5 May 2012 – “Understanding your Soil Test” workshop

Posted on 2 April, 2012 by Connecting Country

“You are what you eat!” may be true of humans and the food they eat, but it could also be said that your crops will reflect the soil that they grow in. Strong healthy, pest- and disease-resistant crops are likely to be growing in well-structured soils with a wide range of nutrients readily available to the plants. It is hard to imagine why all landholders wouldn’t wish to improve their soils, but many, especially those new to agriculture, often lack the know-how.

One of the best ways of finding out what your soil needs is to have a soil test done. But sometimes reading the results can be an exercise in frustration. The names of the chemicals; their interaction with each other and the cost of the whole exercise can be quite daunting.

Baynton Sidonia Landcare group is offering a workshop to assist people to understand soil tests and get an idea of how to improve their soils. The workshop is not aimed at experienced farmers and it is weighted on the natural side: if you are after conventional soil additives, there are plenty of commercial retailers.

The workshop is on Saturday 5^th May at the Baynton Hall, starting at 10.00 am. There will be a brief talk followed by a discussion of each participant’s soil tests and after lunch a field walk to examine some nearby examples of soil improvement. The workshop will finish around 4 pm. Refreshments and lunch will be provided and the workshop is free of charge.

Each participant needs to supply one or more soil tests, either from one paddock or from across their property. Old soils tests, so we can make comparisons, would be of value too. Guidance on getting soil tests done can be obtained from Carl Reeve on 0412144 936 but if you are interested in this workshop, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Carl soon, or start getting your test(s) done, as the results can take a while.

If you would like to participate in the workshop, you will need to book with Clare on
54 234 152 or clare@knco.net before Saturday April 14th. And when you book, you will be asked to supply a copy of the soil test(s), so that Carl can have an opportunity to standardize the information, thus making it much easier for workshop participants to compare tests and so learn.

All are welcome at this workshop which is funded by the North Central Catchment Management Authority and organized by Baynton Sidonia Landcare Group.