All the dirt ISBN: 1838-8957 Volume 5, No.

In this edition:
Increasing soil carbon in the Tweed valley ..............1 Doing more with Less Soil Forum..........................2 2013 NC landcare award winners ............................2 Soil conservation services training for AUSAID ......3 New Biochar standard out........................................4

Autumn 2011
Welcome to the autumn edition of All the Dirt
allthedirt.newsletter@industry.nsw.gov.au
Selina Millar NRCMA

Increasing Soil Carbon in Tweed Valley Farmland Project Update

Tweed Shire Council was one of 60 successful applicants receiving funding from round one of the federal governments Action on the Ground project. In February Tweed Shire Council held a workshop at the Sustainable Living Centre (SLC) highlighting the 2012 soil analysis results of this project. Project Manager Sebastien Garcia-Cuenca from the Tweed Shire Council outlined the project which involves 30 farms within the Tweed Shire region and covers a variety of industries from sugar cane, bananas, vegetables, orchards, dairy and beef. Participating farms are trialling carbon rich soil amendments (compost, biochar/compost blend and dairy manure), and legume cover crops to reduce the use of nitrogen fertilizers. They are also using innovative on farm practices with the overall aim to reduce nitrous oxide emissions and increase sequestration of soil carbon over a three year period. Dr Peter Bacon managing director of Woodlots and Wetlands presented the pre-treated soil analysis results from the participating farms. Cultivated land had significantly less soil carbon stored at the soil surface when compared to the non cultivated land. However it is expected that cultivated land will show more of an improvement in soil carbon levels over the trial period. Dr Peter Bacon also gave a great overview of the benefits of soil carbon and the importance of having a balance of macro and micro nutrients to Presentation at SLC. (Photo NRCMA) achieve good soil health. Other guest speakers included Stuart Larson from Mara Seeds, discussing compost manufacture and the importance of using good quality product, soil biology and the benefits to crop and soil health. David Gourlay highlighted microbiological teas, fermentation process and the benefits of having a balance of nutrients and microbiology in the soil. Soil sampling will be repeated in year three of the project, post-treatment and results should provide information on the net benefits of alternative soil conditioning treatments. This project was funded

through the Australian Governments Clean Energy Future Program. For more information contact Sebastien Garcia-Cuenca, sgarciacuenca@tweed.nsw.gov.au

Doing more with less Soils Forum

Felicity Anderson Murray CMA

The Victorian North East CMA and the NSW Murray CMA once again jointly hosted their annual soils forum on Tuesday, 16th April in Wodonga. This years theme of doing more with less resonated strongly with the 110 strong crowd of landholders, government employees, consultants and CMA staff. The theme was clearly addressed by each of the speakers. The opening address was from Major General Michael Jeffery, ex Governor General and Australias first Soils Advocate. General Jeffery spoke of the need to recognise farmers for their role of carers of the landscape, and the fact that agriculture is also about health, education, national security and mining, and this needs to be pulled together at all government levels for a national level regeneration plan. This wont be news to anyone currently working in the industry, but hopefully this message can get to where it is needed. A highlight of the day was having our first International speaker at the forum Dr Elizabeth Stockdale from Newcastle Uni in the UK. Elizabeth spoke on increasing soil resilience, and with her witty humour discussed the complexities of soil biology in terms of balancing production and environmental outcomes. One of the most popular speakers of the day was Murray Scholz, a local farmer from Culcairn who really is doing more with less. Murray is using the latest in Participants at the soils Form in Wodonga. (Photo Natalie Ord) technology, including accurate record keeping and precision agriculture, to ensure maximum yields are produced while minimising inputs, and he has data to back up every decision he has made. Murray manages a 1670 ha family farm where1200ha is under continuous cropping with winter cereals and oilseeds. The Scholz's have been using no till since the late 1970's. The remainder of the property supports 200 head herd of cattle. Dr. Dan Murphy and Andrew Wherett from WA also presented at the forum, and launched the NSW node of the soilquality.org.au website, with the Murray CMA data going live. This website gives summary data for a range of soil biological, chemical and physical characteristics for 200 sites in the Murray. Local research on phosphorus and grazing systems was presented by Nigel Phillips and Kate Sargeant respectively. Murray Scholz, Dr. Elizabeth Stockdale and Andrew Wherrett were on the radio on ABC bush telegraph that day and the broadcast can be listened to here: http://www.abc.net.au/rural/telegraph/content/2013/s3738175.htm

