FROM THE REGIONAL SOIL COORDINATOR
BRIDGET WATKINS
Five key features of the Soil Quality Knowledge Base
The Soil Quality Knowledge Base is your comprehensive online platform with information, research and tools to understand and manage soil in agricultural systems. It combines decades of research combined with real experiences from farmers and advisors to bring together trusted, easy-to-use guidance. Although designed with a focus on soil properties and management in Western Australia, the evidence-based, practical content applies to a range of regions and environments around Australia, and the world. You can access content including fact sheets, case studies, videos, tools and practical tips to help you make better decisions on farm, and improve soil performance over time.
Detailed below are five key features of the Soil Quality Knowledge Base.
1. Practical information to support soil understanding
The Soil Attributes section provides information across a broad variety of topics within biological, physical and chemical properties.
Want to understand how the carbon cycle influences soil organic matter? Or the economics of ameliorating soil compaction using different implements? Or what contributes to soil water repellence? Have a closer look here!
2. Guidance to support soil management
The Soil Management section focuses on practical advice and guidance and how soil management is integrated into different farming systems.
Want to understand more about Controlled Traffic Farming or strategic tillage? The factors to consider when choosing a soil amendment? Or about lime quality and calculating suitable rates? Read more here!
3. Soil analysis and testing
The Soil Analysis section delivers content on how soil attributes and properties are measured and tested, as well as guidance on how to analyse and interpret soil test results, and set up soil sampling and monitoring.
Want to know why soil sampling is worthwhile and how to go about it? How to assess soil texture and structure? How to identify what soil constraints may be limiting your production? Find out here!
4. Resources
The Resources section includes a curated selection of videos, case studies, tools, fact sheets, journal articles and reports associated with over 40 different soil topics. Easily view resources by topic from a provided list, go straight to specific resource types or search the
From case studies on common soil constraint scenarios and their management options, to the EasyClay Calculator helping you to assess the likely impact of clay spreading and mixing before investing time and money. Discover more here!
5. Courses
The Courses tab will take you directly to the new, freely available online learning platform: Soil Quality Courses (thanks to Murdoch University and the Grains Research and Development Corporation). Practical and informative, the self-paced lessons focused on soil and plant nutrition are designed for land managers, producers, researchers, advisors, students, farm workers and anyone with an interest in soil. Explore the courses here!
BONUS! Use the search function on the homepage to search key words and jump straight into the content and resources relevant to your interest.
Soil information for best practice management, all in one place.
For more information, contact Bridget: Bridget.Watkins@murdoch.edu.au
The Regional Soil Coordinators are supported by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry through funding from the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust. The SW WA Regional Soil Coordinator is also supported by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, SoilsWest and Murdoch University.
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