Linking organic carbon and nitrogen cycles in cotton soils

This project aims to investigate the interaction of organic carbon and nitrogen cycling in soils and
how these processes determine nitrogen availability in cotton cropping systems. Nitrogen cycling is
measured in soils with altered carbon pools, either through carbon substrate addition or long-term
cropping systems management. The methods used include laboratory incubation experiments, field
soil sampling, 15N isotope tracing, and novel soil sampling techniques such as microdialysis. The
outcomes of this research build on our understanding of the processes that determine nitrogen
availability and susceptibility to loss. This will help to improve nitrogen fertiliser management,
increase nitrogen use efficiency, and reduce the environmental impacts caused by nitrogen losses.

Funding: Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CSP1904) Australian Government RTP
Scholarship CSIRO Postgraduate Top Up Scholarship