Biology farming event a huge success
Locally esteemed agroecologist Robin Tait speaks to the large crowd at Tas Ag Co.
A biological farming roundtable (BFR) event held in Deloraine in March drew a capacity crowd with attendees from a variety of enterprises across the state.
The event was sponsored by NutriSoil and included a number of presentations from key speakers about the role of biology in improving soil health, which the 90 people present found extremely beneficial.
NutriSoil director Nakala Maddock said the event was jam-packed with information from a variety of speakers, and a visit to Tasmanian Agriculture Company was a great way to end the day.
“We were thrilled with the number of people who attended; it was great for everyone to be able to hear from an internationally respected microbiologist in Walter Jehne.
“Walter has decades of research under his belt and has specialised in the role of soil microbes in plant and soil function.
His presentation was about the brilliant world of soil biology.
“It is pretty amazing the influence which microscopic organisms have on hydrological cycles and weather patterns,” Mrs Maddock said.
Following Mr Jehne, Mrs Maddock enlightened the audience on the science of vermiculture for next-generation agriculture and how to use their biological stimulant in a farming system.
NutriSoil’s vermiwash contains many different compounds, including very high numbers of bacteria (particularly bacterial decomposers), fungi, bioavailable minerals, hormones, enzymes, antimicrobial peptides, mucus (from worms), proteins and vitamins, to list a few.
All play a role in creating an environment for healthy plant growth and in turn healthy soils.
After a presentation from Sam and Steph Trethewey on their ‘beyond sustainable’ farming model, the group headed to Tas Ag Co’s Dunorlan property to see first-hand the farming methods employed to rebuild soil health.
“The Tretheweys use a combination of multispecies cropping, time-controlled rotational grazing and biological stimulants on their property.
“This helps them capture and store carbon dioxide to improve soil health, plant health, cattle health and planet health.
“We had highly esteemed local agroecologist Robin Tait on hand to talk people through a soil assessment.
“The improvements to soil health and water infiltration on the property were obvious,” said Mrs Maddock.
Mrs Maddock said NutriSoil loves meeting with their farmers and bringing new information to farming communities when food and fibre producers face increased input prices and customers want sustainably produced food.
