Graziers will grasp a better understanding of their soil practices when three Soil Health Field Days are held across north west Queensland in May.
Hosted by Southern Gulf Catchments NRM, agro-ecologist David Hardwick will offer his 20 years of sustainable agriculture experience at field days in Julia Creek, Richmond and Hughenden.
Specialising in soils business, Mr Hardwick will explore the idea of healthy soils including; what makes the soil healthy, how to assess and determine the condition and why having healthy soil is important for producers.
As well as conventional and alternative fertalisers, biologicals, grazing management and soil amendments.
Although the event is inaugural to this area, Mr Hardwick has conducted field days all around Australia and internationally.
“I am excited to come out and talk to graziers as soil health is a popular topic,” he said.
“Soils are important assets in a business and graziers need to develop an understanding of it and how to manage it better to benefit them in the long run.
“Because north west graziers experience a unique set of challenges, I have some simple tools that graziers can use.”
Alongside the theory component, graziers will experience hands on training.
“We have received solid interest especially with our soil pit,” Mr Hardwick said.
“This is where we dig a hold and explore the soil and look at plant roots and soil organisms.
“I am also asking graziers to bring in a bucket of their own top soil. This needs to be an intact cube of top soil for assessment.
“Graziers can then learn about their operation and develop an understanding of how to practically asses their soil so they know what condition its in.
“They then may implement the tools to their own practices.”
Mr Hardwick will also be joined by Remarkable NRM principal consultant, John Gavin.
Mr Gavin has an understanding of the implications of the carbon economy for the Rangelands producers and industries. He has also provided advise and extension services across Australia.
The Soil Health Field Days will be held in Julia Creek on May 23, Richmond May 24 and Hughenden May 25.
To register contact Regional Landcare Facilitator, Pru Wharton, on (07) 4743 1888, 0428 888 079 or email landcare@southerngulf.com.au