AGGREGATE: NEWS & EVENTS
Hands-on experiences open to Ag Science students
SOILSWEST is offering project placements to current Murdoch University Agricultural Science students who are considering Honours or Master’s studies for 2027.
Impact of soil amelioration in transforming grain production systems
Soil amelioration has transformed farming systems in Western Australia over the recent decades, in conjunction with advances in breeding, agronomy, nutrition, and water use efficiency of farming systems continues to advance despite the drying climate.
With supervision from Murdoch University and leading applied soil scientists from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the student will investigate key questions to advance understanding of soil function, soil amelioration, crop nutrition, and support broadacre grain businesses in optimising innovative methods of soil management for improved water use efficiency.
There is flexibility for one or more students to address specific interests or aspects of this research.
Field work would potentially include aspects of regional travel and working with DPIRD staff. There would be no out-of-pocket expenses for the student, with operational support from DPIRD.
Work on current industry priorities and help us address the gaps in science!
Level: Honours or Master’s
Contact: Fran Hoyle (and discussion with DPIRD team)
Can a consistent visual and semantic knowledge system improve how different audiences recognise, navigate and understand soil information?
This project is linked to the National Soil Education Opportunity (NSEO) co-investment with the Grains Research and Development Corporation and Murdoch University.
Students could complete both a practical build and a proper evaluation component of a soil knowledge base gateway and assess whether information systems work equally well for growers, advisors, educators and emerging professionals. Focus testing could include recognition and recall, comprehension, navigation speed, consistency across channels, user preference and learning design.
Level: Honours or Master’s
Contact: Fran Hoyle, Kaisa Freeman
Placements are also available through projects supervised by Dr Tona Sanchez-Palacios and Associate Professor Hanabeth Luke.
MORE STORIES
GRDC calls for research fellows
The Grains Research and Development Corporation is inviting applications for its early- and mid-career research fellowships for 2027.
Hands-on experiences open to Ag Science students
SoilsWest is offering project placements to current Murdoch University students who are considering Honours or Master’s studies for 2027.
Residues of previous findings in new research
Preliminary findings of a replicated experiment led by DPIRD Research Scientist Dr Bidhyut Banik have parallels with nitrous oxide research conducted by UWA Associate Professor Louise Barton over the last 15 years.
The transient problem that won’t go away
DPIRD Senior Principal Research Scientist Dr Ed Barrett-Lennard is worried that salinity, which affects around six million hectares of the eastern Wheatbelt, isn’t being talked about enough.