Soil Science Australia announces winners of the 11th Australian Soil Judging Competition in Darwin, Northern Territory

The 11th Australian Soil Judging Competition was held by Soil Science Australia in Darwin and surrounds this weekend (22-25 June), ahead of the Soil Science Australia conference (25-30June). 

Fourteen teams from universities and organisations around Australia and New Zealand took part in the competition, guided by soil science experts. Participants come together to connect, learn and improve their understanding of soil. 

“Soils are one of our most valuable resources in Australia – and training is critical in equipping the next generation of soil scientists and professionals” said Dr Ivanah Oliver, Convenor of the Australian Soil Judging Competition. “Soil judging competitions bring together experienced soil scientists with early career soil professionals and students to gain practical experience of soil in the landscape”. 

Soil Judging Competitions are an opportunity to learn more about soils, soil in the landscape, soil characteristics and the story of soils in your own backyard – in this case soils of the Top End. Participants get insights into soil judging, profiling and landscape management. 

“It’s great to see Australia and New Zealand’s future soil professionals and scientists get the opportunity to build the key skills involved in soil judging” said Dr Ed Scott, Certified Professional Soil Scientist and Federal President of Soil Science Australia. “Training like this is essential to ensure soil expertise is available to further research and soil management in Australia”. 

The Soil Judging Competition included two training days and one competition day, leading to the announcement of the winners on the first day of the Soil Science Australia Conference.  

The National Soils Advocate and Patron of Soil Science Australia, The Honourable Penelope Wensley AC presented the prizes to the winners and stated “it’s inspirational and important for students and early career scientists to have the opportunity to participate in the event. It’s fun, it’s educational, and it provides an invaluable opportunity to build connections to assist their career development,” she said. 

“As the peak body for soil science, Soil Science Australia supports students and emerging soil specialists through a range of initiatives to help develop future soil professionals” said Michael Walker, Executive Officer of Soil Science Australia. “Soil Judging Competitions are a key development and networking opportunity for students and aspiring professionals”.  

Results 

Congratulations to all participants. 

Early Career Professional - Individual 

• First –  Michelle Papenfus (SLR Consulting) 
• 2nd  –  Fereshteh Shahriari (RMIT) 

• 3rd  –  Emily Leyden (University of Adelaide) and Erinne Stirling (CSIRO) 

University – Team 

• First – South Australia – University of Adelaide and University of South Australia 
• 2nd  – Team Victoria – University of Melbourne and Monash University   
• 3rd – University of Tasmania: Team 1 

University – Individual 

• First –  Carys Luke, Lincoln University 
• 2nd –  Meila Picard, Lincoln University 
• 3rd –  Ben Rigby, University of Melbourne 

Bennison Trophy – Overall Winner 

Team Victoria – University of Melbourne and Monash University 

Social media prize  

Greg Colton – Southern Cross University 

Teams 

University teams 

New Zealand – Lincoln University  

Australia: 

• Qld – University of Queensland 
• Tasmania – University of Tasmania  
• Western Australia – Curtin University 
• New South Wales 

• University of New England  
• University of New South Wales  
• University of Sydney 
• Southern Cross University  

• Victoria – University of Melbourne and Monash University  
• South Australia – University of Adelaide and University of South Australia 

Early careers participants 

• Dr Emily Leyden – University of Adelaide 
• Dr Erinne Stirling – CSIRO 
• Sarah Luxton – CSIRO 
• Michelle Papenfus – SLR Consulting 
• Fereshteh Shahriari – RMIT  

Further information: 

11th Australian Soil Judging Competition 2023  

Soil Science Australia is the national soil science body and a not-for-profit professional association for soil scientists and people interested in the responsible management of Australia’s soil resources. 

Media/interview enquiries: 

Soil Science Australia Federal Office: 0476 450 321 or office@soilscienceaustralia.org.au