Terrestrial Carbon Research

Remote-Sensing and Carbon Estimation - Arjan Wilkie

Title: Improved measurement and estimation of Biomass and Soil Carbon in diverse landscapes using high-resolution remote-sensing

Project Description

This project uses high-resolution remote-sensing data from satellite and aerial sensors to measure current biomass carbon and soil carbon levels, and to estimate future carbon sequestration potential. I am trying to answer the questions of how much carbon is actually there now, and how much more can these sites store in the future. The idea is to develop a method that can use some local on-ground measurements along with the latest remote-sensing datasets to produce a fine-scale whole-of-site measurement.  This will quantify within-paddock and within-farm variations of current carbon stocks, and will highlight the most productive areas for future carbon projects on these sites. This information will allow land managers to better understand the size of the opportunity to integrate carbon farming within their existing businesses, both as an extra revenue stream and to assist with the climate change mitigation effort.

Arjan Wilkie working on soil research in the field

Approach

Data fusion of remotely sensed LIDAR, radar, geophysical and multi-spectral and hyper-spectral optical datasets, integrated with field-based measurements, to produce a quantitative carbon model of both the above-ground biomass carbon and soil organic carbon, carbon pools. Local relationships between soil carbon levels in digital soil mapping soil units and remnant vegetation carbon levels will be used to infer the additional carbon sequestration potential of adjacent cleared land units.

Outcome

A general data fusion method and field sampling protocol, along with new quantitative datasets for current carbon stocks and carbon sequestration potential values highlighting prospective locations for carbon sequestration projects.

Users

Private land managers such as farmers, graziers and horticulturalists; as well as public land managers such as local, regional and state government agencies.

Carbon inputs from roots - Ivanah Oliver

Title: Rooting impacts: the role of root distribution and inputs on soil organic carbon.

Project Description

With soil carbon gaining much interest in the last couple of decades, particularly as a potential sink for carbon sequestration, it is vital that we know how much carbon is contributed from various sources and the stability of each source. While the above ground biomass contribution has been widely researched, the below-ground contribution, particularly roots and root inputs, has not been sufficiently investigated.

To make better informed decisions about soil health, carbon capture and storage, and soil productivity it is essential to soil carbon science that we account for and better understand the important role roots play in the soil carbon cycle. This research aims to investigate the distribution and components of root contributed soil organic carbon in a pastoral agriculture system.

Ivanah Oliver working on soil research in the field

Approach

Using glasshouse based experiments and Isotopic Mass-Spectrometry analysis (IRMS), the carbon input and distribution from Chloris gayana roots will be investigated through multiple inter-related experiments which aim to:

  • Develop correlations between quantity of roots and carbon input
  • Access seasonal stability of root carbon inputs.
  • Demonstrate spatial distribution of roots across seasons in same soil matrix; and
  • Determine the spatial distribution of carbon containing root exudates in the rhizosphere.

Outcome

The information generated will contribute to understanding the whole carbon cycle and the importance of below-ground biomass to the soil organic carbon pool.

Users

Researchers, Policy makers, Land managers.

Microbial processes under cotton - Katherine Polain

Title: Sub-soil microbial processes under rotational cotton crops in Australia.

Project Description

Soil microbial communities contribute significantly to soil organic matter formation, stabilisation and destabilisation, through nutrient cycling and biodegradation. The majority of soil microbial research examines the processes occurring in the top 0 cm to 30 cm of the soil, where organic nutrients are easily accessible. In soils such as Vertosols, the high clay content causes swelling and cracking. When soil cracking is coupled with rain or an irrigation event, a flush of organic nutrients can move down the soil profile, becoming available for subsoil microbial community use and potentially making a significant contribution to nutrient cycling and biodegradation in soils.

At present, the mechanisms and rates of soil nutrient turnover (such as carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus) at depth under cotton rotations are mostly speculative and the process-response relationships remain unclear, although they are undoubtedly underpinned by microbial activity.

This project aims to determine the contribution and role of soil microbiota to the accumulation, cycling and mineralisation of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus through the whole root profile under continuous cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and cotton-maize rotations in regional New South Wales, Australia.

