Dr Hanabeth Luke
Project Leader
Southern Cross University
Soil CRC research with farmers and key stakeholders shows that farmer groups and agronomists are playing an increasingly important role as knowledge brokers in farming systems. Effective processes of knowledge-sharing among farmers, scientists and key knowledge brokers are essential for improving soil stewardship.
This project built on the findings of previous Soil CRC projects, Why soil management practices are adopted, Surveying on-farm practices and Building farmer innovation capability. It addressed challenges and opportunities associated with knowledge-sharing efforts directed at improving the uptake of new innovations and best practice soil management.
Embedded in this project is an understanding that knowledge sharing processes need to be locally relevant and related to key challenges identified by farmers.
Supporting extension efforts for grower groups across four case study regions, this project co-developed and tested a range of knowledge sharing modes and processes across farming systems groups. These ranged from digital strategies to field days, drawing on the skills of a cross-institutional, cross-disciplinary research team to test and assess the effectiveness of these modes over time.
This findings of this project will guide engagement, collaboration and knowledge sharing efforts by the Soil CRC and its participants, towards maximum effectiveness and impact on soil health, fertility and performance.
