News and events

The invisible earth: new framework focus on social wellbeing benefits of soil biodiversity

15 January 2021

An international team of researchers including Western Sydney University are collaborating on a new Global Soil Biodiversity Network (SoilBON) program to collectively advance knowledge of the world’s soil biodiversity.

Protecting soil biodiversity essential in adapting to climate change
Efforts to adapt to a rapidly changing climate are entirely dependent on protecting the life in our soils. These are among findings compiled by more than 300 researchers for the United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Advisory Board

NEW! The External Advisory Committee offers critical evaluation and guidance on the applicability of the Centre’s research to a range of external organisations.

Rising temperatures likely to increase damage caused by plant pathogens

12 May 2020

New research in Nature Climate Change provides evidence that rising temperatures are likely to increase crop losses as warmer soils favour the growth of pathogenic soil fungi species.

Scientists issue new warning: do not ignore microbes in climate change efforts

19 June 2019

Scientists have issued a new warning to humanity that efforts to address climate change demand that we include the immense roles played by microbes.

Billions of fungi belong to just a few types (and some are carnivorous)

31 May 2019

Scientists have found that although the numbers of microbes in soils are vast, most belong to just a few common species.

Global Collaboration To Promote Agricultural Resilience

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Innovation

Cotton
Cotton adapting to climate change
The Centre is investigating the ability of the cotton industry to adapt under extreme weather conditions and climate change. The cotton industry needs to identify risks associated with these climate events and develop adaptation strategies to maintain productivity.
Soil Carbon
What Goes on Down Under
There are vast below-ground soil microbial communities. These microbe communities are important but unseen contributors to terrestrial ecosystems.