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Farm focus for second online nutrition course
THE SECOND course in a free online learning platform developed by SoilsWest at Murdoch University, with co-investment from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), will equip landholders and producers with knowledge needed to make critical farm management decisions.
Understanding Soil and Plant Nutrition builds on concepts introduced in the first of the Soil Quality Courses, Fundamental Soil and Plant Nutrition, which has attracted more than 300 users since its launch in February 2026.
While the courses are open to learners from all backgrounds – advisors, researchers, agricultural workers and tertiary students included – SoilsWest Director and project manager Associate Professor Fran Hoyle believes the new materials will resonate with those seeking practical application.
“The intent of course two is to support users with understanding what their soil might be telling them, particularly when it comes to nutrient cycling and its influence on plant growth,” she said.
“We step through designing fit-for-purpose sample plans, interpreting soil and plant tissue test reports, using benchmarks and indicators to assess soil characteristics and performance, and running on-farm trials.
“We hope that by the end of this course, users will have the confidence to put their learnings into practice.”
Sample content from Understanding Soil and Plant Nutrition.
GRDC Grower Relations Manager – West Luke Dawson said Understanding Soil and Plant Nutrition would build on the platform’s value for existing participants while also accommodating experienced growers and industry professionals.
“By making these courses freely available online, we are helping more growers and advisors access practical, research-backed information they can use to support better nutrition decisions on-farm,” Mr Dawson said.
“The project was identified as a priority through GRDC National Grower Network forums and responds directly to the need for accessible information on the links between soil, nutrition and plant performance.
“It draws on cutting-edge research from national soils and nutrition projects, as well as insights generated through recent GRDC investments across the western region, to support stronger understanding and wider adoption.”
The platform has been designed so users with prior knowledge can bypass the fundamental course by successfully completing a 30-question assessment. They can then start with the more applied understanding of course two.
Understanding Soil and Plant Nutrition includes around seven hours of self-paced lessons. It continues to bring together enriched and visual content sourced from existing publications and evidence-based websites, including the Soil Quality eBook series and Soil Quality Knowledge Base.
The third and final course, Managing Soil and Plant Nutrition, is scheduled for release later this year, while ongoing delivery also includes a program of regional workshops.
Expressions of interest in hosting a workshop are welcomed to soilswest@murdoch.edu.au
Soil Quality Courses can be found at https://courses.soilqualityknowledgebase.org.au
Project funding (UMU2411-003SAX) is supported through a co-investment between GRDC and Murdoch University.
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