The Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) is inviting educators, students, citizen scientists and environmental professionals to dig a little deeper into the State’s soils with the launch of a new app.
Executive Director of the Science, Economics and Insights Division at DPE, Georgina Kelly said the Soils Near Me app used expert data from the Department’s Soil and Land Information System to share important information on soils statewide.
“Soil is the foundation for plant and animal life yet its importance and complexity is often not fully understood,” Dr Kelly said.
“Soil is so important as it stores and cycles carbon, filters water and provides the food we rely on,” she said.
“Soil is an important natural capital asset.
“Our new app makes interpreting soil data very simple and accessible for anyone.”
Dr Kelly said the app covered the three most commonly researched soil layers and provided valuable information for anyone interested in land use, the environment and planning.
She said information on soil type, land and soil capability and acid sulphate risk were available in the app.
“Land managers, educators, students, citizen scientists as well as development and environmental professionals can use the app’s zoomable maps to explore the soils at any location in New South Wales,” the Executive Director said.
“Soils Near Me NSW follows the new Trees Near Me NSW app in making complex data available to everyone, wherever they are in New South Wales,” she said.
“If you are interested in bush regeneration or restoring native landscapes, then knowing about local soil types can help you select plant species more likely to be suited to the area.”
Further information on DPE’s Soils Near Me app can be accessed at this PS News link.
