We are seeking a student with an interest in biophysical studies for this work. Preliminary work suggests that supply-water potential and drainage potential are critical, particularly in soils of relatively low organic matter content.
Plant roots have difficulty extracting water from the deeper layers of clay-textured soils.
There are virtually no data, however, showing the effects of overburden pressures on water potentials and soil volume, combined with soil strength, and aeration during shrinkage. An opportunity exists here for a unique study that will have a huge impact on water-use efficiency on irrigated clay soils in Australia and internationally. The effects that clay swelling and dispersion have on available water in these soils is unknown. This problem will be tackled through the CRC for Plant-based Solutions to Dryland Salinity, in which funding for postgraduate students will be offered. A student interested in clays and clay minerals would find this an interesting project with many practical applications.