Soil science resource website launched
Up-to-Date Research Insights
A new website aimed at supporting farmers, researchers, advisors, and students in understanding soil science and management is now live.
This innovative platform seeks to enhance knowledge and application of soil science, crucial for sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.
The resource, called the Soil Quality Knowledge Base, was developed by SoilsWest with support from Murdoch University and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
This collaborative effort underscores the importance of soil health and its impact on agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.
The website contains comprehensive sections of soil information, illustrated through a variety of engaging formats such as videos, case studies, publications, illustrations, fact sheets, and other resources.
These diverse materials are designed to cater to different learning preferences, ensuring accessibility and understanding for a wide audience.
SoilsWest plans to keep updating the website with more information and insights from ongoing research.
This commitment to continuous improvement means that users will always have access to the latest findings and recommendations in soil science.
Curated learning experience
Visitors to the website can easily filter the library of resources, accessing a range of evidence-based sources tailored to their specific needs.
This feature allows for a curated learning experience, making it easier for users to find relevant information quickly.
There are three main areas to explore on the website:
- Soil attributes (separated into biological, chemical, and physical properties)
- Soil management
- Soil analysis and testing
More specifically, soil attributes focus on different topics within soil biology, physics, or chemistry.
Detailed pages within these topics present an overview of the current state of knowledge, explaining the principles and properties of different soil attributes.
They also highlight insights from research and resources like case studies, providing a rich context for understanding complex concepts.
The soil management section contains practical advice and guidelines to improve soil management practices.
This information discusses how soil management integrates into different farming systems and considers various options available to improve soil quality.
By applying these guidelines, farmers and advisors can make informed decisions that enhance soil health and agricultural productivity.
Finally, the soil analysis and testing pages contain comprehensive information on how soil attributes and properties are measured and tested.
This section provides valuable guidance on how to analyse and interpret soil test results, set up effective soil sampling and monitoring programs, and utilise this data to make informed management decisions.
This practical approach ensures users can apply scientific principles to real-world situations, enhancing the effectiveness of their soil management practices.
Funding partners / project collaborators
Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC)
Murdoch University
SoilsWest
South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub Regional Soil Coordinator project
More information
Click here to visit the website
Contact
Chris Gazey
Manager Soil Science and Crop Nutrition
E: Chris.Gazey@dpird.wa.gov.au
P: (08) 9368 349