Crop Diary, November

[Transcript of Crop Diary, November]

I am always emphasising the importance of building carbon as a result of the federal government initiative of their direct action policy of carbon … into Australian agriculture soils.

In short, this direct action policy of carbon segregation is doomed for complete failure. I say this because of the present agriculture practices and inputs are detrimental to the soil environment. Soils are supposed to be a living environment; however, we are not treating them that way. If we are to help our soils, we will need to adjust our inputs and practices accordingly.

There have been some improvements of our soils in recent decades, as wind and water erosion from earlier practices have nearly become an non issue, however soils are suffering from modern fertiliser and chemical inputs, not all of them are detrimental, so we need to understand which ones are and limit their use.

If this government indicative is to be successful, there will have to be a change in mindset and how we are currently approaching our farming programs.

If we can put our soils first as a living environment, rather than the stress approach of chasing the maximum yield and income, then farmers and soils will benefit enormously. We can adopt the attitude of feeding the soil rather than the plant, and let the soil feed the plant, we will then see huge responses. This will then maximize our income which of course is very necessary in this country which is the highest cost of production country in the world. I have to caution farmers, it is a process to change, and within that process the farm must remain profitable.  It is important that framers take control of their own destiny

The benefits of the first living soils with increase carbon levels are enormous, but one of the really big benefits is less stress on farmers, and farmers enjoying farming again, which we are suppose to be doing.

Our vision is to work closely with farming clients to help them understand their soils and provide service and products that enhance the life, balance and productivity of their soils. I invite you to have a look at our products and services.

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