Soil science took centre stage in Armidale, NSW, with the successful delivery of the 2025 Soil Judging Competition, bringing together students, educators and industry representatives to build skills and knowledge in soil assessment and land stewardship.
Hosted in the New England region, the competition provided participants with hands-on experience in describing, classifying and interpreting soils across a range of local landscapes. Through a series of field pits and practical exercises, competitors assessed soil texture, structure, colour, depth and constraints, linking their observations to land use capability, agricultural productivity and environmental management.
The event highlighted the critical role soils play in supporting sustainable agriculture and resilient landscapes. By learning to accurately judge soil properties and limitations, participants developed practical skills that underpin better land management decisions, from crop and pasture selection to erosion control and nutrient management.
Four staff from Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG) and three National Soil Action Plan (NSAP) Soil Science Graduates participated in the competition, further strengthening their technical capacity and practical soil assessment skills. Their involvement supported knowledge sharing between regions and reinforced BMRG’s ongoing commitment to improving soil health outcomes and land management practices across the Burnett Mary region.
Participating in the competition reinforced the critical role soils play in supporting productive and resilient landscapes. Developing confidence in soil identification and interpretation is essential for making informed land management decisions, from pasture and crop selection to erosion control and nutrient management.
The event was made possible through the support of local landholders, universities, judges and volunteers, who generously shared their time, expertise and field sites. Their contribution ensured a high-quality learning experience for all involved.
Overall, the 2025 Soil Judging Competition in Armidale was an engaging and rewarding experience, strengthening soil literacy and practical skills while fostering strong connections across the soil, agriculture and natural resource management community.