Next Generation Soil Carbon Systems
The Australia-China Science and Research Fund-Joint Research Centres (ACSRF-JRCs) grant program promotes collaboration between research groups in Australia and China. Both countries fund these Joint Research Centres (JRCs) to achieve positive economic, environmental, and social outcomes.
In 2021, the Soil and Landscape Science Lab at Curtin University and Zhejiang University were among the two recipients of the grant. The Australian government is funding next-generation multi-scale technologies to improve our understanding of soil carbon dynamics and sequestration.
At the Joint Research Centre on Next Generation Soil Carbon Systems launch, Curtin University.
Soil organic carbon (SOC) is essential for ecosystem functions and is vital for achieving several UN Sustainable Development Goals. However, the dynamics of organic carbon in Australian soils remain largely unexplored. This initiative by the Joint Research Centre aims to address this gap by focusing on Australia’s terrestrial and coastal marine soils.
The research will provide Australia with environmental and socio-economic benefits by developing innovative measurement and modelling technologies. It will highlight the crucial role of soils in global food security, ecological sustainability, and climate action. Additionally, the initiative will enhance ecosystem resilience, improve soil health and fertility, increase water retention, and boost agricultural productivity.