Katherine Polain working in the field

Approach

Throughout the cotton growing season (pre-crop, in-crop and post-crop), a series of analyses will be completed to determine microbial diversity, activity and contribution to nutrient cycling down the soil profile and between crop systems, using:

  • High-throughput sequencing to measure microbial diversity
  • Respiration incubations (basal and substrate induced) to measure microbial activity
  • MicroResp experiments to determine microbial substrate preferences (C and N)
  • Soil nitrogen measurements (mineral N) to determine where mineralisation is occurring
  • qPCR to quantify the microorganisms involved in different aspects with the soil nitrogen cycle
  • δ18O stable isotope measurements to determine microbial turnover of inorganic phosphorus

Outcome

The data collected from this project will contribute to our understanding of the microbial processes occurring in cropped vertosol soils, ultimately leading to improved practices.

Users

Researchers, Policy makers, crop growers.

Dissolved Organic Carbon - Rubeca Fancy

Title: The significance of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) to deep soil carbon storage.

Project Description

The storage of carbon in soils has recently become the focus of considerable international research attention. Carbon accumulation in surface soils is well documented but very little is known about the mechanisms and processes that result in carbon accumulation and long-term storage in the deeper soil profile (Wilson and Lonergan, 2013). Some recent international research work related to dissolved organic carbon (DOC) dynamics reported that the leaching of DOC is the key mechanism to transport carbon to deeper soil layers and the movement of DOC potentially contributes significantly to the carbon balance of terrestrial ecosystems (Sanderman et al. 2008; Sanderman and Amundson 2009; Rumpel and Kögel-Knabner 2011). But it is still unknown the importance of DOC to vertical distribution of OC pool through the soil profile in different land-use system, management practices and conditions prevalent in Australia.

Some work has been undertaken by Soil Carbon Research Programme in Australia and reported only on SOC content and the effects of land-use and management practices on SOC storage but these research works was done only on top soils (0-30 cm depth) instead of deep soil. The principal questions of this research therefore is: what is the relative significance of DOC to carbon input in deep soil layers and how the quantities of carbon differ on different land-use systems in NSW, Australia?

Rubeca Fancy working on soil research in the field

Approach

Soil samples will be collected from three different land-use systems (woodland, pasture and cropland) at 0-1.0 m depth from northern NSW selected from the Statewide soil monitoring program network of sites. The work will be undertaken using a range of techniques including SOC quantification and analysis, δ13C and 14C isotope analysis.

Outcome

investigation of DOC in different land-use systems will gain new insight into the mechanisms and importance of DOC in the soil carbon cycle in Australian soils. The work will therefore significantly extend our knowledge of soil carbon dynamics and the potential for soils to be managed to store additional, long-lasting stocks of carbon as a response to climate change. Results will contribute much to the currently limited quantitative understanding of C fluxes resulting from C input, transport and stabilization processes in Australia.

Users

Researchers, Policy makers, Farming community.

Mechanisms of whole-profile C and N cycling - Yui Osanai

Title: Mechanisms of whole-profile C and N cycling under rotational cotton in Australia.

Project Description

Previous research within the cotton industry has demonstrated the potential of some systems (e.g. cotton-maize) to increase C and N contents, particularly in the deep soil profile. This has considerable significance for C and N cycling and nutrient supply for cotton production. A comprehensive understanding of the quantities and mechanisms of C and N distribution, mineralisation and turnover through the whole-profile under cotton-maize and comparable cotton rotations will enable these cycles to be fully predicted and managed, with added benefit of quantifying the potential contribution to and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. Together, these will enable us to identify the best management practice that maximises resource use efficiency while reducing environmental footprints, thereby ensuring the economic and environmental sustainability of the cotton industry under more stringent carbon-accounting regulations.

Yui Osanai working in the field

Approach

This project aims to characterise the quantity, distribution and mechanisms of soil C and N turnover under contrasting cotton farming systems, utilising existing ACRI sites where cotton-cereal rotations and cotton-maize rotations have been applied over the years. Using a range of conventional and novel techniques, we will investigate:

  • the quantity and depth distribution of organic C and N,
  • physical and biological drivers of C and N distribution in the profile,
  • mineralisation, turnover and rates of C and N cycling down the profile.

Outcome

The information generated will contribute to the mechanistic understanding of the whole-profile C and N cycling under various cotton rotations to identify the best management practice to maximise long-term C and N capture for improved nutrient management and climate mitigation.

Users

Researchers, Policy makers, Land managers.

