Welcome to the Soil and Landscape Science Lab (SLSL). Established in 2021, the SLSL is dedicated to advancing our understanding of soil and its dynamics across space and time. Our interdisciplinary team is engaged in cutting-edge research that integrates theoretical, methodological, and practical applications in several areas, such as soil carbon science, soil-landscape modelling, soil restoration, digital soil mapping, soil sensing, spectroscopy and environmental machine learning.
At SLSL, we are driven by a shared commitment to investigate and highlight the essential role of soil within our environment. Whether you are a researcher, student, government official, industry professional, or simply passionate about environmental health, we invite you to join us as we explore the vital connections between soil and ecosystem sustainability. Our lab not only focuses on research; we also strive to translate our findings into actionable insights that contribute to the sustainable management of soil resources. By fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and government, we aim to enhance soil health and the overall well-being of our planet.
We welcome collaborations, inquiries, and interest from all who share our passion for soil science. Explore our pages, or reach out to learn how you can be part of our mission to advance soil knowledge and sustainability. For more information or to connect with our team, see our Contact section below. Join us in our journey to understand and protect the foundation of life on our planet: our soil.

News and latest activity

Our research outputs can be accessed here

Why study soils?

Soils are the often-overlooked heroes of our planet. These complex ecosystems are not just dirt; they are alive and the foundation of life on Earth. Soils are crucial in regulating water, storing carbon, and providing essential nutrients that sustain plant life, supporting all other living organisms. Delving into soil science reveals a hidden world beneath our feet. This fascinating field of study uncovers how soil influences everything from food production to climate change. Understanding the intricate relationships within soils can address pressing global challenges such as environmental conservation and sustainable land use.
If you’re curious about how our Earth operates and want to contribute to a healthier planet, exploring the mysteries of soil is a fantastic starting point. Whether you’re interested in agriculture, ecology, or sustainability, understanding soils will equip you with the knowledge to make a meaningful impact. Join us on this journey to uncover the essential role that soil plays in our ecosystems and how we can better appreciate and protect them for future generations! Read more here

Our projects

At SLSL, we are committed to advancing soil research through various innovative projects. Our team has led numerous individual and collaborative endeavours, yielding significant findings in critical areas such as carbon sequestration, soil monitoring innovations and methodological developments. These projects enhance our understanding of soil health and contribute to developing new methods that stakeholders can adopt across the field.
By staying at the forefront of soil research, we strive to provide valuable insights and solutions that promote sustainable land management and environmental stewardship. Explore our latest research initiatives and discover how the SLSL makes a difference in the world of the soil. Read more here.

Australia-China Joint Research Centre on Next-Generation Soil Carbon Systems

The SLSL is proud to lead the Australia-China Joint Research Center on Next-genreation Soil Carbon Systems, a partnership with scientists from ECU, CSIRO, Zhejiang University in China, the Australian government, and the Muresk Institute. This collaborative research initiative aims to deepen our understanding of soil carbon dynamics in both Australia and China. By leveraging the expertise of our partners, we hope to gather critical insights that will enhance our knowledge of how soils store carbon and their susceptibility to environmental changes and human activities.
The project focuses on developing next-generation methods to assess the carbon storage capabilities of different soils across Australia’s diverse landscapes. Understanding how soil carbon is impacted by environmental and human-induced changes is essential for developing effective management strategies. Stay tuned for updates on our progress as we work towards sustainable solutions for soil carbon management. Read more here.

Our team

At SLSL, we pride ourselves on our diverse team that brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from around the globe. Our members represent a variety of cultural backgrounds and academic disciplines, including soil science, pedometrics, ecology, agriculture, digital soil mapping, soil sensing, spectroscopy, machine learning and artificial intelligence, software development, and mechatronics.
This rich tapestry of expertise allows us to approach challenges from multiple perspectives, fostering innovative solutions that make a difference. Together, we are committed to advancing our fields and positively impacting the world. Read more about the SLSL team.

Our outputs

The SLSL is committed to enhancing knowledge by producing different research outputs. Our contributions encompass: Scientific Articles: We publish extensively in peer-reviewed journals, particularly those recognized in the Q1 category, ensuring that our findings meet the highest standards of academic rigour. Technical Reports: Our team produces detailed technical reports that provide insights and data analysis on various projects and support academic and practical applications. Media Releases: We communicate our research findings and significant developments through media releases to inform the public and engage with stakeholders. Presentations: Our researchers actively participate in national and international conferences, workshops, and other meetings, sharing our work and collaborating with peers in the field.
Explore our outputs to see how the SLSL contributes to innovative research and advancements in science. Read more about the SLSL research outputs.

Our facilities

At SLSL, we offer access to cutting-edge soil analysis and research facilities. Our state-of-the-art equipment and expertise empower us to undertake innovative projects that redefine the boundaries of soil research. Whether analyzing soil health, studying nutrient dynamics and carbon storage, or exploring landscape restoration or sustainable agricultural practices, our commitment to advanced research helps drive progress in the field.
Additionally, we provide access to a powerful computing workstation with GPU capabilities, enabling state-of-the-art machine-learning applications to analyze complex spatial-temporal datasets and model soil-related phenomena. Join us in pushing the frontier of soil science! Read more about our lab’s facilities.

Study with us

Soil science is a fascinating interdisciplinary field that offers a wide range of opportunities. If you’re interested in researching soils and their vital role in our ecosystem, you’re in for an exciting journey! Understanding soil is crucial for various applications, from ecology, agriculture, and conservation to urban planning and climate change mitigation. Whether you are drawn to studying soil composition and health, exploring sustainable farming practices and agroecology, or assessing the impact of soil on water quality, there are numerous areas to focus on.
In addition to deepening your knowledge of soils through experimental methods, including laboratory analysis, field studies, and innovative sensor technologies, you will develop cutting-edge digital skills essential for modern research and professional practice. These include mastering multivariate statistics, spatial and temporal modelling, spectroscopic analysis, and digital soil mapping. You’ll also learn to leverage modern data analytics software platforms like R and Python to analyze complex datasets and draw meaningful insights.
With the increasing demand for sustainable solutions, professionals in soil science are essential for addressing pressing global challenges. Join us in exploring the intricacies of soil science and discover how you can contribute to a healthier planet through innovative research, advanced technologies, and sustainable practices. Dive into this dynamic field and make an impact! read more about our available opportunities.

Contact us

If you have general inquiries or are interested in research opportunities, please contact Professor Raphael Viscarra Rossel at +61 8 9266 1154 or via email on r.viscarra-rossel@curtin.edu.au We look forward to hearing from you!