Land managers, producers, researchers, advisors, students and farm workers can now access a free learning platform on soil and plant nutrition.

SoilsWest, based at Murdoch University, is ‘delivering the dirt’ through co-investment with the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).

Soil Quality Courses was launched at the 2026 GRDC Grains Research Update held in Perth over the last two days.

SoilsWest Director and project manager Associate Professor Fran Hoyle said Soil Quality Courses accommodated users from all agricultural backgrounds and levels of experience.

“The intention of the learning courses is to supplement and build user understanding of soil and plant nutrition – from understanding soil groups and function, to working with a farm map and sample plan, conducting in-field diagnostics and sample collection at the most basic level, and then providing the opportunity to continue their learning journey from there,” she said.

“While the context of soil management changes paddock to paddock, the mechanisms within the soil that influence soil function are based on physical, chemical and biological properties and processes. Understanding how soil works helps to determine the possible outcome for changes in management and climate, and provides a common language that scientists, growers and industry can use to share their experiences.”

The first of three courses, Fundamental Soil and Plant Nutrition, includes six hours of self-paced lessons and is suitable for beginners through to those wanting to refresh their knowledge. Focused on soil formation, soil groups and classification, soil attributes, plant growth and nutrition, and on-farm assessment and monitoring, its intention is to build confidence and familiarity in working with soil.

The second and third courses, Understanding Soil and Plant Nutrition and the advanced Managing Soil and Plant Nutrition, provide incremental learning that build on Fundamental Soil and Plant Nutrition. They are scheduled for release in March and April.

While the courses have currently been tailored to Western Australian broadacre farming systems, users will be able to apply their understanding and knowledge of soil and plant nutrition to other agricultural sectors and environments.

They bring together enriched and visual content sourced from existing publications and evidence-based websites, including the Soil Quality eBook series and Soil Quality Knowledge Base.

GRDC Grower Relations Manager – West Luke Dawson said the courses would put valuable soils and nutrition information at the fingertips of farmers and advisors.

“This project was identified as a key priority at GRDC National Grower Network forums. It’s designed to support growers and advisors to develop a strong understanding of the interactions between soil, nutrition, and plants,” he said.

“These courses are built on cutting-edge research from national soils and nutrition projects and tap into the wealth of insights generated by recent GRDC investments across the western region.

“By making this information available as free online courses, we’re ensuring more farmers and advisors can access it, helping to drive real change and widespread adoption.”

The ongoing delivery of Soil Quality Courses will be complemented by a schedule of regional workshops focused on practical application of the knowledge.

The workshops will start on March 4 in Moorine Rock, around 350 kilometres east of Perth, and continue throughout 2026 and 2027. Expressions of interest in hosting a workshop are welcomed to soilswest@murdoch.edu.au

Soil Quality Courses can be accessed through the Soil Quality Knowledge Base.

Project funding is supported through a co-investment between GRDC and Murdoch University.