WEBINAR | Erosion loss should never be Boss!
Join us for "Erosion Loss Should Never be Boss! Wind erosion risk in SA during drought": a timely webinar from Soil Science Australia SA Branch exploring how satellite data and groundcover trends can help land managers respond to drought.
WHEN: Wednesday 16th of April
TIME: 10 am - 11.30 am
PRESENTERS: Dr John Leys and Giles Forward (DEW)
Dr John Leys will present on using MODIS satellite imagery and the GEOGLAM RAPP tool to predict drought 4–6 months ahead, featuring real-world case studies from the Southern Drought Hub and insights from the Living Skin Project in NSW rangelands.
Giles Forward from DEW will share updates on South Australia’s recent dry seasons, forward planning efforts, and how MODIS data, field surveys, and Bureau of Meteorology information are used to assess soil erosion risk.
The presentations will be followed by a 30 minute question and answer session.
This session is ideal for landholders, Landscape Board staff, researchers, and anyone interested in building resilience to future droughts through better monitoring and management of groundcover.
From Dr John Leys:
- Predicting Drought with Groundcover: Discover how satellite data and cover trends can provide early warning—up to 6 months before drought hits.
- Case Studies: See how landholders near Hay, NSW used cover data to guide drought planning.
- Tools in Action: Learn how MODIS satellite data and GEOGLAM RAPP help track groundcover and support decision-making.
- Living Skin Project: Insights into regenerating NSW rangelands by maintaining and monitoring groundcover.
From Giles Forward (DEW):
- Recent Conditions: A snapshot of South Australia's recent dry seasons, key records, and emerging challenges.
- Planning Ahead: How DEW is supporting land managers with forward planning strategies.
- Data in Practice: Using MODIS satellite cover, field surveys, and BoM data to assess erosion risk and soil health.
About our Speakers:
Dr John Leys
John has worked in the rangelands for four decades. His career has focused on helping people change their land management practices to reduce soil erosion. His work has focused on managing ground cover to minimise dust storms. He has been an extension officer for the Soil Conservation Service, a researcher, and the science team leader. He is now semi-retired and volunteers his time to CSIRO and the Australian National University. He enjoys helping people use science to make better decisions in the rangelands.
Giles Forward
Giles Forward is a Senior Project Officer in the Sustainable Soils team within the South Australian Department for Environment and Water.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons.) from the University of Adelaide in 1984, and has since worked in the agricultural soils and land management field in the SA government in various departments, including being based in regional and country centres.
Giles’ current role is mostly collection, analysis and reporting of data on the condition and trends of agricultural soils and landscapes, including soil erosion risk, soil acidification and crop water use efficiency.
