Soil care experts talk variable climate plan

FOR Northern Victorian farmers, one of the biggest threats to the health of their soils came lapping at their doorsteps last October.

North Central Catchment Management Authority says more frequent floods and droughts driven by climate change accelerate the depletion of oxygen available for plant growth, increase the threat of wind and water erosion, the loss of soil structure, and the loss of organic carbon, on top of the obvious financial impacts.

With the 2022 floods still at the forefront of their minds, farmers, soil experts, policy makers, and industry leaders will speak at the 2023 Sustainable Soils Forum in Bendigo this month.

The forum will explore new perspectives to grow the future of agriculture in the region, and help farmers manage the impacts of a variable climate.

NCCMA sustainable agriculture program manager Mandy Coulson said the event would be the perfect mix between scientists, local farmers, and politicians.

“With a changing climate, we need to explore and plan for the best methods to help farmers adapt,” she said.

“We need to be able to hear solutions and showcase the amazing work farmers from across our region are doing to improve their soil, and the productivity and integrity of the land.

“This Forum will showcase the regenerative practices our farmers are undertak- ing, and how they can be applied locally and further afield.”

Among speakers will be former Loddon Plains Landcare Network facilitator Danny Pettingill.

Danny is the owner of Firetail Environments, providing consultation and field services in land stewardship, carbon projects and drone services including surveys, analysis, GIS mapping and on ground works at landscape scale. He is the lead landscape agronomist in Victoria for Regen Farmers Mutual and a director of Landcare Victoria.

Australia’s National Soils Advocate Penelope Wensley will be the key speaker at the event, discussing the importance of conserving and improving the health of Australia’s soils.

Federation University Centre for eResearch and digital innovation principal research fellow Associate Professor Dr Peter Dahlhaus will critically examine the local and global status of soils and discuss what will happen if the status quo continues.

Attendees will also hear from local regenerative agriculture groups about onground projects improving soil health.

“These local groups have a focus on enhancing ecosystem services which increases their communities’ resilience to a changing climate,” Ms Coulson said.

“Such insights showcase great practical examples and give farmers a lot to think about and help plan for the future.”

63 Hospital Street, Wedderburn VIC

The Park is located in the township of Wedderburn, approximately 2.5 hours ‘drive north-west of Melbourne. It’s primary trade is from overnight travellers passing through the area on route to a secondary destination and attracts a large number of patrons each year.

The Wedderburn Pioneer Caravan Park offers the following facilities:

• 52 Powered Sites

• 3 Annual Site Holders

• 5 Permanent Site Holders

• 4 Tourist Cabins (3 to be replaced by council and 1 to become managers residence)

• Camp Kitchen with Undercover BBQ Area

• Amenities Block