Murraylands and Riverland soils included in national monitoring program
The importance of soil to our way of life is often overlooked, so World Soil Day on 5 December is an opportunity to highlight significant work being done to understand and protect this vital resource
The Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board, in collaboration with Limestone Coast Landscape Board and CSIRO, will participate in the National Soil Monitoring Program to assess soil health, including its physical, chemical, and biological characteristics, with sampling scheduled to begin next year.
A total of 346 sites are being sampled across South Australia, including 61 in the Murraylands and Riverland region. Sites have been selected based on soil type, vegetation and land use.
Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board Soil Extension Officer Barrie Williams said the program will provide valuable information about soil condition at selected sites.
“Through this program, we’re building a nationwide understanding of soil health, and it’s great to see our region represented,” Barrie said.
“Healthy soils are fundamental to productive agriculture and a healthy environment. By participating in this national program, we’re helping to show how local soils are performing now, and how they change over time.” He added.
Sampling between March and June 2026 will establish a baseline, and resampling every 5 to 10 years will help track how soils are changing due to climate and land use.
“All the data gathered will inform future land management decisions and support more sustainable farming practices,” Barrie said. This is a significant opportunity to benchmark soil condition, improving our understanding over time and support long-term agricultural productivity and landscape health.” Barrie said.
The National Soil Monitoring Program has been supported by funding through the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) in collaboration with CSIRO.
