David Brautigan

Chemistry and agronomy of alkaline soils

Alkaline soils constitute a large portion of agricultural soils in southern Australia. David’s project involves confirming aluminium (Al) phytotoxicity in alkaline soils. The charge and species of Al responsible will be determined to allow development of a means of ameliorating this toxicity.

David will explore two broad approaches:

Complexation of the Al species responsible into a form no longer phytotoxic.
Lower soil pH so that phytotoxic Al species are no longer present.

His research will also investigate the carbonate chemistry in alkaline soils and its contribution to the soil’s ability to buffer against acid induced pH change. David hopes that his research will help create an efficient method of reducing Al phytotoxicity, resulting in improved yield for crops planted in southern Australia.

David’s research falls into the CRC’s Program 2 research area.

Objectives:

Verify aluminium (Al) toxicity in alkaline soils and Al species responsible.
Investigate the chemistry of carbonates in alkaline soils and their role in pH buffering intensity.
Investigate means of ameliorating Al toxicity in alkaline soils.

For more information, email David.