By Felicity Harrop, Soil CRC Adoption Manager
Soil CRC researchers are continuing to deliver practical outcomes to farming communities, showcasing new tools, research insights and decision-support innovations at events across Australia. These activities are helping farmers and advisors make more informed soil management decisions to improve productivity and resilience.
Key research outcomes were showcased to the precision agriculture community at the SPAA Precision Ag Expo in Toowoomba, hosted by the University of Southern Queensland. The event connected Soil CRC researchers with a diverse audience of farmers, advisors and industry professionals.
Our CEO Dr Michael Crawford highlighted emerging Soil CRC technologies:
Dr Uwe Grewer from the University of Southern Queensland introduced the development of the DynaSoil Decision Support Tool which integrates Soil CRC models and algorithms into a user-friendly interface – bringing together a decade of research to support on-farm soil amelioration decisions.
Dr Kattie Weigh from NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) presented findings from the Measuring soil microbes project, offering practical guidance on using biological indicators to assess soil health.
Dr Kattie Weigh (left) from DPIRD and Dr Uwe Grewer from the University of Southern Queensland presenting at the SPAA Precision Ag Expo in March 2026.
Soil CRC knowledge shared across the Mallee region
Mallee Sustainable Farming hosted three events across South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, bringing Soil CRC research directly to regional communities. Thanks to Brian Hughes (Managing soil for high performance after a drought), Amanda Schapel (New amendments for sandy soils) from PIRSA and Peter Weir (Rainfall Mapper app) from Federation University for travelling to share knowledge with the farming, advisory and research communities.
Sarah Day, Mallee Sustainable Farming Communication and Extension Manager, said, “The presentations were well received, with strong audience engagement. Amanda’s session on soil amendments was particularly valuable for attendees.”
Amanda will be presenting the sandy soil research outcomes relevant to South Australia at the Soil CRC’s sandy soils webinar in May.
Environmental market access in the WA Wheatbelt
Western Australia partner, Wheatbelt NRM, hosted Professor Mark Morrison, Charles Sturt University (CSU), at their Access to Environmental Markets workshop attended by farmers and advisors. Professor Morrison has led several Soil CRC projects examining how consumer and financial markets can reward on-farm soil stewardship practices. He presented final results from the Market mechanisms for improved soil stewardship project.
This research has been shaped by input from farmer groups, financial institutions and value chain stakeholders to ensure it meets the needs of end users. Findings highlight emerging opportunities for farmers to participate in environmental markets while improving soil outcomes.
Read our related article, ‘Shaping markets to better reward soil stewardship practices’ to find out more about this research and access our recent webinar recording.
New Soil CRC podcast explores soil resilience
Wheatbelt NRM has also released the first Soil CRC-supported podcast, featuring Dr Mehran Rashti (Griffith University) discussing soil resilience.
The episode explores:
- soil microbial function
- the role of organic matter
- the importance of root depth in challenging climates.
Dr Rashti led two Soil CRC projects focused on Evaluating soil functional resilience and Evaluating ecosystems role in increasing soil carbon and soil resilience. Thanks to host Aimee Mouritz, Wheatbelt NRM’s Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, and Dr Rashti for an insightful discussion. Listeners can tune in to Get the Dirt on Soil Resilience with Dr Mehran Rashti, with project fact sheets to be published soon.
Webinar coming up – Unlock the potential of sandy soils
Join the Soil CRC for a free webinar to explore practical strategies for improving the performance of sandy soils across Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria.
When: 6 May at 2pm AEST (12pm WA, 1.30pm SA/NT)
Where: Online (Zoom link will be provided after registration).
You will hear about:
- the latest sandy soil management insights from Soil CRC research
- practical solutions to overcome interacting soil constraints
- strategies to improve productivity while protecting soil resources.
Even if you cannot attend, register to receive the recording and submit questions in advance.
Our presenters
- Dr Richard Bell, Emeritus Professor, Murdoch University – New amendments for sandy soils WA perspective
- Dr Amanda Schapel, Program Lead for the SA Soils Collaboration Centre, PIRSA – New amendments for sandy soils SA perspective
- Stephen Lang, Soil CRC PhD student, Adelaide University – Ameliorating hardsetting sandy soils for cereal production
- Dr Tania Monir, Soil CRC PhD graduate, Murdoch University – Stability of soil carbon under different amendments in sandy soils
The Soil CRC is very grateful to our participants hosting and presenting at these significant events to enable farmers to increase their productivity and profitability by providing them with knowledge and tools to improve the performance of their soils.