Australia-wide survey to find gaps in soil knowledge now open

Results from the survey – which is open to all those interested in the future of soils, from agriculture to natural resource management – will help inform the design and delivery of targeted soil interventions to address priorities under the National Soil Strategy.

Dr Peter Fisher, Victoria Soil Co-ordinator with the Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption & Innovation Hub, said, “Everyone knows the importance of soils in sustaining healthy food production and for protecting the environment and biodiversity.

“But the pressure to improve soil health – while aiming for net zero emissions to minimise impacts on climate change – requires developing and adopting better soil-management practices.

“For this reason, the Regional Soil Co-ordinators, who are based across the country at each of the eight Drought and Innovation Hubs, are asking people involved in soil management to complete a new survey on the soil issues, gaps and opportunities in their region.”

Dr Fisher is keen to see a strong representation in the nation-wide survey of Victorian soil issues and knowledge gaps, as well as RD&E opportunities for improved soil management.

“Soil types, farming systems and soil management issues in Victoria are quite varied, but Victoria is Australia’s largest food and fibre exporter by value, and getting a good Victorian response to the survey is very important.”

He said the survey is not just for the agricultural sector, but also covers wider natural resource management of soils, so everyone interested in the future of soils is encouraged to participate in the survey.

The multi-choice questionnaire, which only takes about 20 minutes to complete, has been funded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) National Landcare Program.

The survey can be accessed here or via the QR code above with your smartphone.