A passion for healthy soils is driving Gulf Savannah NRM’s agricultural project officer, Janani Gedara, whose work is helping to strengthen climate resilience across Far North Queensland’s horticultural systems.
Originally from Sri Lanka, Janani began her career studying agricultural science and working directly with farmers through the Ministry of Agriculture. There, she saw firsthand the impacts of soil degradation, declining fertility and poor soil health on farm productivity.
Determined to deepen her knowledge, she relocated to Australia to complete her master’s degree and was drawn to the complexity of Queensland’s intensive tropical and subtropical agricultural regions.
“I’m always surprised by the amazing landscapes here: the massive paddocks, and the immense technology being used,” Janani said. “I’m still so curious and passionate about learning more in these environments.”
Now based in Far North Queensland, Janani specialises in soil health – an area she says is often overlooked but fundamentally underpins productive and durable farms.
“For the everyday person, soil is like nothing. It looks like dirt under the boot, right? But it’s a whole complex system,” Janani explained.
“Just a handful of healthy soil contains more microbes than there are people living on Earth. That’s how healthy soil is defined. Once you know that, you won’t look at a paddock the same way.”
Now, her work focuses on improving soil biology to support stronger ecosystems which are able to adapt and bounce back from the challenges of highly variable temperatures and weather patterns.
“Climate resilience is not something we can build above the ground; the real task is what’s going on underneath,” she said.
“Healthy soil holds water through dry spells, absorbs the intensity of a wet season, and keeps farming systems running when conditions get tough. That’s the buffer we need to build – and it starts at ground level.”
This expertise is increasingly vital within Australia’s agricultural workforce and natural resource management sector, where soil degradation, climate variability and productivity pressures continue to challenge landholders.
Studies show increasing temperatures could elevate pest incidence by 10 to 25 per cent and reduce major crop yields by up to seven per cent.
Boosting soil health can help alleviate these consequences by supporting carbon sequestration and water retention to safeguard biodiversity and prevent further land degradation.
Soil specialists like Janani therefore play a key role in bridging science and practice, helping farmers adopt sustainable approaches that protect both productivity of businesses and the environment they’re operating within.
At Gulf Savannah NRM, Janani is currently working on the Orchard Resilience Project, which aligns closely with her passions.
“We have a demo site to monitor soil health practices and a peer learning program to help growers overcome and mitigate their challenges,” she said.
“Once the soil biology is in a good way, it can help balance nutrients, improve water movement underground, support healthy roots and ultimately lead to more resilient crops.”
Growers interested in learning more about the project or future activities are encouraged to contact Janani: janani.gedara@gulfsavannahnrm.org
The Orchard Resilience Project is funded by the Australian Government through the Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by Soils for Life in partnership with regional organisations including Gulf Savannah NRM.