Productive soils are vital to grazing businesses, and producers in the Burdekin region can learn how to unlock their soils potential.
NQ Dry Tropics is hosting three free workshops in the Charters Towers district to coach graziers how to maintain and improve health of their soil. Registration is now open.
Sustainable Soils for the Burdekin project officer Sharon Cunial said landholders would learn how to harness soil biology to improve their pastures and production for better long-term returns.
“Soil is one of the most important assets on a farm and improving its health can increase a farm’s bottom line,” Ms Cunial said.
“There are many options available to graziers, it’s not necessarily about adding expensive fertilisers and chemicals.
“A healthy, functioning soil is critical to sustaining long term agricultural production and environmental services such as carbon storage and water filtration.
“The three part Soil Skills for Graziers program has been designed specifically with far north Queensland graziers climate, pastures and soil types in mind.
“Each workshop will be held on a different property so that landholders can experience a variety of different soil types and their management.
“The focus is on helping graziers understand the hidden world beneath their feet. The workshops are delivered in an enjoyable and hands-on way and experts will explain the relationships between plant roots and soil microbes to a point where they can feel confident to test and monitor their own soils on their property,” Ms Cunial said.
The workshops are delivered as part of the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme and each landholder will receive one free soil test as well as the opportunity to access additional tests at a reduced rate.
Presenters Kirsty Youman who has more than 10 years experience in the environmental science and agricultural fields, agricultural ecologist David Hardwick and Holistic Management educator Judi Earl will guide landholders to make more informed decisions about their land management.
The first workshop will be held at “Clancella Downs” on Tuesday 22 August, starting at 8.30am. Numbers are limited, contact Sharon Cunial by 18 August on 0407 317 316 or email sharon.cunial@nqdrytropics.com.au for details and to register. Morning tea and lunch is provided