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By ROSS HENRY, QFF Project Manager- Natural Disaster

In 2015 your soil looked after you, the least you could do in 2016 is return the favour.

Queensland Farmers’ Federation natural disasters project manager and soil scientist Ross Henry gives his tips on how to start the year right by your soils.

Follow these simple points and principles to get the most out of your soil:

Soil testing

Like with anything you like to keep healthy it’s good to get a check-up every now and then. This works the same for soils. Soil testing continues to become more and more popular as its accessibility increases. Even though soil test prices have decreased, some people are still missing out on this hand soil health and nutrient check tool. Using an accredited lab, coupled with accredited agronomic advice, can help you get the most out of your soils for the year to come.

Soil carbon amendments

Soil carbon levels, or more commonly soil organic matter, is linked to soil health, soil biology populations, water holding capacity, soil structure, nutrient mineralisation and many more important soil functions. Adding manures, compost, green manure crops or stubble retention methods are all good ways to maintain or increase this essential soil nutrient. Soil carbon levels drastically drop after flooding and it is advised to consider addressing in post flood recovery.

Don’t under fertilise

Maintaining optimum soil nutrient levels for pasture or crop production is key to all farms. Under fertilising soils can leading to depleting soil nutrient levels that can effect pasture and crops yields. It is important to maintain good soil nutrient levels for production, soil health and the farmer’s bottom line.

Don’t over fertilise

Conversely it is also important not to over fertilise. Plants … Continue reading QFF ‘talks dirty’: Caring for your soil