2013 North Coast Landcare Award Winners: Wilton Park & Redbank Farms
Simon Proust NRCMA

Wilton Park and Redbank Farm Nymboida are joint winners of the North Coast Primary Producer Landcare awards. For the past 12 years the 380ha Wilton Park has been a certified organic beef operation. The property carries 350 Brahman Hereford cross breeders but as you drive in the first thing you notice is all the grass, while asking yourself wheres the livestock? Wilton Park is on the Clarence River, just up river
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from Grafton and has been owned by the Clinton family for 40 yrs, while being managed by Henry Sheehan and Glenn Morris. According to Henry the cows improve the soil health with their manure incorporated into the soils under a planned grazing model, whereby over 90% of the farm is ungrazed at any one time allowing maximum ground cover which was pretty handy after the floods in January and February which inundated the lower paddocks. The soils have improved significantly as a result of adoption of the grazing model espoused in grazing management workshops sponsored by the NRCMA and delivered by Judy Earl and Lewis Kahn from AIMS. The principles of this approach are maximising ground cover of the predominantly Kikuyu, Setaria, Paspalum, Bahia and Rhodes grass by grazing strategically to optimise weight gain for beef cattle and profitability for the farm. This pasture management practice has seen the soil organic carbon levels increase from around 1% to over 4% on average over the past decade. The beef and veal produced are direct marketed to butcher shops in Sydney and up the coast. The cows are run in two mobs and rotated on 90 paddocks at a stocking rate of 1000 dse per Ha. The other worthy joint winner of the Primary Producer Landcare award, Redbank Farm is a 550 ha beef cattle property on the Nymboida River, owned by Malin Blazejowski and Sharon Sullivan. The property runs on biological farming principles grazing some 200 Senapol breeders over 35 main paddocks. When Malin and Sharon arrived 17 years ago the farm was covered in Parramatta grass and Blady grass. They participated in the AIMS Clarence grazing management Photo NRCMA group. They graze their animals intensively in the small paddocks for only a day or so in summer when the grasses are growing vigorously and for up to five days during winter when grass growth is slowing. These practices have augured well for soil organic carbon which has increased from 2.3% to 5.64% in 7 years. Malin says these days as result of these practices, she is always getting bogged which she puts down to the improved soil structure, water holding capacity and macro and micro organic matter in the soil previously the water used to runoff, now its being captured and stored leading to maximum groundcover.

NSW soil conservation services train African extension workers

David Howley

The NSW Soil Conservation Service (SCS) delivered a four day training session, in Armidale, to 21 African extension workers focusing on soil conservation techniques. Participants came from Djibouti, Tunisia, Burundi, Rwanda and Ghana. The training covered topics in catchment analysis, soils, surveying and farm dam design, layout, construction and maintenance. This training is designed to assist participants to understand their catchments, harvest and store water, maximise crop yields, reduce land degradation and increase food security. Topics were covered as both classroom based activities and practical field sessions (despite less than ideal weather, particularly compared to an African summer). The NSW Soil Conservation Service (SCS) was engaged by the University of New England to assist in their delivery of a six week Water Harvesting and Management training program as part of an AusAID funded project. The primary objective of this project is to reduce the impacts of starvation in developing African countries by providing education in water harvesting and management to improve food security and reduce land degradation.
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The main outcome of the project is to increase the competency of African extension worker so they are able to facilitate the implementation of improved land management practices in their respective countries. Follow up visits to Africa by UNE staff help to encourage government policy changes with participating countries to ensure broader implementation of improved land management practices. SCS personnel involved in the training included Tim Elder, Brett Hanly and Terry Lovegrove.

