PROJECTS

Regional Soil Coordinator

The Regional Soil Coordinator project provides networks to connect people, collaborate and share knowledge.

Contributing to a National Soil Extension Community of Practice

Supporting the implementation of the National Soil Strategy and National Soil Action Plan

Identifying local soil issues and local gaps in knowledge

Share soil resources and tools to improve sustainable soil management practices

Providing networks to connect people, collaborate and share knowledge

activities

connect farmers with strong research capability

Promote understanding of the value and benefits of soil testing, providing knowledge on how to effectively collect soil samples, integrate soil concepts and make better management decisions on-farm

Integrating soil knowledge

Integrate soil knowledge into extension activities, linking with grower groups, NRM groups and South-West WA Grought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SW WA Hub) Regional Nodes, and delivering extension activities through the SW WA Hub Extension and Adoption capacity building program.

Access to soil information

Continue to develop with partners independent evidence-based soil focused information source (Soil Quality Knowledge Base website), by compiling resources and adding information to address regional priorities.

case studies

Developing, and making available, case studies on sustainable soil management practices and the use of soil data to support informed decision-making.

DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Using soil analysis to assist Western Australian horticultural producers improve soil health, increase productivity and reduce environmental impacts.

Project objectives

lEGACY OF KNOWLEDGE

The Regional Soil Coordinator project is creating a knowledge legacy that optimises and builds for a long-term future to support the capability of WA land managers, grantees and grower groups, soil service providers, policy makers and research organisations to value, manage and improve our soil.

strong partnerships

Maximising the ability and impact of WA soil ecosystem partners, to deliver a WA soils information flow and network.

embracing innovation

Supporting and providing advice on the identification, design and trialling of innovative practices and technology with soil service providers, grantees and grower groups that will improve soil health and strengthen soil knowledge and management capability in WA.

project team

Project lead: Tanya Kilminster, Drought Hub Project Manager (Grower Group Alliance)
Regional Soil Coordinator: Bridget Watkins (Murdoch University)
Frances Hoyle (Murdoch University)
Tim Overheu (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development)
Chris Gazey (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development)

GET IN TOUCH

Have a question about the project?

Contact the project team to learn more about its findings and potential applications to your context.

Bridget Watkins, regional soil coordinator, South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub & soilswest

FUNDING PARTNERS

The Regional Soils Coordinators and Smart Soils National Community of Practice 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 project is led by the Grower Group Alliance – South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, partnering with SoilsWest Murdoch University.