SALT OF THE EARTH: FARMING AND SUSTAINING THE SOIL BEYOND 2000 explores the causes, effects and the national challenge of soil degradation which is already costing Australia two billion dollars a year in lost production. It provides an understanding of how Australian soils developed and why most are fragile and easily degraded by modern farming methods. Case studies on Australian farms and in farming communities show how farmers, aided by research are attempting to tackle the huge problems of salinity, soil erosion and soil acidity, and asks the question: what does this mean for the broader community and who should take responsibility?