| Abstract: | Effective extension of soil research builds landholder capacity to manage soils productively and sustainably. Government‐funded extension programmes also aim to improve the state of the environment through efficient use of resources and mitigating or preventing further land degradation. To these ends, a soil extension programme aimed at farmers in south‐eastern Australia was conducted during 2005–2008. The programme was designed to equip landholders with the knowledge, skills and confidence to diagnose and address soil constraints, as well as compile spatial information on soil properties. The programme involved four workshops that covered agricultural productivity, soil management and potential off‐site impacts. Workshops were held on‐farm and involved discussion, theory supported with practical exercises, and field visits. More than 1,400 participants were provided with subsidized soil tests to encourage soil monitoring and underpin the workshop theory on land capability and soil constraints (e.g., soil acidity, sodicity, salinity, nutrient decline and toxicities). Prior to the course, most participants did not regularly soil test so training on monitoring protocols was provided. The soil data indicated considerable phosphorus deficiencies, low organic carbon levels, and acidity across both cropping and pasture systems. Participant knowledge and land management intentions were tracked throughout the workshop series using surveys. The surveys identified a positive shift in the knowledge, understanding and confidence of most participants. However, a follow‐up survey 10 years later indicated that these changes may not have been broadly sustained. Based on our study, we recommend continued engagement of landholders along a learning pathway to maximize investment in soil extension. |
