water availability and other in situ treatments on germination.

Some key research questions include:

• What are the soil water conditions under which seeds operate, and to what extent can these be manipulated within the realm of direct seeding? (This information will help create a model that describes variation in soil moisture content in the top 5 -10 cm (seed bed) of the soil profile to evaluate the threshold limits of different seeds to maintain physiological activity and predict the degree of success in germination in response to soil, climate, species attributes and sowing depth).
• What are the mechanisms by which selected species penetrate hard soils and to what extent does this influence seedling survival?
• To what extent can subsurface fertilizers improve root growth into the subsoil?
• Can the inherent variability in species response to soil conditions be used to establish scientific principles for targeted soil management with direct seeding?

The research questions listed above will be used to inform the establishment of field trials using key species on different soils in different climatic regions across southern Australia. Among other things, the field trials will develop and test methods to capture and conserve water to germinate seeds on different soils as well as modify soil conditions to encourage rapid establishment of native root systems in subsoils.

This project will be based in the School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide under the supervision of Dr Cameron Grant. The School of Earth & Environmental Sciences brings together a unique mix of expertise and facilities in the physics, chemistry, biology & hydrology of soils and spatial information and analysis to help us better understand the sustainable management of resources in natural and agro-ecosystems. In particular, we have a range of equipment to measure soil water retention, soil strength, and soil solution properties, all of which will be essential to the success of the project.

Articulation with Program objectives

With increasing prospects for planting large areas of native perennial woody species for forage, biomass production, carbon sequestration, biodiversity and mine rehabilitation, the importance of reliable and cost-effective methods for establishing perennial plants is pressing. Soil and climatic conditions where plants need to be established are potentially harsh. Although we understand how to manage soil conditions for many mainstream agricultural crops we have less success in managing the more variable conditions for successful establishment of native seeds. Direct seeding has the potential to substantially reduce costs compared with nursery raised seedlings, however it is currently a high risk method particularly in more hostile environments. The project will undertake seed biology and establishment research at the fundamental scientific level combined with a national applied field experimentation leading to significant gains in reliability and cost reduction.

The work of the PhD project will be closely integrated into the larger national FFI –CRC project including sharing trial sites and participating in team meetings and workshops.

Program

3 (3)

University

The University of Melbourne

Proposed supervisors

University

Roger Cousens

Lauren Bennett

Industry

Matthew Denton

Project title

Overcoming biotic and abiotic barriers to successful recruitment of woody perennials by direct seeding into agricultural environments

Project description

Successful native plant establishment from direct seeding depends not only on seed germination but on persistence of seedlings throughout the establishment phase. While variability in moisture and soil regimes influence the initial species emergence, successful establishment is defined by interactions between a plant’s ecophysiological tolerances and their physical, chemical and biotic environment. This project will aim to understand processes that lead to enhanced success of native plant species from direct seeding in agricultural environments, which pose particular problems for native species. For example, there may be high nutrient loads, abundance weed seed banks and subsoil exposed from laser-levelling..

This project will improve understanding of interactions between sown native seedlings, soil and the environment to provide an understanding of the dynamics of seedling establishment. Experiments will be conducted in both controlled-environment glasshouse studies and in detailed field experiments to study the impacts of abiotic and biotic conditions on successful plant establishment.

Some key research questions include:

• Do nutrient regimes affect the competition between iconic native species and exotic species? Predictive models will be developed to understand the role of moisture, nutrients and weeds in altering the outcomes of plant competition.
• Can soil nutrient concentrations be altered to change the outcomes of native plant and weed competition? For example, can nutrient loads be reduced by growing and harvesting crops?
• What are the physiological mechanisms by which iconic species are able to outcompete dominant weed species?

These experiments will establish scientific principles to improve our understanding of the early establishment phases of emerging seedlings. This understanding will be crucial in developing tools to improve our ability to manage direct seeded species and to reduce risk in revegetation programs. The information will feed into the larger CRC project and inform other aspects of the project in WA, SA and Vic. This project will complement studies at Kings Park on the biology of the seeds, and studies based in Adelaide, focussing on seed-soil-moisture relations.

