Soil health is the basis of productivity and sustainability. By using nutrients effectively, managing ground cover, plant health and soil carbon, a healthy soil can reduce erosion, salinity, nutrient runoff and emissions, as well as improving water use efficiency and quality. The West Gippsland Healthy Soils -Sustainable Farms project aims to build farmers awareness around soil health constraints, improve knowledge around managing soils, plants, nutrients and grazing, leading to improved practices based on the information gained. Demonstration sites showcasing best practice and innovation have been established and selected participants are supported in undertaking management plans to suit their particular property and areas of concern. Information and practical experience is shared through discussion groups, field days, web based communication, regional forums and the Gippsland Sustainable Agriculture Network (GSAN).
SGLN has contributed by running a number of events and demonstrations for this project during the five years the project has been running. Here are the links to the resources for the events and trials.
Farming off the grid – a field day held on Nov 14th on the property of Bruce Whittaker and Jillian Staton, Liptrap
The Healthy Soils Sustainable Farms project is supported by the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.
