The University of New England (UNE) will welcome the brightest minds in soil science from across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands to Armidale this week for the 2025 Soil Science Australia Soil Judging Competition.
With over 200 people attending, the 2025 competition will be the largest in Australia since it began in 2012.
Running from 25-28 November, the competition brings together 35 teams of students, early career professionals, and experienced soil scientists to test their skills in soil description, classification, and field interpretation across the New England Tablelands.
"Soil judging is widely regarded as a unique learning platform for emerging soil scientists and land management professionals," says Dr Ivanah Oliver, Competition Convenor from UNE's School of Environmental and Rural Science.
"The competition challenges participants to apply their knowledge of soil properties in practical settings, facilitating skill development that extends across research, education, consultancy, government, and the private sector."
Participants will examine soil profiles at UNE's Trevenna and Clark's Farms during two training days before battling it out at a surprise location on 28 November for the official competition day.
Competing will broaden my scope and understanding of the soil since its’s such a fundamental part of plant growth, and ultimately, all life on earth.
Teams will assess soil characteristics including texture, structure, drainage, and suitability for various land uses such as pasture, orchards, and pine plantations.
Rachel Brown, a Bachelor of Agriculture student from Tamworth, is a member of UNE’s team and says it’s a chance to gain practical, hands-on experience that will benefit her studies.
“I have a passion for the land and would love to become an agronomist,” she says.
“Competing will broaden my scope and understanding of the soil since its’s such a fundamental part of plant growth, and ultimately, all life on earth.”
The competition concludes with an awards dinner on 28 November, where the prestigious Bennison and Walker Family Trophies will be awarded to the top Australian university team and early career professionals’ team respectively.
UNE is co-hosting the competition with support from gold sponsors, NSW Local Land Services, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (DAFF), ICT International and Loam, alongside several industry partners.
