A major accomplishment for Tasmania’s soils
Tasmania has achieved a significant milestone in the National Soil Monitoring Program (NSMP), becoming the first state in Australia to complete its full sampling and data collection component of this major national initiative.
Through a collaborative effort between NRM South, NRM North and Cradle Coast Authority (CCA), the three Tasmanian NRM regions successfully completed sampling across 202 variable sites — an incredible success considering the scale, complexity and diversity of landscapes covered. From irrigated cropping systems and productive pastures, through to plantations, conservation areas and national parks, the Tasmanian NRM teams travelled across the state to collect soil samples and site soil information that will contribute to the long-term understanding of Australia’s soil condition.
A collaborative Tasmanian effort
The completion of Tasmania’s sampling was made possible through the strong collaboration between the three NRM regions, working together to deliver this ambitious program.
This project was a fantastic opportunity for the regions to combine their strengths, share knowledge, and build capability together. The teams were able to support each other, share learnings and develop a stronger understanding of Tasmania’s diverse soils and landscapes.
We would like to acknowledge and thank the many farmers, landholders, organisations and land managers who participated in the program. Their time, willingness to be involved and support of the project was invaluable. Without their contribution, it would not have been possible to conduct the soil sampling and capture this important dataset.
Building soil capability
A key outcome of the project has been the significant uplift in soil monitoring capability across Tasmania’s NRM regions. Through the National Soil Monitoring Program, the NRM teams received valuable training and guidance from the CSIRO team in soil sampling techniques, field protocols, monitoring methods, and data collection – in particular learning how to characterise soils and collect physical (bulk density) samples out of a pit.
The hands-on in-field training, combined with working alongside CSIRO throughout the sampling program, has strengthened technical skills and built confidence within Tasmania’s NRM teams to undertake high-quality soil monitoring now and into the future.
This capability- building directly supports the National Soil Strategy goal of increasing soil knowledge, skills and capacity across Australia.
The project provided an important opportunity for Tasmanian NRM teams to develop shared knowledge, improve consistency in soil monitoring approaches and build a stronger foundation for future soil health initiatives. The skills and experience gained through this program will continue to support regional soil health projects, land management conversations, and future monitoring efforts.
The project was also supported by Tasmania’s Regional Soil Coordinator, Belinda Nielsen and NRE Senior Analyst (Soil and Terrain), Darren Kidd, who shared valuable historical and applied knowledge, further informing the accurate delivery of this important work.
Looking ahead: understanding Tasmania’s soils over time
Soils are one of our most valuable natural assets, and understanding their condition is essential for supporting productive agriculture, healthy ecosystems and resilient landscapes into the future.
The NSMP provides important baseline data which will allow for the tracking of changes in soil condition over time. With resampling planned every five years over the next 15 years, this program will provide valuable insights into how soils are responding to changing climate conditions, land management practices and environmental pressures
We look forward to seeing other states progress with their sampling and continuing the opportunity for NRM regions across Australia to share knowledge, experiences and learnings from this important national program.
For Tasmania, this project has been an incredible opportunity to strengthen our understanding of our soils, increase technical capability within our teams and build partnerships that will continue to benefit future soil health work across the state.
A lasting investment in Tasmania’s soils
The completion of Tasmania’s NSMP sampling is a significant achievement and a testament to the value of collaboration, shared knowledge and strong partnerships. The data collected through this project will provide an important foundation for understanding how Tasmania’s soils change over time and support better decision-making for the future.
We are proud of the role Tasmania has played in this national program and look forward to continuing to build soil knowledge, capability and connections across our regions as we work towards healthier, more resilient landscapes.
The Tasmanian component of the NSMP was led by by NRM South, delivered with local partners NRM North and Cradle Coast Authority
This project has been supported by funding through the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) under the National Soil Monitoring Program in collaboration with the CSIRO.