2020 General Jeffery Soil Health Award Winner

Leading academic and science communicator in the field of soil science and soil biology, Emeritus Professor Lynette Abbott, is the inaugural recipient of the General Jeffery Soil Health Award.

The well-known academic from the University of Western Australia celebrated at one of several COVID-safe functions, streamed as part of the 2021 National Landcare Awards.  

Named in honour of Australia’s first National Soils Advocate, the late Major General the Honourable Michael Jeffery, AC, AO (Mil), CVO, MC (Retd), the Award recognises an individual’s work to champion, improve and or educate others in soil health.

Professor Abbott is a pioneering researcher on soil fungi in agriculture and disturbed natural environments and is acknowledged as a world leader in this field. Her research has addressed fungal interactions with plants and implications for fertilizer management and soil amendments.

She has shared her extensive knowledge with students, and by establishing the innovative ‘Know your Soil Biology’ workshops for farmers, she is providing hands-on activities demonstrating the benefits of soil biota for soil health.

Professor Abbott is also consolidating soil health knowledge through a project in the Australian Government Smart Farms program.