Sustainable Management of Land for Agriculture

In 2025, the University of Newcastle contributed to education and knowledge-sharing with farming communities on sustainable agricultural land management. Through University researchers, the Newcastle-hosted Soil CRC and agricultural partnerships, farmers and advisers engaged with practical approaches to soil health, productive land use and responsible soil amendments. University research and community projects provide additional foundations for these activities.

Sharing practical soil-management knowledge with farmers in 2025

Biochar trials explained at a farming field day

During the 2025 Southern Farming Systems Spring Crop Walk at Inverleigh, Victoria, University of Newcastle Research Associate Dr Santosh Paul discussed a collaborative field-trial programme with attending farmers and agricultural advisers. The trials, undertaken with Southern Farming Systems and South East Water, examine the potential benefits and safety of biosolids-derived biochar for crop growth, soil ecosystems and land application. This gave growers direct access to research on emerging soil-management practices. The work builds on a University project supported by the CRC for High Performance Soils biosolids-to-biochar grant announced in September 2024.

Free national knowledge-sharing webinars

The Soil CRC, headquartered at the University of Newcastle, offered a free three-part national webinar series in November 2025 for grower groups, extension officers, researchers and rural communicators. The scheduled sessions on 5, 12 and 19 November covered effective ways to share soil research with farmers, the factors influencing farm-management decisions, and how to communicate the risks and rewards of new practices. The CRC used national soil research and grower experience to support the adoption of sustainable management practices.

University research informing sustainable agricultural practice

Improving agricultural soil health through biological approaches

In March 2025, University researchers and BioCarbon Pty Ltd investigated soil algae with products derived from heated organic material to improve soil health, store carbon and reduce emissions. The project is exploring formulations and future field trials for resilient farming. Read more about the 2025 soil-health research partnership.

^{Professor Mallavarapu, Dr Sudharsanam and BioCarbon representative, Dr Muk are developing practical solutions for soil health and sustainable agriculture. This important work to feed our planet is made possible with the support of generous donors.}

Rapid soil testing developed by Newcastle innovators

Hone, an innovative company founded by University of Newcastle PhD graduates, has developed portable spectroscopy and machine-learning technologies that enable rapid analysis of grain and soil. As highlighted in a November 2025 University research-impact profile, these technologies help farmers, agronomists and carbon-farming businesses make informed decisions about soil health and sustainable land management.

Longer-term partnerships and community land stewardship

Since 2017, the University has hosted the Soil CRC, connecting scientists, growers and industry to improve agricultural soils. Its Food and Agribusiness Research Roadmap identifies opportunities for research partnerships with food producers facing sustainability and productivity challenges.

In the Pacific, the University partnered with the Cook Islands National Environment Service to strengthen environmental research. In 2024, ENUA catchment work and community surveys on Rarotonga examined land-use pressures, pollution and environmental management.

The University’s 2025 Annual Report describes Bringing Bush Back, which supports natural regeneration of native vegetation on previously cleared or over-grazed land, illustrating restoration and biodiversity benefits.

By connecting applied soil research with growers and rural advisers, the University helps strengthen access to knowledge about sustainable farming practices. Its research partnerships and community engagement provide pathways for practical approaches to soil conservation and resilient land management.