Optimising Soil Health

It was a great day down at the Robinsons farm near Hoyleton last Thursday learning about Optimising Soil Health with Soil Biologist and independent researcher Harriet Mella from Austria who was presenting. She has expertise in managing plant nutrition, mineral balance and carbon cycling in soils.

Soil Health and The Benefits

Of particular interest was the discussions on soil structure and soil ecology, root system development and its relation to soil microbiome.

The day was enhanced by the fortunate situation where the Robinsons had sown a summer pasture blend into stubble after a good November rain which has had 60mm since planting. As shown in the photos it created an opportunity to study the soil structure, root development and other aspects in the moist soil following an excellent germination.

The Robinsons shared that this paddock was their poorest performer due to soil density and structural problems. The pasture blend with its diversity of root systems attracting a diversity of biology in warm moist soils is designed to create an improvement in soil structure and hence soil health leading to greater moisture holding capacity and availability.

It is noticeable that there is a lot more interest by some farmers in looking more deeply into soil health and how we can create and maintain healthier soils.

For us at Soil Management Systems it is always great to hear many different speakers on the subject from their hands on expertise. It confirms our objectives from the conception of SMS; Productive Healthy Living Soils and our emphasis on Balanced Nutrition with soil friendly inputs.

Driving home I was thinking how SMS Guano fits so perfectly with these concepts. Our investment in independent research with Microbiology Laboratories Australia has produced a lot of data on Guano as a nutritionally balanced soil friendly fertiliser that is very attractive to all forms of soil biology. This research is believed to be the only research on Guano ever done in Australia. The fungal growth on Guano in warm moist soils is amazing to see.

For more information on what Soil Management Systems provides visit our website www.soilms.com.au or phone 08 8659 0000 or  1300 076 456

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.

If you have any questions, please get in touch via the contact form. Return to the home page to see all we offer.