Soil Biodiversity and Nutrient Dynamics under Environmental Plantings - Apsara Amarasinghe 

Title: Impacts of Environmental Plantings on Soil Biological Indicators, Belowground Carbon Sequestration and Nutrient Dynamics in New South Wales, Australia

Project Description: This project aiming to quantify the biodiversity gains from environmental plantings and nutrient dynamics under environmental plantings in New South Wales. Revegetation of degraded lands has a significant impact on soil biological properties, i.e., microbial community and their functions. Soil microorganisms play key roles in soil biogeochemical processes such as organic matter decomposition and nutrient mineralization Hence, alteration of soil biology attributable to tree planting may change the soil nutrient composition and carbon sequestration potential and it is worth considering to understand this phenomenon for future carbon offset programs. Additionally, seasonal changes also worth considering to understand    change following environmental plantings throughout the different seasons is also important to consider as it affects micro-faunal community under trees. Therefore, this study is carrying out to address the following questions related to environmental plantings in New South Wales, Australia.

  1. What is the influence of planting age on organic C, N, P and microbial dynamics?
  2. Depth distribution of soil organic C, N and P?
  3. How microbiota are affected by tree species?
  4. Seasonal variability of the soil microbiota and nutrient dynamics?

Approach:

Already established chronosequence of environmental plantings with control sites (pasture, remnant vegetation) across New South Wales will be used to measure the biodiversity gains and nutrient dynamics from the environmental plantings.

Outcome:

This project will aid to understand soil biodiversity benefits gain from the environmental plantings using scientifically proved techniques.

Users: Industry, NSW State Government, Local Land Services (LLS), Landholders

Dissolved organic carbon stabilisation - Kakali Roy

Title: Stabilization of dissolved organic carbon in subsoil of NSW, Australia

Project description:

Carbon storage in the soil is believed to be an effective means to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Dissolved forms of organic carbon typically moves down the soil profile and become adsorbed and stabilized on clay surfaces in the subsoil layer. The mechanisms of sorption and stabilization processes in this way are complex that require rigorous study.

It is believed that stabilization mechanisms of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is moderated by soil properties including mineralogy, clay content, DOC concentration, and climatic parameters. Though many of the phyllosilicate rich soils present in the Northern Hemisphere have been widely studied for DOC stabilization, the old and weathered soils in tropical regions, especially for Australia, still remain under researched. To get better understanding on carbon storage capacity of soils in NSW, Australia, it is essential to evaluate soils for maximum sorption capacity and how does climatic parameters prevailed in that region influence this process.

Approach:

A batch sorption experiment will be carried out in three contrasting soils to evaluate their sorption capacity.

Stable isotope (δ13C) signature will be used to quantify stabilization mechanisms of added DOC.

Incubation experiments will be carried out to evaluate the destabilization of DOC in different soils and under different temperature.

Outcome: The information yielded will contribute to understanding the potential of long-term carbon storage in soils, particularly in the deeper, clay rich horizons.

Users

Researchers, Policy makers, Farming community.

Soil organic carbon sequestration potentially of pasture species - Roshan Babu Ojha

Title: Pasture species as an option of soil organic carbon sequestration to restore marginal cropland and abandoned cropland

Project Description: Croplands are mostly deprived of soil organic carbon because of intensive tillage, insufficient organic inputs, and tropical climate.  These all factors accelerate the carbon mineralisation as CO2 from croplands. In Nepal, conversion of cropland to abandoned land is an emerging problem. Additionally in Australia, especially in New South Wales, marginal croplands need sustainable restoration solution. Most of the studies are concentrated to see the C sequestration potentiality either by the addition of organic inputs or by adoption of conservation agriculture (CA). Different results showed that organic inputs sequester more labile form of C. The carbon sequestration through adopting CA is also not high as expected and practicing no-tillage, C sequestration is only limited to the upper 10 cm depth. So, pasture species could be an important options to sequester C in cropland either converting abandoned cropland to pasture or rotating marginal croplands with pasture species. Roots of pasture species can contribute to sequester new carbon through rhizodeposition in the soil distributed throughout the profile. Limited studies have been carried out on the C sequestration potentiality of different pasture species and C stability of sequestered C. My primary focus of this research project is to compare the some native pasture species with exotic pasture species in terms of their C sequestrability and C stability.

Approach:

The project will be carried out in three phases. First, a set of field trail will be set in the abandoned land in Nepal. Two native pasture species and two introduced pasture species will be sown in the abandoned cropland. Second, a glasshouse experiment will be conducted at the University of New England using two Australian native species and two exotic species. Third, a field validating test of selected species from glasshouse in the marginal land of UNE research field. Using 13C-isotopic and computerized tomography (CT) detailed study on root derived new carbon and its sequestration mechanism, C sequestration potentiality of different pasture species will be evaluated and recommended to restore abandoned croplands in Nepal and marginal croplands in Australia.

