Food2Soil - Analyse the Mechanistic Function of the Food2Soil Product on Soil and Plant Health

Work with unique and innovative technology to ferment commercial food waste and create a nutritionally rich & microbially ALIVE biofertiliser.

label Opportunity type
College approved Internship
schedule Application date
23 Nov 2022 | 5:30am - 6 Dec 2022 | 11:59pm
school Level
Bachelor
Master

About

Food2Soil is the first of its kind. We use a unique and innovative technology to ferment commercial food waste and create a nutritionally rich & microbially ALIVE biofertiliser.. think kombucha for plants and soil.

We are female founded and owned, our process not only diverts food waste from landfill and reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions but also boosts plant health and soil capacity to recapture carbon from the atmosphere. Food2Soil gives gardeners & ag producer an alternative to synthetic based fertilisers which are harmful to ecosystems and enables customers to feel good about supporting a business designed for a better world.

Project: Analyse the Mechanistic Function of the Food2Soil Product on Soil and Plant Health

Internship details

Internship Availability

Summer or Semester 1, 2023

Internship Discipline/s

Biology, Environmental Science

Internship Level

2nd or 3rd yr Undergraduate, Postgraduate Coursework

Available to International Students

No

Preferred Project Skills:
  • Basic soil biology knowledge or interest/willingness to learn.
  • Interest in environmental science and carbon reduction projects.
  • Interest in agriculture and/or horticulture.

Clearances Required

No

Host Supervisor

Co-founders and CEOs

Josie Grenfell, T: 0421 351 134

Annabel Schweiger, T: 0418 249 295

E: Food2soil.au@gmail.com

Location

ACT/Canberra and surrounding areas, likely ANU or affiliated greenhouses, 50% onsite & 50% from home office (to be negotiated depending on project type). Weekly/fortnightly catch ups with Food2Soil team.

Project Opportunities/Benefits for the Intern
  • Students get to work with an Australian first innovative, welcoming and open-minded team. They will gain insight into the role microbes and natural nutrients play in plant growth and soil health, as opposed to traditional synthetic fertiliser inputs.
  • Biofertilisers (aka Biostimulants) are a growing market (further advanced in USA and Europe than Australia) and expected to match traditional fertiliser revenue in the next 20 years. Great opportunity to gain early insight into a burgeoning field.
  • The Food2Soil business is in its early stages of development and will recruit passionate staff as it grows. Thus, there will be employment opportunities in the future, particularly for students who have prior insight and knowledge of the business and product.

Summary:

Project Activities - to conduct pot experiments to analyse the mechanistic function of the Food2Soil product on soil and plant health. This includes:

  • Effects of Food2Soil at varying application rates on common plant/crop species
  • Effects of Food2Soil on soil and plant growth (e.g., root, leaf, stem, flower & fruit growth)
  • Effects of Food2Soil vs common competitors on plant growth outcomes
  • Effects of Food2Soil across different soil types (sandy, clay, loam)

How to apply: Please submit your resume and one-page Statement of Interest and Suitability to science.internships@anu.edu.au by 6 Dec, 2022.  To be eligible you must have a Distinction average in your program and have completed a minimum of 72 units by the time of placement. Postgraduate Coursework students must have approval from their Program Convener.