Two Victorian research projects are soon to be underway to protect the health of one of Australia’s most important living assets – soil.
The State Government supported by additional funding from the Federal Government will deliver the $6.47 million projects as part of the National Soil Action Plan 2023 to 2028.
Delivered over the next two years, both projects will expand on existing research and aim to build soil health and productivity across Australia’s diverse landscapes.
Scientists from Agriculture Victoria and the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research will work together on the first project, focused on soil biology Across the Landscape.
Their research will focus on understanding microbial communities in agricultural land and in landscapes with native vegetation, including areas where rehabilitation programs such as revegetation are planned.
“Soil health is the foundation of healthy landscapes and thriving ecosystems, and this research will show us how soil biodiversity and structure can be protected and improved,” Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt, said.
“The Albanese Government is committed to working with the Allan Government to continue to prioritise the health of Australia’s soil. This research will show us how we can improve soil health, as the foundation of healthy landscapes and thriving ecosystems,” Minister for Agriculture, Ros Spence, said.
The second project will increase drought resilience in Victoria by targeting agriculture management practice changes that improve soil structure and function.
This will support greater water storage for plants, reduce nutrient loss to the environment, and increase the potential to build soil carbon.
Project delivery will commence in the second half of this year, with both projects to be completed by June 2028.
The National Soil Action Plan 2023-2028 is the first action plan under the National Soil Strategy.
