Matching soil performance indicators to farming systems

The Soil CRC Scoping Study on soil performance indicators (Project 2.1.01) concluded that there was no universal suite of indicators that could measure soil performance, but rather that indicators should be matched to their intended purpose (‘horses-for-courses’). This project will use social research, data analytics and soil indicator domain expertise to determine how commonly used indicators, or suites of indicators (‘horses’) can best be matched to landscapes, climates, ecosystems and land management goals (‘courses’). It will also explore whether alternative indicators might be more successful in matching the expectations of the end-users. Apart from the research discoveries related to the extent of indicator use, end-user expectations, and matching suites of indicators to regional agricultural and land management, it is envisaged that the outcomes of this project will provide valuable information and guidance for growers to pick the best ‘horses’ for their
production system.