This project is a pilot program that will identify the key areas for further research required to develop a scientifically robust approach to regenerative farming approaches in Australian dairy systems. It will quantify the impact of mixed species pastures on root distribution, soil water storage and dynamics, soil carbon storage (amount and depth), and soil nitrogen (N) storage and cycling, and microbiome biodiversity, compared to conventional ryegrass systems across established sites in southern Victoria, and gather soil health data from existing mixed species pasture systems as well as from conventional monoculture systems to identify soil parameters that are significantly different in these systems. These parameters will be used to design further replicated research that will provide robust scientific evidence of the system resilience and soil health benefits of mixed species pasture systems to the dairy industry.