Up to $20 million in Australian Government grants is available for innovative research that addresses priority knowledge gaps in soil health and soil management as a part of the ‘Soil Science Challenge’.
The new research grants will tackle soil research priorities around carbon dynamics, hydrology, biology and nutrients, and the soil/root interface.
Nationals Senate Leader and Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie has encouraged research organisations in regional Victoria to apply and seek funding to develop projects that improve soil health and quality.
“These grants will provide local research organisations with the opportunity to influence soil health in Australia, potentially increasing productivity and profitability on-farm, as well as increasing our resilience to a changing climate,” Senator McKenzie said.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud said the Soil Science Challenge will add to Australia’s soil health knowledge and address soil-related research priorities under the $214.9 million National Soil Strategy.
“Research will address priority gaps in soil science and help us understand how different management practices impact different soil types, soil organic carbon levels, productivity and environmental sustainability,” Minister Littleproud said.
“This will support decisions which influence soil health, leading to improved productivity, profitability, resilience and climate change mitigation.
“Better soil is a win for the farmers’ hip pocket and a win for the environment.
“New research to build knowledge and innovation is key to improving our soil health and helping land managers improve productivity and sustainability.”
Information on how to apply for the Soil Science Challenge can be found on the GrantConnect and Community Grants Hub websites.