The Queensland Branch of Soil Science Australia delivered its second Field Training Module of the Soil Science Australia’s Soil Management Training at Hermitage Research Facility Warwick QLD in September.
Seven facilitators and helpers supported the 11 participants with both training and assessment of their soil skills. The training included soil micro-skills (such as determining soil texture and colour), the description and classification of soil using both soil pits and cores, as well as soil sampling techniques and the intricacies of selecting laboratories and tests for analysis.
Deborah Medhurst from the Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG) described the training as being very informative and practical with the facilitators providing a wealth of technical knowledge and experience to a broad range of participants. Mali Eagle, from Gulf Savannah NRM “thought the training was great,” covering all the basics of soil sampling, from classification through to sending soils to the lab whilst also being an excellent opportunity to meet others and opportunities for collaborative learning.
The training would not have been possible without the support of Dr Andrew Biggs, Kristie Williams, and Tony King and the staff at Hermitage Research Facility from the Queensland Government, Dr Stirling Roberton (Qld Branch President) from the CSIRO, Rachel Cavallo from BMRG, and Sarah-Paige Leeson and Cameron Leckie from the University of Southern Queensland.
The Field Training Module is the final of five modules (the other four being online) that make up the Soil Management Training course. The course is aimed at soil practitioners, those whose employment includes collecting soil samples for laboratory analysis, interpreting the results of soil tests, and providing advice to land managers.
Successful completion of the training can reduce the experience required to achieve accreditation as a Registered Soil Practitioner Soil Management from one to three years.
With Soil Science Australia planning to run multiple Field Training events in different regions in 2026, don’t miss your opportunity to enhance your skills, knowledge and practical soil experience.
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- A group of scientists performing soil analysis at an outdoor field station with lab equipment.
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- Hands-on soil sampling event at Soil Science Australia, exploring soil properties and environmental impact.
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- Group of soil scientists and researchers gathering for soil testing in an open landscape.