This project will be based in the Schools of Resource Management and Geography, and Forest and Ecosystem Science, both within the Faculty of Land and Food Resources, The University of Melbourne. DPI will have an active role in student supervision, design of experiments and in managing co-located field sites in northern Victoria.

Articulation with Program objectives

With increasing prospects for planting large areas of native perennial woody species for forage, biomass production, carbon sequestration, biodiversity and mine rehabilitation, there is an urgent need to improve the reliability and cost-effectiveness of establishing perennial plants. This project will focus on the ecophysiological constraints that limit the successful recruitment of iconic native plant species.

Ecophysiological constraints (biotic and abiotic interactions) typically limit the successful establishment of native plant species as they impact on early survival of direct seeded species. There are significant knowledge gaps in understanding the factors that contribute to establishment success of native direct seeded species. This knowledge will provide the scientific basis for improving the reliability of direct seeding operations which is a major sticking point in advancing this technology. The outcomes will be applicable across all states involved in the broader project (WA, SA, Vic) and will assist in guiding implementations to improve the outcomes of direct seeding.

The work of the PhD project will be closely integrated into the larger national FFI –CRC project including sharing research sites in northern Victoria and participating in team meetings and workshops. This project will have sites within the North Central CMA region; we expect to continue to engage NC CMA in development of field days and in extending information gained from the project.

Program

3 (4)

University

University of Adelaide

Proposed supervisors

University

Petra Marschner
David Chittleborough
Mark Tibbet

Industry

TBA

Project title

Soil carbon dynamics of woody crop systems in low rainfall landscapes

Project description

New woody crops have the potential to provide farmers with opportunities to create new integrated farming systems that are more sustainable, climate-adapted and economically viable in southern Australian agricultural landscapes. You will be contributing to a project the aims of which are to understand how to create more resilient, sustainable and productive agricultural landscapes.

Specifically you will investigate the soil carbon dynamics of two perennial woody species, mallee and saltbush, and thereby provide a sound scientific basis for development of a predictive and measurement capacity of the productivity of key woody shrub and tree species, including whole plant biomass and soil carbon stores, at a regional and farm scale. This requires field work to underpin scientific rigor of productivity evaluations and predictions.

At several field sites you will quantify the accumulation of carbon as plant roots, the sequestration of carbon in labile and non-labile C pools in soil, and any losses incurred via microbial turnover or root respiration thereby enabling prediction of the fate of carbon in soil. This will need to include losses from leaching through lysimeter measurements of dissolved organic carbon and carbon mineralisation measured by soil surface respirometry. The fate of new carbon will be predicted using established techniques of soil carbon fractionation to assess the accumulation of recalcitrant and decomposable components of the carbon stocks. The fate of pools will be ascertained using established soil carbon models. This will lead to an estimate of true C sequestration in soil organic matter.

The latter will include measuring C mineralisation (eg CO 2, CH 4) and C leached as dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and potentially particulate material also. This will require measurements of soil gaseous efflux (measured by instruments like a Li-cor respirometer) that will account for root and microbial respiration and the installation of lysimeters for DOC. Then we need to assess the fate of C in above ground biomass and more topically the belowground C. This is the most complex part that will require (i) an estimation of root biomass, (ii) a measurement of litter type and quality (eg cellulose to lignin ratio), (iii) the quantification of labile and recalcitrant fractions of soil organic matter, (iv) modelling data to predict the fate of various C pools, (v) measuring the size of the living (non-plant) biomass.

Articulation with Program objectives

The objective of P3 FP14 is to determine the feasibility of large-scale woody biomass production and/or carbon bio-sequestration in medium-low rainfall environments under low cost/low price production regimes fully integrated with dominant enterprises on the farm. This project contributes to our fundamental understanding of how carbon can be stored in agroecosystems.

Program

3 (5)

University

University of Adelaide

Proposed supervisors

University

David Chittleborough
Megan Lewis
Annie McNeill
Bertram Ostendorf

Industry

TBA

Project title

Influence of soil-landscape variability on woody perennial plant growth

Project description

Woody crops have the potential to help meet renewable energy targets. In regions that are currently marginal for cropping, woody perennials may be crucial component to reduce risk. With growth periods of several years they are less sensitive to climatic variation than annual systems and hence may play a role to environmental, economic and social sustainability. Our aim is to understand how woody perennials perform in the annual cropping and grazing zones of southern Australia with landscapes that may vary strongly in space and time.

