Understanding the impact of farm management practices on soil properties and processes can provide useful indicators of economic and environmental sustainability. The profitability and health of farming systems is underpinned by the efficient use of resources such as water and nutrients, and appropriate management of soils.

Source: Land & Water Australia

Farming practices can both improve and degrade soil condition, as evidenced by heavy grazing in the picture above. It is important to recognise that although farming systems must remain flexible in order to support change in response to the challenges facing the agricultural industry, landholders need to understand the consequences of land management. Failure to adopt sound management practices will result in the continued degradation of the soil resource and limit future benefits.