In Australia, large volumes (> 20 M tonnes) of organic wastes are produced each year, including garden organics, forestry residues, municipal solid wastes, agricultural residues, biosolids, green waste and timber. Much of this organic waste can be viewed as a resource that can be recycled to treat degraded landscapes. Some recycled organics are also applied to agricultural lands, increasing soil nutrients and organic matter, improving soil structure and sequestering carbon. However, due to their diverse chemical, physical and biological nature, the improper application of recycled organics may also lead to poor plant performance, environmental pollution and cause health concerns.
To better understand the beneficial use of recycled organics in our environment, the symposium will examine learnings from its application to agriculture, mining, urban environments and infrastructure.
Hosted by: Griffith Environmental Biogeochemistry Research Laboratory
