- Cook Government and partners secure Global Conference on Sandy Soils 2025
- Conference to attract international researchers and leaders in soil science
- WA known for its expertise in managing sandy soils, particularly in agriculture and mining
The Cook Government and partners have secured a major international conference in Perth next year to unearth the mysteries and potential of sandy soils.
The Global Conference on Sandy Soils 2025 will attract scientists from broadacre and irrigated agriculture, landscape rehabilitation and environmental conservation from across the world to Perth from 21-24 July.
The conference theme 'Shifting Sands to Sustainable Solutions' will focus on the challenges of managing and protecting sandy soils around the world in the face of a changing climate.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the CSIRO are leading the event, supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation, SoilsWest and Business Events Perth, alongside Machinery Specialists and VRT Solutions.
The conference will bring national and international researchers to Perth to join with WA researchers and industry partners to explore opportunities to work together to better understand and manage sandy soil landscapes.
There are about 900 million hectares of sandy soils worldwide, located particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, of which 22 million hectares of arable land is found in western and southern Australia.
These soils are crucial for food production and a valuable source of mineral sands, including titanium and zircon, while being home to world-recognised native vegetation systems that support biodiversity.
The conference program features discussions on irrigated and dryland agricultural systems, natural systems, engineered systems, soil and water conservation, soil fertility and overcoming constraints to plant growth.
News that Perth will host the Global Conference on Sandy Soils 2025 follows the launch of two landmark publications by DPIRD to support sustainable management in the southern rangelands and a $6.9 million investment by the Albanese Government and Cook Government in two visionary projects to improve land management and sustainable agricultural production in the State's south.
For more information and to register to attend the Global Conference on Sandy Soils 2025, visit https://sandysoils.org/
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"Perth's position on the Swan Coastal Plain makes it the ideal location for this conference, which will attract world leaders in soil science to discuss sandy soil management and conservation, while sharing experiences and knowledge from across the globe.
"WA is home to many leading sandy soils researchers with expertise in managing sandy soils for agriculture, mining, coastal, indigenous knowledge, biodiversity, rehabilitation and environmental stewardship outcomes.
"This conference will be a great opportunity to share some of WA's great work on managing sandy soils to optimise agricultural productivity and resource opportunities, alongside efforts to conserve the landscape."
