Vic Hub welcomes DAFF’s continued commitment to Regional Soils Co-ordinator network

Victoria’s Regional Soils Co-ordinator, Dr Peter Fisher (pictured), and the Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption & Innovation Hub (Vic Hub) have welcomed the Federal Government’s $6.2 million continued commitment to the national network of Regional Soils Co-ordinators (RSC).

Dr Fisher, who is part of the Vic Hub, said the RSC network was funded by the Natural Heritage Trust’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Program to “facilitate soil-extension services and promote soil knowledge sharing and innovation for more effective and sustainable land management practices”.

“An important part of the role, is to broker partnerships with industry and stakeholders, and provide networks for researchers, primary producers, First Nations peoples and community groups to work together.”

Fiona Best, Acting Director of the Vic Hub and CEO of the Vic Hub’s North-West Node, The Birchip Cropping Group, says, “At the grassroots level, farmers know that soil is the key to agricultural production and profitability. Healthy soil directly impacts crop or pasture quality and yield, driving the productivity and sustainability of our farms. It’s the foundation of rural livelihoods, essential for ensuring that each seed sown translates into economic success, which in turn strengthens farm businesses and positions them better to cope with future shocks – including drought”.

Pivotal role in promoting drought resilience

Speaking on behalf of the Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub network, Professor David Phelps, Director of the Tropical North Queensland Drought Hub, said the funding extension was significant as it would enable the universities and grower groups to maintain their Regional Soils Co-ordinators who have played a pivotal role in promoting soil health and drought resilience across Australia.

“The role of the eight Regional Soil Co-ordinators is essential for addressing the unique agricultural challenges faced by farmers and landholders in each region.

“The Reginal Soils Co-ordinators are hosted through the Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs, which are closely linked to universities, grower groups and natural resource management groups. This allows a coordinated national approach.

“This network will focus on the sustainability of soils, agricultural productivity and addressing local issues, delivering outcomes for the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program and ultimately benefiting our region through enhanced soil health and drought resilience.”

Peter Fisher said the funding will enable the RSC’s to build on the work they have begun in each region to promote the adoption of soil-management practices that increase productivity and the sustainability of our natural resource base.

“My role as a Regional Soils Co-ordinator is to ensure that the best evidence-based information about soils is available so that farmers feel confident the adoption of improved practices is desirable and feasible.

“It is also an important part of my role to educate non-farmers – and especially young people – about the importance of soil for our food security and environmental challenges. It has been estimated that soils contribute over $16.8 trillion per year¹ from their extensive contributions to ecosystem services.

“It is an exciting time to be working in soil science, as there are so many new technologies and tools that make understanding and managing soils, especially their spatial and temporal variability, so much easier.”

He added, “Although, there are still many mysteries to the functioning of soil – especially soil biology for budding young scientists!”

The Vic Hub’s Fiona Best said, “Continued investment into understanding soils and improving soils is so important. Our collaborative approach and national network allow our drought hubs to engage with landowners and producers in meaningful ways on issues that affect their resilience and sustainability.”

 For more information visit https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/natural-resources/landcare/climate-smart

Reference:

¹ McBratney et al 2017: US$11 trillion has been converted to AUD for this piece

Media Contact

Samantha Schelling, Communications Officer

Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption & Innovation Hub

samantha.schelling@unimelb.edu.au | mobile: 0403 106 404