SEMINAR: Fundamental understanding of biochar

Daniel leads the Soil Biology Group and is the Deputy Leader of the Integrated Land and Water Management Program within the Institute of Agriculture at the University of Western Australia. His research activities address a range of issues relating to the development of sustainable management practices for agricultural, natural and mine-site rehabilitated systems. His current research activities focus on: 1.Unravelling the complexities of soil-microbe-plant interactions using nano-scale secondary ion mass spectrometry. 2.Greenhouse gas emissions from fertilizers and management practices. 3.Re-establishment of sustainable ecosystems disturbed by mining. 4.Identifying and overcoming soil constraints to agricultural crop production. 5.Carbon and nitrogen cycling in managed and natural ecosystems. 6.Development of infra-red calibrations for the rapid prediction of soil properties 7.Biochar addition to agricultural soils.

With respect to Biochar research he is currently involved in both Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and Federal Government (DAFF) funding that is based on a fundamental understanding of biochar - implications and opportunities for the grains industry. This will be the focus of his presentation.

Daniel's presentation with be the focus for the first hour with networking opportunities over drinks and nibbles.