Up to $20 million 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.
Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien encourages local research organisations to apply to the challenge and seek funding to develop projects that improve soil health and quality.
“These grants will provide research organisations with the opportunity to influence soil health in Australia, potentially increasing productivity and profitability on-farm, which will benefit local producers in Wide Bay as well as increasing our resilience to environmental factors,” Mr O’Brien 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.
“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 at www.communitygrants.gov.au
Applications close 9pm 14 February 2022.
