The field trip provided a variety of examples of farming applications for Sustainable soils practice. All properties visited had faced the added challenge of flooding in the mix of changing their practices.At Andrew Bissett’s property, we viewed stubble management to improve soil health with stubble retention. Soil Moisture monitoring was also demonstrated and discussed, and we were able to inspect the air seeder that Andrew has utilised to the best advantage for his soils. As an agronomist Andrew demonstrated heaps of technical knowhow and how he had modified his practices based on current research.
The historic East Loddon Woolshed was the lunch venue, and the tour of the shed took us back to years gone by. It is certainly an interesting piece of working architecture and of particular historical significance to the district.
Karl Hooke’s property highlighted methods for increasing groundcover and reducing wind erosion, by tree planting to provide shelter for paddocks and reduce wind erosion. We viewed a paddock on the Loddon River which had been significantly damaged by flooding. Water remained on paddock for 3 weeks and killed all the groundcover, leaving what was described as a moonscape. This property also has a site of Box gum grassy woodland that will soon be fenced.
Garry and Kaye Addlems property (also significantly affected by persisting flood waters) demonstrated inter row cropping as a management tool to improve soil health by Lucerne sown into barley stubble.
This field trip provided a diverse snapshot of the challenges facing farmers in the district to maintain and improve soil health, and the considerable number of different tools and methods which can be utilised through involvement in the Farming for Sustainable Soils program.
Annette Robertson
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