Saltland Knowledge Exchange (FP21)

The Saltland Knowledge Exchange (SKE) project is facilitating the interactive communication of scientifically valid and credible information and solutions for saltland between researchers, ‘next users’ (e.g. government agencies, CMA’s, CMC’s, NRM councils, farmer groups, industry and consultants) and leading farmers to promote and encourage the productive use and rehabilitation of saline land across southern Australia.

The project builds upon the successes of the former Sustainable Grazing on Saline Lands (SGSL) project and will continue to deliver technical information and advice through its Saltland Genie website.  The project has also taken over management of the 'old' National Dryland Salinity website (www.ndsp.gov.au) to maintain access to this archive of important saltland information.

Through the Saltland Genie, SKE is developing an online Saltland Library to satisfy demand from agency staff, agronomists, CMA/CMC/NRM board staff and others for a central repository of recent and historical research and technical papers and reports on salinity mitigation. The project is encouraging and coordinating initiatives such as mentoring of saltland agronomists and advisory staff in saltland pasture management and extension. The project will work with EverTrain, to develop "Saltland Skills" training courses in saline agriculture to improve the skill base among next users.

Objectives

• Commission, promote, maintain, further develop and achieve adoption of the "Saltland Genie” website so it becomes the first choice source of technical information and saltland solutions by government agencies, Catchment Management Authorities, Catchment Management Councils and Natural Resource Management staff, farmer groups, agricultural consultants and leading farmers
• Develop "Saltland Skills" training courses in saline agriculture in conjunction with EverTrain and relevant industry partners
• Gain significant additional industry funds and/or in kind support to further develop a Saltland Learning Network’ of saltland demonstration and SaltCap validations sites
• Manage a Saltland Reference Group to provide guidance to salinity-related R,D & E within the Future Farm Industries CRC and to help facilitate partnerships with appropriate groups interested in this work.