PhD Program
The Soil CRC PhD program is building capability in the future of Australia’s soil research.
Our PhD cohort brings together a huge wealth of knowledge, experiences, professional networks, and capabilities for our students to engage with and learn from.
Meet the next generation of researchers and discover how their research will benefit Australian agriculture.
Current PhD students
Kalani Pathira Arachchilage
University of Newcastle
Improve Soil Moisture Estimation Using Remote Sensing Data In Combination With Field and Model Data
Chenting Jiang
University of Tasmania
Machine learning-based prediction system for soil water retention function
Harleen Kaur
University of Newcastle
Engineered carbon-clay composite based novel fertilisers to overcome nutrient stratification in soil
Muhammad Salik Ali Khan
University of Tasmania
Development and optimization of Soil Health Chip: An affordable device for rapid field-based assessment of soil nitrogen status
Salini Khuraijam
University of Newcastle
Exploring Economic Aspects of Adopting Soil Amendments for Ameliorating Soil Constraints in Australia
Evanna McGuinness
Southern Cross University
Subsoil organic carbon dynamics in perennial pasture grazing systems of northeast NSW
Bhavya Mod
University of Newcastle
Carbon storage in soil using agroindustry biowaste
Sadia Sabrin Nodi
Charles Sturt University
Development of a grower focused mobile app for estimating, analysis and recording soil properties
Thilakshi Paranavithana
Griffith University
Impacts of organic amendments on soil carbon sequestration: soil type, type of amendment and climatic condition
Vibin Perumalsamy
University of Newcastle
Reconciling carbon sequestration with fertiliser value of biowastes in farming systems through nanostabilisation of biowastes
Sundus Saeed Qureshi
Griffith University
Developing highly effective novel cellulose-based moisture-retaining materials
Rohan Samaratunga
University of Newcastle
Developing next generation biofertilisers for enhancing soil health & crop productivity towards resilient & climate smart agriculture
Christopher Wilmot
Charles Sturt University
Certifying Soil Stewardship Management Practices Through the Consumer Market
Hanlu Zhang
University of Southern Queensland
Soil-moisture profile dynamics affected by cover crop: Effect of changes in soil biology and structure
PhD completions
Dr Maryam Barati
Southern Cross University
Improving phosphorus acquisition in grain crops with organic amendments
Dr Cameron Copeland
Southern Cross University
Understanding the Mechanisms of Soil Microbial Function and their Role in Cropping Systems
Dr Dristi Datta
Charles Sturt University
Learning-based soil property estimation using remote sensing data focusing on spectral complexity, noise, and vegetation interference
Dr Suman Gajurel
University of Southern Queensland
Modelling and diagnosis of multiple soil constraints across Australian farming systems
Dr Louise Hunt
Southern Cross University
Exploring the role of intuition in farmers’ decision-making about soil
Dr Phil Kay
University of Tasmania
Microbial changes associated with improved or reduced soil health
Dr Henry Luutu
Southern Cross University
Phytotoxicity and ecotoxicology of hydrothermal carbonisation – treated wastes
Dr Reuben Mah
University of Tasmania
3D-printed devices for in-field soil measurements
Dr Naveeda Majid
University of Newcastle
Non-wetting soils: the causes and mechanisms of non-wetting and remediation
Dr Tania Sabnam Binta Monir
Murdoch University
Stability of soil carbon under different amendments in sandy soils
Dr James O’Connor
University of Western Australia
Food waste valorisation products as a nutrient source and carbon amendments
Dr Maria Pfeifle
Murdoch University
Proximal sensing in soil water repellency management
Dr Win Win Pyone
Murdoch University
Managing Phytotoxicity of Soil Borne Herbicide Residues in Grain Cropping System
Dr Arif Rahman
Federation University Australia
Data-driven methods for soil organic carbon estimation
Dr Rahat Shabir
Griffith University
Developing effective biochar and biopolymer material as an alternative microbial carrier
Dr Melissa Wales
Charles Sturt University
A Study of Social Norms and Soil Management
Dr Peter Weir
Federation University Australia
In-paddock variability of plant available water
Dr Linda Wirf
Charles Sturt University