Abstract
To improve the condition of Australian soils, damaged by the removal of native vegetation, the author encourages the use of commercial incentives to promote agroforestry, such as those established by the Western Australian Department of Conservation and Land Management. This article outlines why the common law has been unable to deal with the effects of individual land use on the environment and discusses Australian and overseas soil conservation legislation. In order for soil conservation to be most effective, it is suggested that compulsory, rather than voluntary, schemes should be implemented; while greater co-operation between State and Federal Governments is required. Commonwealth constitutional powers that would enable the Federal Government to legislate for soil conservation are also explored.