FARMERS, landholders and gardeners are invited to sign up and become hands-on with the ground beneath their feet.
The Hawkesbury Landcare Network is running a soil health training workshop in the Kurrajong area starting next month, running over eight half-day sessions over an eight-week period starting February 25. All sessions are on weekends.
Topics include key issues that affect soil health and fertility, reading and understanding a soil test, calculating nutrient and fertiliser needs, understanding lime and dolomite, improving soil structure, and achieving these results within budget.
You will also learn how to physically assess your soil for structure, texture, health and biological activity and will develop a soil management plan for your property.
Instructor Sonia Lee said that over time, the approach builds soil carbon and well structured, biologically-healthy soil. “As soil becomes healthier, nutrients become more available,” she said. “Over time, the need for fertilisers, chemicals and veterinary inputs can reduce, whilst maintaining or increasing production.
“Healthy soil also tends to absorb water more readily and hold this water. This increases drought tolerance and reduces nutrient load to waterways.”
Hawkesbury Landcare Network is offering the training for $132. The fee includes a laboratory soil test and morning and afternoon teas. Numbers are limited to 12 properties. Call Sonia Lee on 0478 905 200 or visit https://vital-soil.eventbrite.com.au to register.