Formed in 2021 at Curtin University, the Soil and Landscape Science Lab (SLSL) is dedicated to deepening our understanding of soil and its dynamics across space and time. Our team engages in research, from theoretical and methodological to practical applications, in soil science, soil carbon science, soil-landscape modelling, soil restoration, soil sensing, and spectroscopy.
Whether you’re a researcher, student, someone who works in government or industry, or simply passionate about our planet’s health, the SLSL is dedicated to exploring the vital role of soil in our environment. We are committed to advancing knowledge and providing insights that contribute to the sustainable management of our soil resource and planet.
News and latest activity
- New Publication – An Imperative for Soil Spectroscopic Modelling is to Think Global but Fit Local with Transfer Learning
- New Publication – Mid-infrared spectroscopy determines the provenance of coastal marine soils and their organic and inorganic carbon content
- New Publication – A warming climate will make Australian soil a net emitter of atmospheric CO2
Why study soils?
Soils are essential, complex, and often underappreciated, but they are the foundation of life and ecosystems. They regulate water, store carbon, and provide nutrients that sustain plant life, supporting all other life forms. By studying soil science, you’ll uncover the hidden world beneath our feet and learn how it influences everything from food production to climate change.
Understanding soils is critical to addressing global challenges like environmental conservation and sustainable land use. If you’re curious about how the Earth works and want to make a difference, exploring the mysteries of soil is a great place to start. Read more here
Our projects
SLSL has been involved with and lead a number of soil research projects. These individual and collaborative endeavors have produced findings in areas such as carbon sequestration, soil monitoring innovations and methodological developments.
To learn more about these soil science projects, read more here.
Australia-China joint research centre on
next-generation soil carbon systems
The SLSL is partnering with scientists from ECU, CSIRO and Zhejiang University, China, the Australian government and the Muresk Institute to develop next-generation soil carbon systems. This collaborative research aims to enhance our understanding and quantification of soil carbon dynamics in Australia and China.
The project will provide critical insights into the carbon storage potential of soils and their vulnerability to environmental and human-induced changes. Read more here.
Our team
The SLSL team is diverse both culturally and academically. Our members from around the world specialise across the fields of agriculture, environmental science, machine learning, software development, mechatronics and spectroscopy. Read more about the SLSL team.
Our outputs
The SLSL’s research outputs consist of scientific articles published in peer-reviewed (Q1) journals, technical reports, media releases and presentations at national and international conferences, workshops and other meetings. Read more about the SLSL research outputs.
Our facilities
SLSL has access to state of the art soil analysis and research facilities, enabling the undertaking of projects which push the frontier of soil research. Read more about our team’s cutting edge facilities.
Study with us
Soil science is an interdisciplinary endeavour that has opportunities in a number of different focus areas. If you’re interested in researching soils, read more about our available opportunities.
Contact us
For general enquires and research opportunities please contact Professor Raphael Viscarra Rossel on +618 9266 1154, or via email on r.viscarra-rossel@curtin.edu.au