Events
UPCOMING WEBINAR
Unlock the Power of soil biology: Which soil microbial indicators really matter?
Soil biology is at the heart of productive, resilient farming systems, but with so many soil health tests available, how do you know which indicators provide meaningful insights and support better management decisions?
Join us for an engaging webinar exploring the latest findings from the Soil CRC’s research on soil microbial indicators and their practical applications for Australian farming systems. The research evaluated more than 400 soil samples across multiple Australian farming systems and assessed a wide range of biological indicators to determine which tests provide the most valuable information for growers and advisers.
Webinar details
Date: 3 December
Time: 12.00pm – 1.00pm AEDT
Location: Online via Zoom
Registration
Even if you cannot attend, you can still register to receive the recording and submit questions in advance (there is a space on the registration form for questions).
What you will learn
- Why soil biology is critical for soil health, crop performance and resilience.
- Which soil microbial indicators are most useful for practical on-farm monitoring.
- How low-cost ACE soil protein testing compares with more advanced biological measures.
- The strengths and limitations of DNA-based testing.
- How to use microbial indicators alongside soil chemistry, soil physics and crop performance data to make more informed management decisions.
Discover how to move beyond soil health scores and use soil biology testing as a practical decision-making tool for your farming business.
Our presenters
Associate Professor Michael Rose
Southern Cross University
Dr Mick Rose research focuses on the interactions between plants, soil microorganisms and their environment, and how farming practices influence these relationships. From 2014 to 2023, he worked as a Research Scientist with NSW Department of Primary Industries, investigating the impacts of pesticides on soil biology, crop health and environmental outcomes. Currently with Southern Cross University, Dr Rose led two Soil CRC research projects, developing new knowledge and tools for managing herbicide residues and soil microbial indicators – what do they mean and how can they be used?
Dr Kattie Weigh
NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Dr Kattie Weigh joined the soils team at the NSW Department of Primary Industries in Wollongbar in early 2023 and has been focusing on a range of projects related to soil health and agricultural resilience and productivity. Her research to date has focused on using environmental and ecological methodologies to profile the structure and function of soil microbial communities and characterise microbial interactions with their physicochemical soil environment.
SAVE THE DATE
Final Soil CRC Conference
13 – 14 April 2027
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Victoria
The Soil CRC is gearing up to deliver our final conference in Melbourne next year – a showcase of our research outcomes and a celebration of achievements during our 10-year term.
We welcome our participants and supporters to save the date and join us at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from Tuesday 13 to Wednesday 14 April 2027.
Across the two days, you will hear research findings from a diverse line-up of researchers and industry representatives, and network with like-minded professionals against the backdrop of the iconic MCG.
We will share more information as planning progresses and expect to open registrations later this year. We look forward to celebrating with you in 2027.
Previous webinars
You’ll find recordings of all our previous webinars on our Knowledge Hub at the link below.
Information about our ‘Soil carbon capacity building’ webinar series can be found on the project webpage.
Watch our ‘‘Understanding farmers, sharing knowledge and reporting innovation’ webinar series and access the related resources on our news webpage.