Soil Science Australia

Day 1 of training in New Zealand and our teams visited the scenic site of Rerewhakaaitu, in the shadow of Mt Tarawera. It was a tough day of pedology with multiple buried horizons and complex geology to get our heads around. Overall, an excellent learning experience in the beautiful Aotearoa countryside. The students had fantastic talks on the local geological and volcanic history by the NZ Crew. Simon reiterated the importance of relating pedology back to how we care and manage our soils. The teams were well fed and look after by the NZ organising committee, with the welcome addition of marquees and coffee cart on site! Kiwi’s definitely setting the bar high! Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, Lincoln Univeristy, New Zealand Society of Soil Science. Looking forward to training day 2! Stay tuned for an update on the SA teams names. Thanks again to the sponsors of th SA student teams: OptiSoil Grains Research and Development Corporation Soil Insights Arris water treatment & technology Landloch Fertilise Technology Research Centre, Univeristy of Adelaide teaching (Luke Mosley) and of course Soil Science Australia

There are close to 60 teams participating in the 2024 Moana Oceania Soil Judging Competition. Teams are out practicing for competition day on Sunday. If you're involved, make sure you share the best moments using #SoilJudgingAusNZ and tag Soil Science Australia and NZ Society of Soil Science! Whether it’s soil profiles, team shots, or on-site fun, we want to see it all! There are prizes to be won for the most engaging and impactful social media post. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/gnS2fDZD

Thanks to Dr Gigi Woods, Soil Science Australia, and colleagues for arranging the workshop for South Pacific Island and Territory #SoilScience representatives supported by Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). A great opportunity for delegates to connect ahead of our joint conference with the NZ Society of Soil Science being held in Rotorua, New Zealand. Learn more about the project here: https://lnkd.in/g7zfkx58

*New Paper* 🌱 Soil Carbon Credits: Credit Where Credit is Due 🌏 For the ACCU Scheme to succeed, soil carbon credits must deliver what they say on the tin: 1 tonne of CO2 abatement over 25 years. Our research raises two key issues: 1️⃣ Rainfall Variability: Australia’s rainfall is 23% more variable than the global average. While a 25% discount is applied during the first measurement period to account for climatic variability, subsequent measurement rounds lack similar safeguards. Furthermore, the assumption that “climate variation balances out over 25 years” lacks evidence. 2️⃣ Biophysical Limits: Recent credit issuances suggest nearly all carbon fixed by plants is converted to SOC on an annual basis—an unrealistic scenario. Science shows only 10–30% of fixed carbon becomes soil organic carbon (SOC), with the rest lost or remaining as plant material. To address these challenges, we recommend: ✅ Longer Measurement Periods: Extend measurement periods to at least 5 years. This will better account for rainfall variability and reduce the likelihood of reporting false SOC gains. ✅ Realistic SOC Boundaries: Establish science-based bounds for expected SOC gains. Hold credits exceeding these bounds until validated over time. Independent monitoring sites, such as ALTAR under TERN, play a vital role in providing long-term data for this process. These steps will help ensure soil carbon credits represent real climate outcomes and bolster confidence in the ACCU Scheme. Let’s set a high standard for integrity and transparency. #ClimateAction #SoilCarbon #ACCU #Sustainability

A great way for WA to celebrate World Soil Day! An excellent program and fabulous opportunity for soil enthusiasts to get together and network.

Last chance to WIN a FREE comprehensive soil test and full analysis on your property! It is very easy and quick to enter. Competition closes midnight on 4 December 🌿

⏳ Only 5 days until Soils Rotorua 2024! The conference isn’t just an event—it’s a hub for innovation, collaboration, and inspiration. Soil science plays a critical role in addressing climate change, ensuring food security, and managing natural resources sustainably. At Soils Rotorua, you’ll hear from leading experts, engage in discussions that shape the future of soil science, and explore cutting-edge research driving progress in the field. 💬 What topics are you most looking forward to at the conference? See the full conference programme here: https://lnkd.in/ehirnqs3 This event is hosted by Soil Science Australia and NZ Society of Soil Science. #SoilsRotorua #SoilScienceConference #SoilScience #Soils

Fabulous attendance at this year's Parliamentary Friends of Soil #WorldSoilDay Celebratory event, convened by Soil Science Australia, Soils for Life and the Soil CRC. We are grateful to Meryl Swanson, Member for Paterson, and to Member for the Riverina, the Honourable Michael McCormack, as hosts and co-Chairs of the Parliamentary Friends of Soil. The highlight of today's event was the feature presentation by (soon-to-be-Dr) Reuben Mah, PhD student with the Soil CRC. Reuben presented the Soil CRC’s “Lab on a chip” technology, which was fitting given this year’s World Soil Day theme is ‘Measure, Monitor, Manage’ and underscores the importance of accurate soil data and information. This critical data helps us understand soil characteristics which in turn supports informed decision-making on sustainable management of soil. A huge thanks to our other event supporters: ·     the Australian Government Clean Energy Regulator ·     Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry ·     Australian Soil and Plant Analysis Council ·     CropLife Australia ·     CSIRO and the Australian National Soil Information System (ANSIS) ·     the Environmental Analysis Laboratory of Southern Cross University ·     Farmers for Climate Action ·     Fertilizer Australia ·     the International Erosion Control Association (IECA) - Australasia ·     Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia ·     Soil Carbon Industry Group ·     Southern Cross Nutrients ·     The Mulloon Institute, and ·     the University of New England (AU) The United Nations #WorldSoilDay is held annually on 5 December.

🌱 Soil enthusiasts, it’s almost time! The Soil Judging Competition at Soils Rotorua 2024 kicks off in just 7 days. Understanding and managing soil is crucial for tackling global challenges like climate change and sustainable agriculture. That’s why the Soil Judging Competition is so important, it gives students and young professionals hands-on experience interpreting soil profiles and their significance for land use. 💬 What excites you most about this year’s event? Let us know! www.soilscience.org.nz/sjc This event is hosted by Soil Science Australia and NZ Society of Soil Science #SoilsRotorua #SoilJudging #Soils #SoilScience

Our Soil Management field training and assessment, run by the Queensland branch of Soil Science Australia, has kicked off today in not-so-sunny Queensland. Rain, hail or sunshine, #SoilScientists get the job done! Thanks to Andrew Biggs CPSS and Cameron Leckie for facilitating the training to a full class (shed) of eager attendees! The field training and assessment module forms an essential part of our Soil Management Training program, designed to enhance participants’ understanding of soil science and improve soil management practices. For more information and to express your interest in participating, visit: https://lnkd.in/gNfS5-kg