The CSIRO has unveiled a new tool to assist Australia in managing a key natural resource that sustains lives and livelihoods.
The Australian National Soil Information System (ANSIS), which is now online and operational, draws together soil data from around Australia, integrating numerous data sources to enable access to nationally consistent soil data and information.
It will provide farmers, policymakers, and researchers with data and information to help them better manage, restore, and preserve Australia’s soils.
Speaking at the Soil Science Australian conference in Darwin, ANSIS project lead at CSIRO Peter Wilson said it was an essential step forward for the future sustainable management of soils in all parts of the nation.
“Soil is the backbone of our food security, and it is critical that we manage it effectively for climate change adaptation and economic and environmental prosperity to support national and global agrifood priorities,” Wilson stated.
According to Wilson, until now, it has been exceedingly difficult to locate, acquire, integrate, and compare soil data.
“This new system brings together all this information providing easy access to soil data and information that will underpin the effective management of soil,” he added.
ANSIS will be a great tool for farmers and farm advisers, allowing them to compare the state of their soil with other soils in their region, monitor how their soil has changed over time, and identify areas for change or improvement in land management practices.
Through ANSIS, governments and industry bodies will be able to use data and information to support the creation of effective policies that will ensure Australian soil is used and improved sustainably for future generations and to guide policy choices in areas like drought resilience, climate adaptation, natural capital accounting, and biodiversity conservation.
The Hon Penelope Wensley AC, Australia’s National Soil Advocate, described the debut of the new national soil information system as an exciting development, noting it represents a significant advance in implementing the National Soil Strategy.
“Good data, available in a consistent, accessible form, is essential for better understanding and management of Australia’s soil,” Wensley said.
“I know development of the system has been a challenging task and extend my compliments and thanks to CSIRO and everyone involved in delivering this important new tool for soil stakeholders and policy makers,” she added.
ANSIS, according to Wilson, will help researchers better understand how Australia’s soil functions, its involvement in climate change adaptation and mitigation, and its effects on vital natural resources.
ANSIS is funded by the Australian Government‘s National Soil Strategy (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry), in partnership with CSIRO and partner organisations.
