Australian land managers can now see the health of their soils at a glance, thanks to a new digital tool launched by CSIRO and its partners in the Australian National Soil Information System (ANSIS). The ANSIS Visualiser translates complex datasets into colour‑coded maps and graphs, revealing variations in soil properties such as pH and organic carbon across the country.
ANSIS, established in 2023, consolidates soil information from multiple sources into a single national platform. The Visualiser builds on this foundation by presenting data in a way that is easier to interpret, allowing users to compare soil measurements between sites and track changes with depth.
CSIRO soil scientist and ANSIS project leader Peter Wilson said the tool would help bridge the gap between technical data and practical decision‑making. “This new tool will provide policy makers, researchers and land managers with a clear view of the soil data and information they need to better manage, restore, and protect Australia’s soils,” he said. “With this new tool, you can instantly see how a soil measurement at one site compares with other sites around it.”
Wilson stressed the broader importance of soil science, describing it as the backbone of agriculture, biodiversity and ecosystem services. “By measuring soils and providing access to data via ANSIS, we can better understand what impacts we are having on soil, their health and their ability to function to provide the services we need. Caring for soil today ensures food and environmental security for future generations.”
The Visualiser supports the Australian Government’s National Soil Action Plan 2023–2028, which prioritises soil measurement, the integration of strategies, the adoption of best practices, and capacity building. Funding for ANSIS is provided through the Natural Heritage Trust, with collaboration between CSIRO and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
