“As we are learning more about the soil diversity, we are also starting to appreciate better the functions that the soil perform.” 

Dr Christina Birnbaum is a plant ecologist at the University of Southern Queensland. She is interested in plant interactions with below-ground microorganisms in native and novel environments, especially with rhizobia and mycorrhizal fungi. She uses field observations, combined with experimental manipulations and molecular tools to explore questions about plant-microbe interactions in natural and modified ecosystems to inform invasive species management, restoration ecology and plant-microbe dynamics. 

The Ecological Society of Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. Christina works on the land of the Jagera, Giabal and Jarowair peoples.

Help the ESA support ecology in Australia by donating (⁠⁠⁠⁠www.ecolsoc.org.au/get-involved/donate/donation-form⁠⁠⁠⁠) or by becoming a member (⁠⁠⁠⁠www.ecolsoc.org.au/get-involved/become-a-member⁠⁠⁠⁠).

The music in this podcast is 'Glow' by Scott Buckley - www.scottbuckley.com.au.

Episode image credit - WikiMedia Commons.

Season image credit - Russell Charters.