Project
Understanding the impact of H2-mediated fertilisation as a byproduct of nitrogen fixation within legume nodules
Soil microorganisms have long been recognised as key players in biogeochemical nutrient cycles, particularly within the carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles. More recently, studies have highlighted microbial mediators within soil that are also capable of oxidising atmospheric trace gases such as hydrogen (H2), carbon monoxide and methane, but little is known about their role within and directly surrounding plant tissues. In particular, hydrogen is produced as a by-product of nitrogen fixation, which is a key biological source of plant-available nitrogen mediated by bacterial activity. However, the fate of this hydrogen by-product is currently unknown and is worth investigation; if hydrogen-oxidising bacteria within the soil also possess plant-growth promoting traits, this will in turn help crops to grow and survive in a changing global environment.
Identifying new experimental methods to determine the capacity of soil microorganisms to oxidise hydrogen is of utmost importance due to the rapidly changing global environment and high reliance on synthetic fertilisers within agriculture to feed a growing population.
By understanding the fate of hydrogen as an energy source in bacteria, we will be able to further understand how these bacteria function within leguminous ecosystems, and how we can use them to future-proof Australian agriculture.
The development of the novel experimental technique (nanoSIMS) will no doubt have a great impact on my career as it will enable me to become a world-leader in this technique and will help to form the basis of my upcoming DECRA proposal, that will involve this technique and further collaboration with A/Prof Woebken and Dr Eichorst. It was extremely valuable to also work within the Division of Microbial Ecology at the University of Vienna as they are world leaders in the field of microbiology, particularly in the development of experimental techniques to investigate bacterial metabolism. Having the ability to travel and work in Vienna allowed me to expand my global scientific networks, and be exposed to cutting-edge research that is not performed in Australia.