The Know Your Southern Soils (KYSS) project is a 3-year initiative to build knowledge for better soil management across Western Australia’s South Coast region. Led by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), in partnership with South Coast Natural Resource Management (South Coast NRM), the project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry under the National Soil Action Plan (2023–2028).
Project objectives
The KYSS project focuses on advancing soil knowledge and driving the adoption of improved soil management strategies tailored to the South Coast region. The project will:
- Update soil maps by refreshing DPIRD’s soil-landscape data to build a clearer picture of soils across the South Coast.
- Support producers and land managers through grower group activities and practical extension on keeping soils healthy and productive.
- Highlight the value of healthy soils by linking soil condition to farm productivity and natural capital.
Project impact
- Optimised site selection using advanced sampling methods (Latin Hypercube analysis).
- At least 800 new soil site records added to the DPIRD and Australian National Soil Information System (ANSIS) catalogues.
- Two new soil–landscape assessment reports and high-resolution maps, including updated agro-ecological zone boundaries.
- Alignment with the National Soil Monitoring Program (NSMP) by testing NSMP indicators to identify those most practical for WA farmers and consultants at the paddock scale.
- Foundation for WA’s first regional-scale soil environmental account, linking soil health to farm business value and regional sustainability.
- Workshops and on-farm trials with producers and grower groups.
- Broader awareness of soil health built through media, newsletters, and events.
- New positions: a graduate research scientist (DPIRD) and 2 soils facilitators (South Coast NRM).
- Skills development and training for soil professionals to use national soil metrics.
Our activities
Fieldwork
As part of our soil survey, we will work with landholders to access properties within the South Coast. If your property is identified within the survey area, we will contact you to discuss access arrangements.
We will also be collecting and testing soil samples to help develop better soil and land management packages that support improved productivity. All data will be securely stored and handled in line with privacy laws and best practices.
If you are interested in having your property considered for the survey, we encourage you to register your interest.
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Close up of soil nodules observed within the soil profile -
Soil survey site including an auger and shovel excavation -
Soil layers displayed during the analysis
Events and workshops
Soil management workshops and events will be held for producers and soil professionals. These sessions will be led by our project partner South Coast NRM Team, along with local grower groups. The events will focus on practical strategies to improve soil condition and support sustainable farming.
Event dates coming soon!
Get involved
Explore how you can be part of the KYSS project.
Whether you're a landholder, land manager, or community member, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
If you're keen to have your property considered for soil sampling as part of our fieldwork, we invite you to express your interest.
Register your interest
Acknowledgment
Know Your Southern Soils is a joint initiative between DPIRD and South Coast NRM, funded by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry under the National Soil Action Plan (2023–2028).
