PROJECTS
Regional Soil Coordinator
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.
