Wimmera farmers have the opportunity to hear from one of Australia's leading soil scientists to learn about strategies to address soil fertility decline at four workshops next month.
Adelaide's Dr Mark Farrell is a Principal Research Scientist with the CSIRO who will discuss ways in which farmers can build organic carbon and nitrogen in their soil.
The workshops will explain how soil organic matter is declining in Australian agricultural systems, including dryland grain farms. This has resulted in a significant fall in soil nutrient stocks, particularly nitrogen.
Recent studies by Agriculture Victoria have shown that nitrogen is the single biggest factor in limiting yield potential in crops in western Victoria.
"Rebuilding soil carbon and nitrogen stocks is slow," Dr Farrell said.
"It depends on increased crop production to drive carbon inputs. This is supported by meeting fertiliser requirements."
Dr Farrell said that rebuilding soil carbon and nitrogen stocks can involve overcoming soil constraints, inclusion of cover crops and legumes in the rotation and nitrogen budgeting over multiple seasons.
The free workshops will be held at:
- St Helens Plains, Wednesday 16 June, 8.30 am registration, Taylors Lake Hall, 2032 Horsham-Lubeck Road
- Brim, Wednesday 16 June, 2 pm registration, Brim recreation Reserve, Simson Street
- Goroke, Thursday 17 June, 8.30 am registration, Goroke Golf Club, Brooks Road, Goroke
- Netherby, Thursday 17 June, 1.30 pm registration, Netherby Hall, William Street.
The workshops are supported by Agriculture Victoria and the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority.
