dcq dishes

9 March 2009

Local landholders will have the chance to get expert advice on the issues, limitations and benefits associated with particular soil types at upcoming soil information days hosted by Desert Channels Queensland (DCQ). Leading soil experts are digging deeper into the science of soils and coming up with the goods on how the health and type of soil can impact on ground cover and production.

DCQ Industry Liaison Officer Colleen James said the information days will be held in three locations and include talks from soil experts and demonstrations on run-off characteristics with a rainfall simulator.

“After speaking to landholders, DCQ recognised that there was a knowledge gap in relation to soil and pastoral production,” Colleen said. “By bringing experts out to our region we aim to provide the most up-to-date information possible on how soil type and health can affect production.”

“The days are open to all landholder-based community members with an interest in production and offer a unique opportunity to get information that often isn’t available in our region.

“Landholders are also welcome to bring soil samples from their properties to find out specific information about soil types from their properties,” Colleen said.

Presenters will include Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Water’s (NRW) leading soil scientist Peter Muller. Peter has over 20 years soils experience throughout Australia and will provide detailed information on soil types at each location. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge of soil types and their properties that affect pasture production in central Queensland.

Participants will also get a chance to head out in the field with NRW’s Scientist Peter Burger demonstrating run-off characteristics of different soil types and ground covers through in-field rainfall simulation.

Pasture agronomist and specialist in managing soil health Ray O’Grady will draw on his experience in conventional and regenerative farming. Ray specialises in managing soil health with a thorough knowledge of soil carbon and methods of improving carbon cycling. He has worked with innovative landholders to implement regenerative land management techniques that enhance biodiversity, increase biological activity, sequester carbon, activate soil nutrient cycles, restore water balance, improve productivity and create new topsoil.

The days will run from 9am – 4pm on March 18 at Kenya Station, Muttaburra; March 19, at Bandon Grove, Longreach; and March 20, at Ightham Station, Jericho. Registration costs are covered by DCQ with smoko and lunch included free of charge.

These information days are an initiative of DCQ in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources and Water and are funded by the Queensland Government’s Blueprint for the Bush Program. For more information please contact Colleen James on 0428 580 998 or email colleen.james@dcq.org.au.

ENDS