Confirmation of Candidature : Candidate - Payel Sinha

Phosphorous Mobility of Biofertilisers Amended With Biochar

Date:	02 March 2020
Time:	10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Venue:	Toowoomba - P9 139, or via Zoom
Contact:	For more information, please contact the Graduate Research School.
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Organic fertilisers are an essential source for plant nutrients and soil conditioner in agriculture. Organic fraction of municipal solid waste(biosolid), live-stock waste, partially dried vegetation like peat are a few such sources of organic fertilisers. Biosolid application to land improves plant growth but may result in high levels of nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) and heavy metal leaching, which can lead to contamination of soils, nearby waterbodies and food chain. The use of biosolids as fertilisers for land application is currently strictly regulated by Australian guidelines that minimise health and environmental risks. Thus, the development of enhanced biosolid based biofertiliser that can be safely used for land application is crucial. 
Most Australian agricultural soils is deficient in phosphorus (P). Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plant growth and soil health.  Conversely, high quantity of phosphorous can leach and contaminate nearby waterbodies which can lead to eutrophication.
Biochar has been found to be beneficial for nutrient uptake, improving soil health and plant growth. This study aims to explore the potential for blending biosolids with biochar to immobilise phosphorus and enhance agronomic value and soil parameters. It will focus on optimisation of soil nutrient retention (P) from applied biofertiliser in plant available form and to minimise nutrient environmental losses.