New research, led by Budiman Minasny and Alex McBratney, professors from the University of Sydney Institute of Agriculture, has detailed how AI (artificial intelligence) tools can help us adapt soils – and the systems they nurture – to a changing climate.
Published by Frontiers in Science, the paper outlines how AI tools can accelerate soil science by speeding up early-stage work; improving predictions to support decisions on land-use, carbon and climate adaptation; handling complex data; and freeing scientists to focus on questions that require expert judgment.
Senior author McBratney said: “In partnership with experts, AI could help us better match the complexity and ever-changing nature of soil ecosystems. Unlike current machine learning tools that focus on isolated tasks, these systems can mimic scientific collaboration to a highly sophisticated degree – combining reasoning, planning and interdisciplinary insight to support researchers and drive significant progress. Perception of the vital importance of soil in planetary functioning is increasing, and soil science will continue to grow and flourish under scientist-led AI.”
