Published 27 January 2012

A new project has just commenced in the Central West that will provide an opportunity for ten local farmers to undertake a challenging, enlightening and rewarding series of workshops on soil health.

Running the Mudgee district component of the project is Watershed Landcare; with seven other Landcare groups running similar projects in their areas throughout the Central West.

In a nutshell, the Watershed project will involve a soil pit day, a series of on-farm soil health workshops and a soil health interpretation day for the ten participating farm businesses.

“Limiting the project to ten local farm businesses will really challenge and progress the knowledge of participating farmers”, said Thea Ridley, Project Coordinator for Watershed. “This project is for farmers who would like to improve their knowledge and management of soil biological and chemical fertility”, she said.   

The project also involves a comprehensive soil test on each farm, including commentated collection, interpretation and benchmarking.

All Watershed project workshops will be facilitated by Agricultural Ecologist & Agronomist – David Hardwick. David has over 12 years experience in sustainable agriculture and extension with Landcare, TAFE and private enterprise. He has also worked as a soil and fertiliser agronomist for some of the biggest vegetable growers in Australia, and specialises in soil fertility and bio-fertilisers.

David will help teach farmers how to evaluate and change the biological and chemical fertility of their soils, by reading and responding to key indicators in a holistic manner.

Expression of interest forms can be found on the Watershed Landcare project website page, or alternatively contact Thea on the above details. Expressions of interest close on 17^th February.

This project is supported by “Establishing the link: Soil Health through land management in the Central West”, through funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country and the Central West Catchment Management Authority. 

A total of eight Landcare networks are participating in the regional project, which is investing in an overall improvement in soil condition of more 40,000ha within the Central West Catchment.