Australian priorities for soil research and land manager engagement to improve sustainable soil management

Abstract

<p>Australia has a unique set of challenges in managing an ancient landscape, farmed in European traditions unsuited to its inherently infertile and fragile nature. The need to maintain a healthy and functioning soil that is resilient and less vulnerable to climate change and land degradation is a continuing driving force for soil science in Australia (McKenzie et al., 2017). To achieve this requires a critical mass of soil scientists who can effectively undertake research and communicate knowledge to land managers so that soil is protected through the use of landscape-appropriate practices. Farmers and land managers are the stewards of soil and landscapes and these are the people who need to make informed decisions to guide improved management. Evidence of soil science expertise loss and weakened community engagement in Australia is presented, then through a series of past and current initiatives we indicate how to address the long-term soil priorities for Australia, and conclude with the future research areas where this expertise needs to focus.</p>