Marked variability in cereal crop yields has come to light as a result of new sensing technologies being adopted by landholders. Variability is so marked in many instances that there is little or negative economic productivity in some parts of the paddock. Anecdotal evidence indicates that this may also be the case for woody crops.

You will be addressing the following questions: To what extent is this phenomenon true of perennial plant growth? What are the causes for differences in growth performance that may be up to an order of magnitude within tens of meters? Are the differences systematic and can they be predicted in order to assess the feasibility of new developments?

A few pedological studies have linked these variations to particular soil properties eg. texture of the surface horizon. Unlike previous studies, this research project will investigate the variation of both surface and deep subsoil properties. Using geostatistical techniques, we will attempt to define the property, or suite of soil-landscape properties that effect perennial plant performance and attempt to devise a means for landholders to readily observe and account for these in their decision making.

Articulation with Program objectives

The objective of P3 FP14 is to determine the feasibility of large-scale woody biomass production and/or carbon bio-sequestration in medium-low rainfall environments under low cost/low price production regimes fully integrated with dominant enterprises on the farm. This project contributes to our fundamental understanding of how carbon can be stored in agroecosystems.

Program

4/1 (1)

University

University of Western Australia

Proposed supervisors

University

Ian Williams
Phil Vercoe

Industry

Dean Revell (CSIRO)
Hayley Norman (CSIRO)

Project title

Optimising the utilisation of saltbush-based pastures

Project description

Saltbush forage is digested inefficiently by sheep and this is only partially related to high salt. Sheep eating saltbush eructate more methane gas per unit of digestible organic matter intake than sheep eating a straw and grain ration. This difference represents a loss of digestible energy and increased greenhouse gas emissions. If the amount of methane produced can be minimised then more energy would be available to the animal for production and less methane would be emitted to the atmosphere. Given that energy is the major factor limiting animal performance from saltbush-based pastures reducing the inefficiency of digestion will have a large impact on the economic value of these pastures. Further, as there is mounting pressure on animal industries to reduce methane emissions, it will be important to understand the mechanisms and develop strategies to reduce enteric methane emissions from livestock grazing saltbush in order to capitalise on potential carbon storage benefits.

D. Mayberry (CRC FFI PhD student) has established that substituting barley and straw for saltbush improved the efficiency of rumen fermentation and reduced methane production in vitro. As there was no change in rumen pH, DOMD or methane production when sheep were fed diets containing more than 60% barley and straw, it appears that there is an optimal level of supplement that can be fed to sheep grazing saltbush to maximises productivity and minimises methane production. To date most supplementation trials have focussed on cereal grain and poor quality straw supplements. There has been no animal house or field-based experiments testing complementarity between saltbush and moderate quality hay or lupins. Lupins are of particular interest as they are much less likely to cause acidosis (a major limitation of cereal grains) and that they are high in nitrogen. While saltbush is also high in nitrogen it has disproportionately high levels of sulphur (5 to 8 g/kg dry matter). Unless converted to protein (given sufficient nitrogen and energy), this sulphur is converted to sulphide and may cause a number of negative effects on animals. Lupins are relatively low in sulphur. Another option is to explore the potential of using companion plants in the interrow to reduce methane emissions per unit of production, and thereby avoid the labour and feed costs of supplementary feeding.

We would like to offer a student the opportunity to develop supplementation strategies for ruminants grazing saltbush-based pastures. The project is likely to explore factors reducing the inefficiency of digestion, complementarity between saltbush and various supplements and managing diet selection in the field.

Articulation with Program objectives

This project is very well aligned to the objectives of Program 4.

Program

4/1 (2)

University

University of Western Australia

Proposed supervisors

University

Ian Williams (UWA) and
Kelly Pearce (Murdoch)

Industry

Dean Revell (CSIRO)
Hayley Norman (CSIRO)

Project title

Can saltbush improve meat quality and yield when used in a backgrounding system prior to finishing?

