The policy and science of soil change - a Victorian perspective

Abstract

Understanding and managing soil change is an important component of maintainingsoil health and soil security which is important for the future of agricultural productivity inVictoria. Historically, soil policy in Victoria has been dealt with on the basis of a single issue.With the emergence of farming systems thinking, and the concept of soil health and soilsecurity, a more holistic approach is now being taken. A seven-step policy framework has beendeveloped that promotes dialogue between scientist and policy makers. The questions it asks(what is the problem and how can it be solved?) clarify the role of government investment, anddeveloping partnerships between science and policy, enables early identification of potentialpolicy problems and development of appropriate policy interventions to manage soil changeand ultimately soil health, soil security and soil productivity.