Dr Pauline Mele

A New Charter for Exploring Australia's 'hidden' Natural Resource, the Soil Biota

The most diverse ecosystem on the planet, the soil biological ecosystem, is also the least well understood. 

Its complexity has resulted in the polarisation of R&D efforts in two main areas - the discovery of new species, and management impact studies using relatively rudimentary tools.  

However, a vast array of emerging technologies including soil metagenomics, microsensors and bioinformatics (advanced visualisation tools) are now offering an opportunity to rethink the way we conduct soil biology research in Australia. 

Dr Mele will explore how these emerging technologies can assist in the re-design of a new charter or conceptual framework for soil biology.
The fellowship will critique the conceptual framework within which soil biology research is conducted in Australia, drawing upon examples from North America and Europe for comparison, and provide options for Australia.

Soil biological ecosystems comprise a diverse range of organisms from the easily recognisable earthworms and ants, to the largely 'hidden' community of microscopic organisms comprising bacteria, protozoa, fungi and viruses.

This soil community provides essential ecosystem services in biogeochemical cycling and energy transfer processes, in biocontrol of soil-borne diseases and in plant growth promotion. 

The research is expected to benefit the Australian community by providing: 

• Options for an improved framework for research investment in soil biology. 
• A process that integrates soil biology knowledge into education and monitoring applications that have Australian regional relevance.
• An empowered community that can make better decisions regarding soil resource management.
• A process that integrates soil biology knowledge into policy decisions relating to sustainable land-use and ecosystem services.

Media Enquiries: Kaaren Latham, 02 8204 3852, 0409 809 909, media@lwa.gov.au