CSIRO launches national soil data and information tool for farmers, policy makers and researchers
Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has launched a new tool that will help Australia sustainably manage a critical natural resource which sustains lives and livelihoods.
Now live and available for use, the ANSIS (Australian National Soil Information System) brings together soil data from across Australia, connecting multiple data sources to provide access to nationally consistent soil data and information.
It will equip farmers, policy makers and researchers with the data and information they need to better manage, restore, and protect Australia’s soils.
ANSIS project lead at CSIRO, Peter Wilson, told attendees of the Soil Science Australia conference in Darwin that the new System is an important step forward for the sustainable management of soils in every part of the country.
“Soil is the backbone of our food security, and it is critical that we manage it effectively for climate change adaptation and economic and environmental prosperity to support national and global agrifood priorities,” Wilson says.
“Until now, it’s been exceptionally difficult to find, access, integrate and compare soil data.
“This new system brings together all this information providing easy access to soil data and information that will underpin the effective management of soil.”
ANSIS will be a valuable tool for farmers and farm advisors, allowing them to compare the condition of their soil with other soils in their region; monitor how their soil has changed over time; and inform opportunities for change or improvement in land management practices.
Governments and industry bodies will be able to use data and information through ANSIS to support the development of effective policies to ensure our soil is sustainably used and enhanced for future generations, and to inform policy decisions in areas such as drought resilience, climate adaptation, natural capital accounting and biodiversity conservation.
Australia’s National Soils Advocate Penelope Wensley says the launch of the new national soil information system was an exciting development.
“It represents a major advance in implementation of the National Soil Strategy,” she says.
“Good data, available in a consistent, accessible form, is essential for better understanding and management of Australia’s soil.”
Wilson says ANSIS will enable researchers to better understand the way our soil works, its role in climate change adaptation and mitigation, and the impacts of humans on this valuable natural resource.
ANSIS is supported by funding through the Australian Government National Soil Strategy (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) in collaboration with CSIRO and partner organisations.