Soil microbes as indicators of soil health

Increasing soil microbiology and its value to productivity were key take home messages at the recent 'Soil health and shelterbelts" workshop held in Kongorong.

Fascinating insights into the microbes found in healthy soil inspired local landholders to increase native vegetation cover on their properties. Shelterbelts on farms not only provide shelter for lambing and native fauna habitat, but also benefits soil health by increasing soil microbiology.

Dr. Ehsan Sayad, Soil Extension Officer with the Limestone Coast Landscape Board said. "Soil microbiology is complex. Workshops that can bring scientists such as Dr. Ashley Martin of Microbiology Laboratories Australia to our region, can help landholders to understand the science of microbes. Soil constraints, such as poor microbes, can limit farms from being as productive as they might otherwise."

"Landholders can put the information they hear into the contexts of nutrient cycling and soil structure maintenance, enhancing the ability of the farm to be productive."

"Our shelterbelt demonstration site is just the beginning of understanding the contribution of shelterbelt establishment on farms to encourage diverse soil microbiology which then positively impacts nutrient levels and soil structure."

The Limestone Coast Landscape Board provides soil extension services to landholders and will hold more workshops in the future.