Get the Dirt on Soil Health with a Free Soil Testing Kit
Community members in the Murraylands and Riverland are invited to participate in a new citizen science project to uncover the dirt on regional soils.
Developed by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board, the initiative will engage participants to undertake a simple soil test to determine the level of carbon dioxide as an indicator of overall soil health.
Testing kits will demonstrate the level of carbon dioxide released by the soil indicating the soil’s ability to convert carbon into components that support soil function and plant growth.
Getting the dirt on soil health is open to all regional community members and is designed to encourage people to consider the essential role that soil plays in our lives. Well-functioning soils are a cornerstone of the environments in which we live, providing the platform for native ecosystems and productive agricultural systems.
“Soil plays an essential role in human life through the production of food, but also by providing habitat and filtering the air we breathe and the water we drink,” said Barrie Williams, Soil Extension Officer with the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board.
“Soils will play a driving role in helping us to reduce the effects of climate change by storing carbon, making soil health an important factor for future sustainability and resilience”.
Mr Williams said that all community members in the region are eligible to participate, and soil samples can be taken from a variety of locations.
“Anyone can take part in this initiative including primary producers, landholders, gardeners, and even school students. Soil samples can be taken from farmland, private native bush blocks and school grounds – as long as you have the relevant permission”.
“Participants will be provided with two test kits in order to get an idea of the variability of soil on their chosen site. You can undertake the test onsite, and the results are visible within 24 hours”.
“The soil tests will give you the opportunity to see how healthy your soils are and explore any differences between the results of your two soil tests”.
Participants will also be invited to share their results with the landscape board, submit soil samples for more detailed analysis and attend a free regional workshop to learn more about their soils and the ways in which soil health can be improved.
Find out more about Getting the dirt on soil health here
This project is supported by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board with funding from the landscape levies.