The ANSIS project brings together Australian soil data from a range of sources. Credit: CSIRO/Stuart Walmsley

A NATIONAL soil-information system aimed at improving the sustainable management of one of the nation’s most precious assets was announced by CSIRO last week.

Supported by the National Soil Strategy, the $15-million Australian National Soil Information System (ANSIS) project is funded by the Federal Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

The ANSIS project is a collaboration between government, research organisations, industry, the private sector, and the community.

Using innovative processes and technologies, ANSIS will allow improved sharing of nationally consistent soil data and information through online access for users.

This will improve understanding of Australia’s diverse range of soils and make better decisions about managing soil resources.

Currently, soil data is collected by different organisations using different methods, and at a range of depths in the soil.

This makes it hard to access, compare and use data from different sources.

ANSIS project lead at CSIRO Peter Wilson said improving access to the best soil data and information can help promote digital-agriculture innovation and is key to sustainably managing Australia’s soils.

“By using ANSIS, farmers and agricultural advisors will have access to more soil data and be better placed to more sustainably manage the soil on which they rely,” Mr Wilson.

“Soil is vital to our agricultural production and natural environments, as well as our health and wellbeing. This information system will help us all care for this important natural resource.

“Productive, healthy and resilient soil means more economic, environmental and social benefits to Australia. Monitoring soil also helps our scientific understanding about how our natural world is changing.

“This work gives us insights into biodiversity, water resources, landscapes and coastlines, fauna, climate and geology.

“By harmonising Australia’s soil data, we can make it accessible across many fields of science and exploration.”

The Federal Government’s National Soil Strategy is about prioritising soil health, empowering soil innovation and stewards, and strengthening soil-knowledge and capability.

The new ANSIS system will be available for use in 2023.

Source: CSIRO