Soil Science Australia’s Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS) accreditation seal is the mark of trust, expertise and excellence in soil science. Engaging a CPSS helps reduce risk, increase certainty and achieve better soil and land management outcomes. This profile is one in a series featuring new CPSS members. 

Abby’s  passion for the natural world began early, studying geography, geology, and biology in school. She pursued a Bachelor of Science in Geology at Macquarie University before deciding to major in soils and geomorphology, driven by her desire to work with landholders to manage this vital resource. To continue her studies Ms. Jenkins completed a Graduate Diploma of Applied Science in Agronomy at Charles Sturt University. This education was crucial, particularly since she did not have  a farming background,  it provided her with valuable insights into agronomy and the challenges faced by farmers.

Throughout her career, Ms. Jenkins has worked in various settings, including laboratories where she enhanced her skills in soil analysis and chemistry, and in international development roles where she learned the importance of communication and community development to land management. Her extensive experience includes working with numerous farmer and grower groups, focusing on building their capacity and capability, which remains her primary motivation.

For over 25 years, Abby was  a dedicated soil advisory and development officer with NSW DPI (Department of Primary Industries). Her contributions include co-designing the successful Northern Rivers Soil Health Card, initiating the quarterly newsletter “All the Dirt” which has been active for over a decade, and setting up the monthly Soil Network of Knowledge (SNoK) webinars.

“A big part of my role [with NSW DPI] was making sure the most relevant and up-to-date information about soils was accessible to those that needed it. This is still my role as the National Soil Science Extension Team coordinator,  working with Australia’s peak body for soil scientists, Soil Science Australia, and coordinating the national Community of Practice for soil extension – Smart Soils,” Ms Jenkins said.

“I’ve also taken the lead in establishing the Smart Soils resource library, with input from the Regional Soil Coordinators. The Smart Soils website and resource library provides land managers, farmers, and those who advise them with access to local help and expertise in soils,” she said.

“The importance of gaining CPSS is twofold: for the discipline of Soil Science it shows the value the profession puts on a standard of understanding and skill demonstrating the importance of the science to the public, and therefore the significance of managing soils appropriately while, for me personally it is recognition of my professional body of work as a soil scientist.”