Project description

Backgrounding is the process of feeding young animals after weaning in preparation to finishing (either in a paddock or feedlot) for meat production. A number of biochemical attributes of saltbush would suggest that it could be used in backgrounding systems for animals that are not ready for finishing prior to the summer/autumn feed gap. We would like a PhD student to test the hypothesis that young animals that have had access to saltbush in summer will be healthier than animals that have been maintained on stubbles and supplementary grain. Further, these animals will finish faster when provided a finishing ration (either in a feedlot or on high quality pastures) and will yield a higher value meat product. Sheep or cattle could be studied and the meat product will have a “clean, green and ethical” marketing advantage.

The high vitamin E levels in saltbush are likely to improve animal health and meat quality. A recent survey showed that vitamin E deficiency is widespread in weaner sheep flocks in autumn with 58% of flocks below the critical threshold of 0.7 mg/L in plasma and 6% of individuals with evidence of muscle damage. If these animals are moved into grain finishing systems, the problem will be exacerbated as the vitamin E content of grains is well below the requirement level of 10–20 mg/kg for sheep; hence costly (and sometimes of questionable effectiveness)vitamin E supplements are required. Saltbush offers the opportunity to recharge vitamin E levels before the animals are moved onto a grain dominant finishing ration. Another benefit of vitamin E is that it leads to improvements in meat quality traits such as colour, colour stability, drip loss, fat concentration and meat tenderness.

Pearce et al (2007) found that saltbush-fed sheep had a significantly lower fat content than animals finished on stubbles while maintaining a similar carcass weight. This represents a positive opportunity as fat denudation is a significant cost to processors and farmers can produce sheep that deposit less fat per unit of liveweight gain Saltbushes use betaines for osmotic regulation and tissue concentrations of 1.4 – 6.7 g/kg DM have been measured. Synthetic betaines are used as an ingredient in many feedlot rations and levels as low as 2 g/kg DM in the diet of sheep have been shown to lower subcutaneous fat deposits and improve meat quality. It is possible that high betaine consumption while grazing saltbush may yield residual benefits in terms of reducing subcutaneous fat. In addition, the high salt content of saltbush leaves may also yield residual benefits in terms of carcass quality and lean yield.

Articulation with Program objectives

This project is very well aligned to the objectives of Program 4.

Program

5 (1)

University

University of Western Australia

Proposed supervisors

University

Ryan Vogwill

Industry

Matt Forbes

Project title

Physiochemical relationships between key plants and saturated and unsaturated zone hydrology

Project description

As part of the Biorisk project, two separate investigations will be linked to document the ecological water requirements of key plant species as the basis for wetland management decisions. The initial study site will be Toolibin Lake where vegetation is in various stages of decline, stabilisation and recovery. This provides an excellent opportunity to develop an understanding of the hydrological and water quality tolerances of key plant species.

One of the two projects is ecophysiological and, through field trials and instrumentation of living trees (sapflow meters, isotopes etc) will investigate plant water use and water sources.

The second, physiochemical project will explore relationships among soil type, soil moisture content, groundwater level, salinity dynamics and plant condition.

This project will link plant condition to the subsurface environment (through soil/groundwater moisture levels and salinity), and will be crucial to extrapolating point data from ecophysiological work to other populations at the study site. It will also provide the basis for predicting plant responses using soil characteristics, a technique which will have much wider application.

Also, existing engineering infrastructure at Toolibin Lake (groundwater pumps and surface water diversion structure) provides an almost unparalleled opportunity to manipulate the hydrological environment. Flooding, pumping and cessation of pumping (allowing saline groundwater to rise) are some of the key experiments which may be undertaken at Toolibin Lake.

Articulation with Program objectives

This project is a key step in quantifying the ecohydrological regime requirements of riparian species with particular emphasis on groundwater levels, source partitioning, hydroperiod and salinity. This is crucial to setting ecological water requirements for managing biodiversity assets threatened by altered hydrology, and is required to deliver Output 5.2 of the Biorisk project.

