Soil projects and initiatives
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Summary
Soil initiatives and projects overseen by the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) are governed by state and national frameworks, including the National Soil Strategy and Action Plan.
This page will help you understand the key South Australian soil projects/initiatives supported by DEW.
Key soil projects implemented/supported by DEW
The DEW soil team priority action plan aims to implement the goals, objectives and priority actions outlined in state and national frameworks, such as the National Soil Strategy, National Soil Action Plan and Landscape South Australia Act 2019.
The DEW team priority action plan focuses on strengthening collaborations, innovation and sharing of expertise, experience, knowledge and information through the projects listed below.
DEW oversees the collection, management and distribution of soil and land use data for South Australia’s agricultural zone. This framework ensures that data is presented in a standardised format that can be easily interpreted and used by scientists and farmers to identify soil constraints and opportunities in the state.
The State Land and Soil Mapping Program (1986–2012) was implemented as part of this framework, which produced a comprehensive set of soil and land mapping information for South Australia using stereoscopic analyses of aerial photographs and extensive field investigations.
Soil data and maps for South Australia are available through:
- NatureMaps
- Enviro Data SA: Data portal | Publications
- Soil Sites SA
The Soil Collaboration Centre is a state-wide initiative designed to strengthen South Australia’s soils community. This is a join initiative by DEW and PIRSA which aims to bring together land managers, industry experts, researchers, policymakers, and students and facilitate opportunities for collaboration and the sharing of expertise, knowledge and information.
This initiative provides:
- access to decision making tools, high-quality soil data and management expertise to support farmers, growers and land managers and inform on-ground action
- education pathways, training, mentoring and internships to help deepen community understanding of soil science and land management
- high-quality soil data to inform on-ground action, policies and management strategies.
The Soils Knowledge Network (SASKN) and the Soils Data and Information Bank (SASDIB) are key projects of the Soil Collaboration Centre.
This project is led by DEW, with the aim to upgrade South Australia’s soils data system into a modern, user-friendly tool that:
- provides easy access to credible and regionally relevant soil data
- contribute to soil condition monitoring and reporting for the state
- supports informed land management, investment, and policy planning.
This network is managed by PIRSA, with the aim to facilitate collaboration, coordination, and communication across the state's soils community. This network:
- fosters knowledge sharing, mentoring, and professional connection
- enables a considered and coordinated approach to soil management
- supports training, capacity-building, and informed decision-making.
DEW supports PIRSA in the delivery of this initiative.
Page Updated: April 2026
