Category: News
Spotlight on emerging soil technologies
Presenting at the Soil Science Australia conference last month, project leader Dr Marcus Hardie from the University of Tasmania outlined some of Soil CRC’s emerging technologies and spoke about their genesis and development. “The Soil CRC has invested around $4.9M in its partners to help develop...
Bhavya’s war on biowaste
Soil CRC PhD student Bhavya Mod is enrolled at the University of Newcastle and was recently announced as a finalist in the Early Career Researchers Competition run by Cooperative Research Australia. Read about Bhavya’s PhD research into soil carbon storage and find out what motivates him. What is ...
Soil science conference wrap-up
Soil CRC projects took centre stage at the 2023 Soil Science Australia Conference last month, with over 20 of our researchers and PhD students presenting to over 300 delegates. The conference kicked off with an opening address by Soil CRC Patron and National Soils Advocate, the Hon Penny Wensley, wh...
Natural materials to retain soil moisture
Drought is an enduring feature of the agricultural landscape across Australia. The inability of soils to supply sufficient water reduces crop productivity. Retaining soil moisture in these harsh environments is key to maintaining soil and crop health. Professor Chengrong Chen of Griffith University ...
Meet our new Soil Knowledge Broker
We caught up with the Soil CRC’s new Soil Knowledge Broker, Felicity Harrop, to find out what inspires her and how she is helping connect our research scientists and grower groups. Tasmanian born and bred, Felicity spent a large part of her childhood connecting with nature—from camping in Tassie...
Grower groups lead the way to adoption
While profitability is often the driving force behind adoption of new farming practices, there are many other factors at play. Emotional, social, community, environmental and other emerging risk factors can also impact adoption. A Soil CRC project led by Dr Nathan Craig of West Midlands Group in Wes...
New book: Soil Constraints and Productivity
Soil Constraints and Productivity is a new book aimed at helping scientists and advisors identify, understand and manage multiple soil constraints. It is published with the support of the Soil CRC and focuses on farm management practices to alleviate the problems caused by these constraints and thei...
Soil Science Australia conference line up
For the first time in its history, Soil Science Australia is holding its biennial national conference in the Northern Territory, with the theme ‘Our Soil: Spirit of a Nation’. The conference takes place in Darwin from 25 to 30 June and provides a great opportunity for delegates to hear from a va...
CRC invests in new soil research
The Soil CRC has announced funding for six new research projects with a cash investment of $2.7 million and a further $6.2 million of in-kind contributions from participants. Soil CRC CEO Dr Michael Crawford said the new projects focus on end-user engagement, adoption of research outcomes and commer...
Soil microbial indicators: What do they mean and how can we use them?
The last decade or so has seen an increased recognition of soil biology’s role in crop and pasture production and ecosystem health. Scientific advances have provided new ways to measure the diversity, abundance and function of soil microbiota, delivering a range of soil biology metrics. Landholder...
PhD student shines light on soil health
As a former chef, Phil Kay’s passion for sustainable food production led him to embark on a PhD with the Soil CRC in 2019. Three years on, his research is uncovering the relationship between soil health and its biological communities. Read what Phil has to say about his PhD journey. What is the ai...
Investing in soil stewardship
Rewarding farmers for good soil stewardship requires financial markets that are willing and able to invest in soil management. Unlocking this investment in soils is the focus of the ‘Rewarding soil stewardship’ project led by Dr Nicholas Pawsey from Charles Sturt University. The project is endea...