Outcome:

The results will be useful to understand the mechanism of new carbon derived from roots of different native and exotic pasture species along with their ability to sequester stable C fractions.

Users:

Farm managers, Researchers, and Policy-makers

Past People and Projects

The role of biochar application in modifying soil architecture, root morphology and soil C dynamics - Debarati Bhaduri

Title: The role of biochar application in modifying soil architecture, root morphology and soil C dynamics

Project Description

Biomass-derived black carbon (or Biochar) has gained attention in recent times due to its interactions with soil properties. The study of root-biochar interactions provides an opportunity to study soil architecture, root morphology in rhizosphere, inter-linked with soil C dynamics and microbial responses that may give a new insight into the mechanisms of soil changes resulting from biochar application.

Approach

Based on a glasshouse experiment using different biochars the study aims to:

  • assess the changes in soil structural properties (pore geometry, soil aggregation network) and in root morphology brought by biochar application
  • study the differential response of biochar(s) regarding soil C dynamics, microbial responses, and gas exchange behaviour in the presence of plant roots to evaluate the potentiality of biochar to mitigate climate change.

Outcome

The study will help to develop a conceptual framework on root-biochar interaction encompassing these related aspects.

Users

Researchers, Policy makers, Farming community.

Vetiver Grass and Soil Carbon Carbon - Bezaye Tessema

Title: Vetiver Grass in Australia and Ethiopia: Soil Organic Carbon Storage Potential and Mechanisms for Carbon Sequestration

Project Description

Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is a tropical grass that is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is a multipurpose grass mainly used for soil and water conservation and land rehabilitation purposes. Due to its massive above and below ground biomass it’s recommended as a potential candidate for soil carbon storage in deep soil profiles. However, there are only few field level studies undertaken thus far.

The major aim of this project therefore, is to examine the carbon quantity, nature and distribution in soils under Vetiver grass in comparison with native and Subtropical pastures in Australia and with Coffee in Ethiopia. Carbon is not only a key indicator of soil health, condition and productivity but can also offer a potential mechanism to store carbon for emerging markets as part of the international response to climate change.

Bezaye Tessema working in the field

Approach

Soil samples will be taken from under vetiver, native and subtropical adjacent pastures in SE Australia and vetiver and coffee fields in SW Ethiopia. Isotope-ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) will be used to analyse SOC concentration and δ13C to determine contribution, distribution and process and mechanism of carbon sequestration in 1m soil depth.

Outcome

The information generated will therefore contribute significantly to land management decisions in tropical regions and initiate further investigations on the contributions of tropical grasses as climate change mitigation options.

Users

Policy makers, Researchers, Land managers, Farming communities.

Landscape Carbon Accounting - Pheobe Bayerlein

Title: Improved high-resolution carbon accounting in diverse landscapes for participation in carbon markets

Project Description

A limitation to current estimation and modelling of carbon is the availability of reliable, ground-validated data and modelled relationships between environmental factors and the quantities of carbon that are currently stored and potentially stored in biomass and soils (i.e. CSP). It is clear that rainfall dominates the above ground biomass (AGB) and soil organic carbon (SOC) distribution at large scales. However, a better understanding of the local-scale interactions between the two pools is needed to ensure CSP estimates are applicable for within-paddock estimation.

This project seeks to unravel these relationships across NSW landscapes to more clearly quantify and define functional relationships between key environmental factors (climate, topography, vegetation, soil type etc.). The proposed post-doc will enhance our fundamental understanding of these relationships and mechanisms, will augment and strengthen existing data layers relating to carbon storage potential and will provide a robust basis for estimation and quantification of carbon storage in diverse landscapes of NSW to enable participation in carbon markets with a high degree of certainty.

Approach

The project involves data mining of state-wide plot-based databases in order to:

  • co-locate AGB and SOC data across the state
  • model the local functional relationships between the pools at these locations,
  • include an assessment and quantification of error terms that measures the error between the measured quantity (field data results) and our (modelled) estimates
  • describe/define the local soil and vegetation with remotely-sensed measurements.

Outcome

The functional relationships that will be identified and refined in this post-doctoral project are expected to improve the assignment of carbon values to the classes within the CRCSI project by associating measured variations in carbon stocks with vegetation type changes, diverse vegetation structures, soil type and climate variables. In practical terms, it is expected that this will result in narrower carbon ranges within each of the final carbon classes, with reduced uncertainty.

Users: Researchers, Policy makers, Land managers

Research Collaboration

The Terrestrial Carbon Research Group has active research collaborations with the following partners: