By Felicity Harrop, Soil CRC Adoption Manager

Soil CRC participant groups and researchers are heading out into farming regions to share the latest Soil CRC research outcomes with growers, advisers and industry. Supported through the Soil CRC Adoption Plan, four farming systems groups contracted to deliver adoption activities will be hosting events and welcoming Soil CRC researchers into their communities throughout February and March.

Earlier this month, Burdekin Productivity Services (BPS) and Herbert Cane Productivity Services in North Queensland each delivered a highly engaging Soil Health Workshop for agronomists and farmers. The sessions featured expertise from Soil CRC Program 4 Leader Dr Lukas Van Zwieten and Soil CRC researcher Dr Kattie Weigh, both from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Participants deepened their understanding of soil health indicators, the role of soil carbon, nutrient interactions, how to interpret soil biology data, and more. Rob Milla, BPS Manager and Extension Agronomist, said the two days of workshops exceeded their expectations.

“There were plenty of questions from agronomists and discussions about overcoming local soil constraints. Both Lukas and Kattie explained complex topics in a clear and concise way. All participants are asking when the next workshop is to follow!” he said.

Next up, Mallee Sustainable Farming will host a series of events at Dareton (NSW), Murrayville (Vic) and Karoonda (SA), featuring Soil CRC researchers Brian Hughes (‘Managing soils during and after drought’) and Amanda Schapel (‘New amendments for sandy soils’), along with demonstrations of Federation University’s Rainfall Mapper.

Wheatbelt NRM will host an environmental markets workshop with Soil CRC researcher Mark Morrison (Charles Sturt University), presenting Soil CRC research on rewarding soil stewardship through market mechanisms.

MacKillop Farm Management Group will showcase Soil CRC research at their ‘Soils in focus’ seminar in Keith (SA) on 5 March, with presentations from:

  • Amanda Schapel – ‘New amendments for sandy soils’
  • Nigel Wilhelm – ‘Overcoming soil constraints in highly calcareous soils’
  • Stephen Lang – ‘Addressing soil compaction’
  • Peter Weir – ‘New app helps farmers view rainfall distribution’.

Soil CRC researchers are also featuring at the GRDC Updates in Perth, Adelaide, Bendigo (Vic) and Dubbo (NSW) this month, helping bring research insights directly to growers and advisers.

A big thank you to all groups and researchers who are already taking Soil CRC knowledge out into the field.

More about our Adoption Plan activities

The Soil CRC is supporting our participant groups to deliver a wide range of adoption and extension activities that help put Soil CRC knowledge into practice. Activities include:

  • Face-to-face presentations and workshops
  • Videos and podcasts
  • Fact sheets and technical newsletters
  • Other tools that translate research into actionable, practical advice.

These activities are already helping farming communities access high‑quality, regionally relevant soil research — and your group could be next.

Funding still available for Soil CRC participants

Soil CRC participants are encouraged to act now! Don’t miss the opportunity to secure funding and deliver adoption activities that support your members. Whether you have a small idea or a full program of activities in mind, we are here to help you make it happen.

Contact Felicity Harrop, Adoption Manager, on felicity.harrop@soilcrc.com.au

Let’s work together to spread Soil CRC knowledge and strengthen soil management across Australia.

Find out more

For upcoming events and details, visit the Soil CRC’s ‘events’ page.

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