Smart Soils CoP Up Top.

In late June the Smart Soils Community of Practice (CoP), led by Soil Science Australia, visited Tropical North Queensland for a two-day field tour showcasing innovative soil management and climate-smart agriculture across the region.

The visit marks an important milestone for the CoP, with Regional Soil Coordinator members having now visited almost every Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub region across Australia. It also provided the opportunity to meet the newest Regional Soil Coordinator and Northern Territory National Community of Practice representative, Oscar Giudici.

The visit took the group south to Innisfail with a stop off at Qld Department of Primary Industries South Johnstone Research Station, then heading west to the Atherton Tablelands on the second day. Along the way, members were introduced to the region’s diverse agricultural systems. Even though Tropical North Queensland’s production systems differ from those found elsewhere in Australia, participants found many lessons that could be applied in their own regions. As one attendee commented: ‘I didn’t think there would be much relevant to me, but I have learned some useful things and made good contacts for the future.’

The event attracted one of the strongest local turnouts of any Smart Soils CoP field visit to date, bringing together professionals working in climate-smart agriculture and soil management from across the region. Participants included representatives from Cape York Natural Resource Management, Terrain NRM, Burnett Mary Regional Group, the Queensland Graduate Soil Program, Sugar Research Australia, and local Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators (SAFs) – along with presenters from the Tropical North Queensland Drought Hub, Queensland Department of Primary Industries, James Cook University, Terrain NRM, the Australian Banana Growers’ Council, and private industry presenters from Farmacist and Speedbird.

Presentations and field discussions explored a wide range of topics, including soil ecology, nematology, erosion control in banana production, the use of sun hemp in sugarcane rotations, legume integration in rainfed pasture systems, innovative pasture rejuvenation techniques, and projects aimed at reducing agricultural runoff to the Great Barrier Reef. Together, these presentations highlighted both the latest research and practical solutions being implemented by growers and industry.

The event received outstanding feedback from participants, achieving an overall satisfaction rating of 5 out of 5, with every attendee reporting that their knowledge and understanding had improved through their participation. One participant noted that the event created opportunities that would not have been possible individually, describing it as “a great opportunity to meet staff I had previously only met online. I would not have had the opportunity otherwise.”

Beyond the technical content, the greatest value of the event lay in the opportunity to build relationships. Bringing together researchers, extension specialists, government agencies, industry organisations and practitioners in the field created valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, strengthen professional networks and establish collaborations that will continue to support the sustainable management of Australia’s soils and landscapes.

The Smart Soils CoP is a group of extension-focused soil scientists from across Australia who meet regularly to collaborate and share knowledge. The CoP is part of Soil Science Australia’s Smart Soils project and is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust. Membership consists of the Regional Soil Coordinators from around Australia, the Soil CRC Knowledge Broker and, since the start of 2026, a member from each of the state involved in soil extension projects. 

To find your regional soil coordinator take a look at the Smart Soils webpages.

This program is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust and Soil Science Australia.