Shelterbelt/understory impact on pasture and soil microbial biodiversity and productivity
Investigating how different shelterbelt and understory systems affect pasture productivity and soil microbial biodiversity across seasons.
Cluster
Project team
A/Prof Paul Cheng (Lead CI, School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences), A/Prof Hangwei Hu (School of Agriculture Food and Ecosystem Sciences), Professor Peter Vesk (School of Agriculture, Food, and Ecosystem Sciences), A/Prof Stuart Barber (Melbourne Veterinary School), Dr Van Hung Le (Dookie), Dr Zelin Li (School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystems Science), Dr Jodie Valpied (Faculty of Science), Professor Lusheng Shao (Department of Management and Marketing)
Contact
Project summary
Shelterbelts offer known ecological benefits, but their interactions with adjacent pasture and soil biodiversity remain poorly understood. This project will investigate how different shelterbelt and understory systems affect pasture productivity and soil microbial biodiversity across seasons. Building on a published single-farm pilot study, the project will expand to multiple farms across regions, working with farming and land management groups to generate insights that inform nature-positive farming practices.
What are we interested in?
Despite known ecological benefits of shelterbelts and understory vegetation, their biodiversity and interactions with adjacent pasture and soil remain poorly understood. Understanding these relationships is critical for developing resilient, productive landscapes under a changing climate.
The goals of our project
To quantify shelterbelt and understory structure and diversity across multiple farms; to assess soil microbial and pasture diversity and productivity across seasons (hot/dry vs. cool/wet periods); and to inform stakeholders about synergies and trade-offs between biodiversity and agricultural productivity.
Outcomes / activities
Co-authored research publication, policy and practice brief for key stakeholders.