Agriculture Victoria's soil research capabilities at its Horsham and Tatura SmartFarms have been boosted with a $1.49 million investment from the Australian Government's National Soil Action Plan (NSAP).
Agriculture Victoria Research Scientist Dr Katherine Dunsford said the 'Improving soil structure for resilient ecosystems' project will fund critical research into increasing drought resilience.
'In Australia soil is the basis for most agriculture, both food and fibre, and directly tied to our food security and economy.
'This project funding has helped us appoint a dedicated soil physicist Dr Anne Yusuf to our soil physics laboratory facility at the Tatura SmartFarm.
'Dr Yusuf will apply her soil science, hydrology and ecosystem knowledge to our project and make the most of the technology and facilities available at the soil physics lab and our SmartFarms,' Dr Dunsford said.
'Poor soil structure limits rainfall capture and root access to water, shrinking the soil's water bucket.
'It can also lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions and reduced fertility, resulting in lower plant production and poor environmental outcomes.
'Soils can have naturally poor structure or as a result of management decisions, such as excessive tillage or trampling by cattle in wet conditions.
'Our research focuses on understanding how different soil amelioration strategies such as organic materials and gypsum can improve soil structure and soil function,' she said.
Dr Dunsford said they are looking to expand understanding across a wider range of soil types and industries, particularly grains and dairy.
'The goal is to guide farmers to effective soil improvement strategies to maintain or boost productivity, enhance drought resilience, and increase environmental services in a changing climate.
NSAP is a 5-year plan under the 20-year National Soil Strategy. The funding aligns to priority actions which aim to improve Australia's soil health and long-term security.
