Connectivity and Governance for Soil Security

Summary

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Securing soils is as much a societal and institutional challenge as it is a biophysical one. This project investigates how connectivity - between farmers, advisors, policymakers, and global institutions - can underpin effective governance frameworks that protect and enhance soil condition.

Supervisor

Professor Alex McBratney.

Research location

Sydney Institute of Agriculture

Synopsis

The soil security framework emphasises that soil condition must be understood in relation to governance, codification, and connectivity. Achieving global soil security requires pathways that connect people, institutions, and knowledge systems with soils themselves.

This project will explore:

Policy frameworks at national and international levels that influence soil stewardship.
Connectivity mechanisms - extension networks, supply chains, digital platforms - that affect uptake of practices improving soil condition.
The economics of soil security, including cost–benefit analyses of improving condition and natural capital accounting.
The feasibility of an international “soil accord” as a unifying mechanism for soil governance alongside biodiversity and climate agreements.

Students will have scope to use interdisciplinary methods - policy analysis, systems modelling, and stakeholder engagement - to propose globally relevant pathways for securing soils.

Additional information

Potential co-supervisors: colleagues with expertise in agricultural economics, policy, or law (to be confirmed).

A candidate with

Background in environmental science, agricultural economics, policy, or sustainability studies. Strong analytical and communication skills essential; experience with stakeholder engagement desirable.

HDR Inherent Requirements

As set out in the Science Postgraduate Handbook. This project may involve stakeholder engagement and policy analysis; please consult the supervisor regarding requirements before applying.

Want to find out more?

Interested in this opportunity? Learn more about contacting a supervisor and developing a research proposal. See opportunities within the Sydney Institute of Agriculture. Domestic and international students welcome.

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Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 3683