SSA National Soil Judging Competition 2022

Universities and educational organisations from around Australia are putting together teams for this year’s competition. Will you be joining them?

Learn about the competition, how to get involved and register your interest to stay informed.

10th SSA National Soil Judging Competition

1 – 3 December 2022 – Ballarat and surrounds, Victoria

Save the date and come celebrate soils with us!

You and your organisation are invited to enter a team in the 10th National Soil Judging competition from the 1 – 3 December, 2022 in Ballarat.

Entry is open to any students interested in Soil Science. Some education institutions put together teams of four people, plus a coach. If you are entering as an individual, we’ll match you with a team.

The competition is one of the best practical training and networking grounds for aspiring soil professionals.

During the competition participants can:

1. Increase their knowledge of soils and soil profiles.
2. Connect with other early career soil scientists from across Australia.
3. Network with and learn from experienced soil scientists
4. Apply a land capability assessment to supplement their soil description and interpretation.

The event includes two training days and one competition day, leading to the announcement of the winners at the awards dinner. Prizes are awarded for team and individual performances. Accommodation packages at Federation University are available for participants. Register your interest to learn more.

Location

This year’s competition will be at Federation University, Ballarat, Victoria and in the surrounding area. Information on how to get to Federation University can be found on the getting there page.

Competition Registration

Registration is $85 inc GST per person which includes the three days of competition, lunches and the final night dinner.

There is an optional sound and light show at Sovereign Hill (see Celebration of Soils Dinner).

Accommodation

Soil Science Australia has organised an accommodation package at Federation University of $265 inc GST per person (four nights, Wed to Sat night). Peter Lalor Hall is located at the Mt Helen Campus of Federation University Australia. Each of on-campus units consists of 10 to 11 private single bedrooms with shared bathroom (2) and kitchen facilities. View accommodation images.

Accommodation is optional, it can be selected as an ‘add-on’ in the order form when you register.

Please note: there is a music festival in Ballarat the same weekend and accommodation is expected to be limited in availability.

Participant shirts

All participants and coaches receive shirts from RB Sellars. Check the size guide and provide the correct details on the order form when you register.

• Men’s Shirt Size Guide
• Women’s Shirt Size Guide

Celebration of Soils Dinner

Join us to celebrate soils on the final night of the competition. The ‘Celebration of Soils Dinner’ will be held at the New York Bakery, Sovereign Hill.

Dinner is included for participants and coaches as part of their registration.

SSA Members, sponsors, judges, experts, volunteers and the soil community are welcome to join us by purchasing tickets.

How to register

Attendees must complete an online registration form and payment.

If you need any assistance please contact soiljudging@soilscienceaustralia.org.au.

Awards:

1. 1st, 2nd and 3rd for team pits
2. 1st, 2nd and 3rd for individual pit
3. Bennison Family Trophy for Best Overall University
4. 1st, 2nd and 3rd for young professional (under 35)

Program at a glance