Current projects
Carbon Sequestration in Arid Regions
2021 - Current
about this project
Australia is the driest inhabited continent in the world; 70% of it is either arid or semi arid land. Improving the lifecycle of vegetation in these areas requires knowledge of the ecosystem and environmental planning techniques. We aim to develop a digitized system for compiling, analysing and visualizing data to assist in the design of repeatable management techniques, such as rainwater harvesting and optimising soil health for native re-vegetation. We aim to utilise spectrometry as a cost-effective, non-destructive and chemical free alternative to traditional laboratory techniques for measurement. By developing mechanical and digital techniques which can assist in improving the lifecycle of vegetation in arid areas we aim to improve carbon storage and demonstrate how this new knowledge may be applied to other arid regions or ecosystems.
Measurement of Soil Carbon
2021 - current
- Reducing the cost of analysis
- Exploring the interactions of carbon with other soil minerals and their effects on soil carbon stability
- Evaluating the efficacy of management plans
about this project
Soil carbon sequestration is one of three main approaches to carbon dioxide removal and storage through management of terrestrial ecosystems. Soil carbon sequestration relies on the adoption of improved management practises that increase the amount of carbon stored as soil organic matter. The Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) content of soils is difficult, time consuming and can be expensive to measure. This is a key barrier to implementing programmes to increase SOC at a large scale. There is the need for credible and reliable measurement/monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) platforms, both for national reporting and emissions trading. Our objective is to develop a new system of reliable accurate and simplified measurement for soil carbon, from sampling in the field to a digitised platform which monitors management techniques, reduces the cost of analysis by utilising a variety of spectroscopic techniques, and assists farmers in understanding the true quantum of change in their sequestered carbon assets.
Cost of Analysis
The analysis of soil carbon is currently expensive due to the need for sophisticated laboratory equipment, specialised analytical techniques, and skilled personnel. These high costs can be a prohibitive factor for farmers, particularly small-scale and resource-limited ones, making it challenging for them to justify the financial investment in soil carbon sequestration projects.
Whilst high-precision instruments will likely be required to accurately measure soil carbon content and its various forms for some time to come, combining this data by modelling results with cheaper and more accessible testing methods can provide significant savings. To achieve these goals we must provide an automated data analysis platform, to eliminate the specialised skills required to process the data consistently, accurately and repeatedly.
With accessible and affordable soil carbon analysis, farmers may be encouraged to implementing practices that enhance soil carbon storage, at the same time as improving the agronomic benefits these practices offer.
Mineral Interactions
Current research into the mineral-mediated stability of organic carbon in soils focuses on understanding how interactions between soil minerals and organic carbon influence carbon sequestration and stability. It is well-established that minerals, particularly clays and metal oxides, play a crucial role in protecting organic carbon from microbial decomposition through adsorption and aggregation processes. These interactions can significantly enhance the long-term storage of organic carbon in soils, thus contributing to soil fertility and mitigating climate change by reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.
However, several knowledge gaps persist. There is still limited understanding of the specific mechanisms and conditions under which mineral-organic interactions occur, and how factors such as soil pH, mineral composition, and organic matter quality influence these processes. Additionally, the long-term stability of mineral-associated organic carbon under changing environmental conditions, such as warming temperatures and altered precipitation patterns, remains uncertain. Lambda's approach to fill this knowledge gap is by using advanced analytical techniques and interdisciplinary methodologies to elucidate these mechanisms and predict the stability of soil organic carbon under future climate scenarios. Addressing these gaps is critical for developing effective soil management practices aimed at enhancing carbon sequestration and maintaining soil health.
Our Method
Combining and statistically analysing data (see Data Fusion & Chemometrics)from different analytical techniques is crucial for accurately understanding and quantifying soil carbon sequestration. By integrating data from methods such as infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, optical emission spectroscopy and in-situ analysis, our research is enabling us to obtain a comprehensive picture of soil carbon dynamics. This holistic approach means we can comprehensively monitor changes over time. Combining multiple data sets enhances the reliability and depth of analysis, leading to better-informed decisions and strategies for managing soil health and mitigating climate change. Ultimately, data fusion in soil carbon research supports sustainable agricultural practices and contributes to global efforts in carbon sequestration and climate resilience.
