Dr Nathan Robinson
Project Leader
Federation University
The Soil CRC scoping study on soil performance indicators concluded that there was no universal suite of indicators that could measure soil performance, but rather that indicators should be matched to their intended purpose.
This project used social research, data analytics and soil indicator domain expertise to determine how commonly used indicators, or suites of indicators can best be matched to landscapes, climates, ecosystems and land management goals.
The project has addressed existing research gaps about soil indicators in Australian agriculture. Findings from the project have contributed new insights from the perspective of farmers and other stakeholders in the agriculture sector. These could be used to develop relevant and locally tailored soil quality assessment schemes.
The foundational information and findings gathered by the project can help growers, advisers and scientists identify what soil indicators work best and where.
The research is being extended as part of a new Soil CRC project (2.1.009) aimed at producing an enduring resource on key soil indicators.
