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Home > Soils >

Managing soil and land

In April 2007, the Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW assumed responsibility for the programs outlined in this section of the site.

Stable, healthy and productive soil and landscapes are essential for producing much of our food and fibre, maintaining water quality, sustaining primary industries, and supporting rural and urban development.

Over the first two centuries of European settlement in Australia, some common practices for land use proved to be inappropriate, significantly altering our land and leading to degradation through problems such as acidification, salinity and erosion.

In recent years, however, advances in science and farming techniques have given us a far better understanding of our land resources. Australians now acknowledge the need to change some of our past practices, to take account of our unique landscape, and to use and manage our natural resources in a sustainable way.

Effective management of the land to prevent and remediate damage relies on access to up-to-date, comprehensive information on the state's soil and natural landscapes. The Department of Natural Resources plays a crucial role in collecting, interpreting and distributing data about these resources.

The Department is responsible for many programs and projects including:

• Conducting detailed, comprehensive soil landscape mapping across eastern and central NSW.
• Managing the Soil and Land Information System (SALIS) database which contains descriptions of soils, landscapes and other geographic features. This helps to benchmark the condition of our soils and provide snapshots of soil condition across NSW.
• Mapping the types of land use across the State as part of an integrated approach to planning by State, Regional and Local government agencies.
• Preparing maps and data customised for the special needs of clients such as Catchment Management Authorities, Local Government Councils, the Rural Fire Service, urban and rural planners, and consultants.
• Identifying areas with a high risk of erosion, land-slip, acid sulfate degradation, salinity, soil acidification and other constraints to land management.
• Mapping rural land capability to show the areas best suited for particular use or development.
• Using aerial photography and satellite technology to map areas affected by bushfires, soil erosion and other forms of soil and land degradation.
• Monitoring and evaluating the changing condition of soil throughout the State.
• Incorporating Aboriginal cultural knowledge with our understanding of landscapes.
• Mapping areas of especially vulnerable land protected by legislation.
• Providing information, advice and technical assistance to public and private land managers, other government agencies, and Catchment Management Authorities.