CSIRO launches national soil data & information tool

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 Australian National Soil Information System (ANSIS) 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, land owners, policy makers and researchers with the data and information they need to better manage, restore, and protect Australia’s soils. Speaking at the Soil Science Australian conference in Darwin, ANSIS project lead at CSIRO, Peter Wilson, said it was an important step forward for the future sustainable management of soils in every part of the country.

“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” “Mr Wilson said.

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.

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.

Start using ANSIS now.

Source: CSIRO