Program

5 (2)

University

University of Western Australia

Proposed supervisors

University

Harriet Mills

Industry

Patrick Smith (CSIRO)

Project title

The role of farmland revegetation in restoring gene flow in agricultural landscapes

Project description

One of the key drivers behind the development of woody perennial farming systems is the perceived environmental benefits that will arise through widespread planting of native shrubs and trees. A key component of these potential environmental benefits is improved conservation of biodiversity in farming landscapes. Clearing of woody native vegetation to make way for annual crops and pastures has had two significant impacts on habitat for native biodiversity. Firstly it has drastically reduced the overall amount of habitat left for native plants and animals (by over 90% in the WA wheat belt), and secondly the little habitat left has been fragmented into many small patches separated by fields of wheat and pasture. Widespread planting of woody perennial farming systems will help address both these problems. On the one hand it will create new areas of woody native plants that will provide habitat values for some wildlife. On the other hand these plantings may reduce the impacts of fragmentation by improving the ability of wildlife to move between remaining patches of native habitat.

There is growing evidence from Australia that planting of trees and shrubs in cleared agricultural lands does increase the amount of habitat available to many native species. Ongoing work by the CRC FFI will help further refine our understanding of the contribution of perennial farm systems to the provision of habitat. While ecological theory suggests that revegetation should play an important role in restoring gene flow processes that have been disrupted by the fragmentation of habitat, at present we have no direct proof of this and no means of quantifying any restoration (see review by Prober and Smith (2008)).

The aim of this project will be to begin to redress this gap in our knowledge of the benefits of revegetation for gene flow in agricultural landscapes. It will focus on the restoration of flows of genes and organisms between habitat patches, and discover the potential contribution of perennial farming systems to this. A variety of taxa could be investigated (plants, vertebrates, invertebrates) using both field and genetic approaches as appropriate. The project will aim to inform the way industry develops, implements and manages perennial farming systems such that these important biodiversity conservation benefits are maximised.

Articulation with Program objectives

This project will contribute directly to the research objectives of Program 5. By quantifying the contribution of perennial farming system to the restoration of landscape ecological processes it will contribute to the development of the models and management packages that are key products of the Program.

Program

6 (1)

University

University of Western Australia or University of Melbourne

Proposed supervisors

University

David Pannell (UWA) and/or
Bill Malcolm (UniMelb)

Industry

Ross Kingwell (DAFWA)

Project title

Farming systems economic analysis of complex farm technologies

Project description

New farming technologies being created by the FFI CRC are likely to have complex impacts on the farming systems used across southern Australia. The CRC needs to be able to evaluate the likely attractiveness of its new technologies and the areas over which they are likely to be adopted. As part of this, detailed bio-economic models would be developed and used to assess issues such as: changes in rotation to accommodate the new technologies, effects on the riskiness of the farm system, demands on labour at peak times, effects on the integration between crop and livestock enterprises, soil types on which the new practices are likely to be grown most successfully, and the overall balance between different types of enterprises. 

Australia has a strong history in this type of analysis, with some of the leading models internationally have been created here. These include MIDAS, MUDAS and RIM. This project could involve application of a range of modelling approaches to develop insights into different aspects of the farming problem. 

Articulation with Program objectives

This project would be highly compatible with the aims of the Economics project. Indeed, it would help to meet a severe capacity gap that has emerged in this area. 

Program

6 (2)

University

Charles Sturt University

Proposed supervisors

University

Rik Thwaites (CSU)
Allan Curtis (CSU)

Industry

TBA

Project title

Climate change adaptation in agricultural industries/rural Australia

Project description

Climate change is recognised as a serious global issue, and is likely to result in many changes, challenges and opportunities across rural Australia.  Response strategies include mitigation and adaptation, both of which seek to reduce the negative effects of climate change.  The adaptation approach recognises that a certain amount of climate change is inevitable, and that society can take steps to minimize losses, to cope with consequences and to take advantage of opportunities arising from climate change.  Climate change adaptation is thus about reducing the vulnerability of individuals, industries and communities to the impacts of climate change.

Recent research has found that rural landholders are making a range of strategic and tactical responses to climate change and that their beliefs about climate change are only one of a number of factors affecting their management decisions. Indeed, landholder responses are different in different social and farming contexts. It is therefore important to develop methodologies and undertake research across different contexts to understand the extent, drivers and implications of adaptations to climate change. 

Articulation with Program objectives

This project will contribute directly to the research objectives of Program 6.  The project will assist the CRC and its industry partners to understand landholder responses to climate change and the implications of trends for particular CRC industries and the adoption of new technologies within the CRC.