Soil information management and knowledge sharing in Victoria, Australia—user perspectives

Abstract

AbstractFor twenty‐one years, soil information and knowledge in Victoria, Australia has been shared via the Victorian Resources Online (VRO) website. VRO has been the primary online repository for soil and landscape information generated from land resource assessment studies, field days, training workshops, and the visualization and animation of soil and landscape processes. User surveys and qualitative feedback have highlighted the value of online soil information to users, with many considering it a useful “tool of trade,” particularly those involved in agricultural research, extension, planning and education. An extensive series of “Healthy Soils” training workshops (2007–2010) focused on topics such as “soil types and structure,” “soil chemical testing,” “soil biology,” “soil erosion” and “organic matter.” Evaluation has demonstrated their usefulness and relevance, with learning outcomes achieved by >80% of overall participants, many of whom planned to make better management decisions and change management practices on‐farm. The information and knowledge generated through the series of workshops remains a valuable online resource. The development of more sophisticated knowledge visualization tools, such as animations, has broadened the potential audience for soil‐related information. Analytical profiling of VRO users in recent years has highlighted it as a source of information and knowledge for a local, national and international audience. This supports the notion that increasing access to public‐sector data and information provides significant benefits. Lessons learnt from enduring programs such as VRO can inform future information and knowledge management initiatives.