Resource management

A growing population and rising competition for natural resources means dairy farmers are no longer guaranteed consistent access to low cost natural resources.
Fertilisers are a key profit driver and improved nutrient use efficiency is critical to maintaining productivity.
Very little is known about the role of soil microbes in Australian dairy soils, including the role they may play in influencing nutrient availability. With increased climate variability, some farmers have been exposed to extreme climatic conditions severely impacting on their businesses.

To improve productivity through greater knowledge and understanding about nutrient loss pathways and practices to improve nutrient use efficiency.
To identify the dominant soil microorganisms and/or microbial processes involved in driving N cycling pathways in dairy soils.
To provide farmers with a range of services to assist recovery from natural disasters.