About the talk
In this talk I will identify the main factors that regulate subsoil C cycling and evaluate the mechanistic basis of subsoil interventions designed to promote greater C storage. I will evaluate the barriers and opportunities for the implementation of strategies to enhance subsoil C sequestration and identify 5 key current gaps in scientific understanding.
Due to their greater depth, subsoils in agricultural systems often contain more carbon (C) than the topsoil. Subsoils are therefore increasingly being recognised as having characteristics that offer substantial potential for long-term C sequestration. Due to our incomplete knowledge of C behaviour in the subsoil, but especially of its manageability, this potential has yet to be realised. Although a range of physical (e.g. deep ploughing), chemical (e.g. iron amelioration, biochar) and biological (e.g. deep-rooting crops) management strategies have been proposed to enhance subsoil C storage, these approaches have not been critically evaluated or compared.
About the speaker
Davey works between Murdoch University and Bangor University in the UK. A major focus of his research is on understanding below-ground processes with specific focus on nutrients and human pathogen behaviour in water-food-soil-plant-microbial systems. Current applications of his work include (1) promoting carbon sequestration in agricultural systems and understanding the factors regulating carbon cycling and greenhouse gas emissions, (2) developing ways to improve nutrient use efficiency in cropping systems with specific focus on nitrogen and phosphorus, (3) soil microbial diversity and ecosystem functioning, and (4) the impact of flooding, drought and ozone on ecosystem functioning. He has published more than 600 journal articles.
Agenda
3:30 – 4:15 pm: Seminar
4:15 – 4:30 pm: Q&A
4:30 – 5:30 pm: Networking drinks and nibbles hosted by SoilsWest.
How to Attend
This event will be held in person at Murdoch University, South Street Campus, in Building 460.2.031 on Level 2 of the Postgraduate Suite. You can find a map of this location here: Murdoch Map
This event is free but please RSVP here on Eventbrite.
This event is also hosted virtually on Microsoft Teams. Attendees who selected a virtual ticket will receive instructions on joining virtually in the days prior to the event.
A recording of the event will also be posted to the SoilsWest YouTube channel in following weeks.
WA State NRM and Coastal Conference
The 2022 State Natural Resource Management and Coastal Conference will be held beside the stunning waterways of Mandurah from 20 September – 22 September 2022. A highly regarded WA event that has been held regularly since the 1990s, the Conference will focus on maximising networking opportunities with an engaging program including field trips, engaging conference sessions and a variety of session styles, with something to suit everyone.
The theme for the conference is:
Building Resilience through Innovation
We live in a time of rapid change that demands collaborative spirit and innovative thinking to support our natural environment, effectively manage our coasts and waterways, protect our biodiversity, engage and build communities and motivate appropriate policy and planning responses.
More than ever we are being called to build resilience, and in response we have created impressive and wide-spread innovation. This conference will explore and expand on the approaches which have already been developed, and look towards key learnings to help us continue to adapt and grow in the future. It will showcase speakers who are using innovation to change the way we care for our natural environment, and the bold and courageous steps they took in an effort to try something new. It will also pay homage to the enduring champions and carers of Country, whose deep roots and consistent efforts have enabled this movement to bloom and grow.
This conference brings together environmental managers, coastal planners, practitioners, volunteers, Traditional Custodians, researchers, and businesses to share our experiences and knowledge, and our passion and visions for the future. Both coastal and natural resource management/Landcare themes will be discussed, with some concurrent sessions to investigate over-lapping issues.
This year the Society is honoured to receive the WA annual lecture in Soil Science from the National Soils Advocate, the Hon. Penelope Wensley AC
Former Governor of Queensland and distinguished Australian diplomat, the Honourable Penelope Wensley AC, has a long-held interest and substantial experience in natural resource management, environmental and sustainable development matters, and in Australia’s response to national and global challenges in these areas.
Ms Wensley was a key contributor to the negotiation of several landmark international treaties to address environmental challenges though the United Nations.
Enquiries: Henry Smolinski, President WA Branch Soil Science Australia henry.smolinski@dpird.wa.gov.au
REGISTER HERE
The Aloft Hotel is located at 28 Rowe Avenue, Rivervale (Perth). LOCATION MAP Access is from Great Eastern Hwy.
Convenient Wilsons Parking and nearby street parking is available close to the venue.
Please join us to hear the National Soils Advocate present on ‘Policy driving Australia’s Sustainable Development Goals for Soil’.
We look forward to seeing you at the event.