Biochar standard published

In the April edition of their e newsletter the International biochar initiative (IBI) announced the publication of the newest version of the IBI biochar standard number version1.1. Changes include: new test method for organic carbon content, removal of the earthworm avoidance test, and inclusion of a new section on the revisions process, IBI state The IBI Biochar Standards provide a framework for determining what biochar isand what it is notand for demonstrating the safety and efficacy of its use as a soil amendment through a series of tests that determine basic physicochemical properties and the presence of potential toxicants A technical note explaining the changes and FAQs has also been published. All documents are available from the downloads section of the IBI website. The newsletter also states that the next step will be the launch of the IBI Biochar Certification Program which will enable manufacturers whose biochar materials have passed the IBI Biochar Standards to apply for certification through IBI, and to place an IBI Certified Biochar seal on their product.

Soil pedestal Pilliga NSW. (Photo A Jenkins)

Podosols are not only found at the beach, heres one south of Casino.
(Photo D Morand)

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New Publications
Soil conditions and plant growth
Gregory and Nortcliff, (eds)

A completely revised and updated edition of the classic Russells soil conditions and plant growth. Use this book to better understand and manage the many interactions that occur between soils and plants.

Managing agricultural greenhouse gases: Coordinated

agricultural research through GRACEnet to address our changing climate,
Liebig MA, Franzluebbers AJ, and. Follett Ron F. (eds)

Soils: Principles, Properties and Management.

Osman, Khan Towhid 2013

This book is aimed at undergraduate/graduate students. Written in a reader-friendly style, with a host of examples it covers the basics right up to more complex topics such as the origin, development and classification of soil; physical, chemical and biological properties of soil; water and nutrient management; management of problem soils, wetland soils and forest soils; soil degradation. The interactions between the environment and soil management are highlighted

covering the work of USDAARS scientists involved in GRACEnet (Greenhouse Gas through Agricultural Carbon Enhancement Network) this book documents research findings addressing strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change. It is a regional synthesis of soil organic carbon and greenhouse gas (GHG) dynamics for a broad portfolio of agricultural land uses, with chapters on modelling, method development and economic analysis as well.

Food Systems Failure: the global food crisis and the future of agriculture
Christopher Rosin, Paul Stock, Hugh Campbell

The publication provides a critical assessment of the contemporary global food system in light of the heightening food crisis.

Understanding Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Agricultural Management

Guo Lei, Gunasekara Amrith, McConnell Laura (Eds)

http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/18/pid/6937.htm

A comprehensive overview of important issues related to greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural systems, including measurement of greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural fields, development of alternative management practices as mitigation measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and greenhouse gas accounting methodologies and modelling. Both crop and animal production systems are addressed.

Precision agriculture for grain production systems

Whelan Brett and Taylor James

Precision Agriculture theory is explained in this publication. Identifying and describing essential tools and techniques, it includes practical examples from the grains industry.

http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/18/pid/6959.htm

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Web Resources
The UK National Environment Research Council has a web-based knowledge exchange program to enhance sustainable food production - it includes a section on soils! http://www.nercsustainablefood.com/ Sediment story http://phys.org/news/2013-03-tracking-sediments-fate-largest-ever.html#nwlt Compost for soils is a partnership between the Australian Organics Recycling Association Limited (AORA) and governments across Australia. The national program designed to build and spread knowledge about the production, benefits and use of recycled organics (compost) in a variety of soils and applications see http://www.compostforsoils.com.au/ Queensland soils conservation resources Resources related to the adoption of soil conservation measures in Queensland are now available online. They include historical videos, and a pictorial history of soil conservation. http://landcare.org.au/resources-links/achieving-soil-conservation-in-queensland/ Check out the report on the state of NSW soils in the state of the environment report at http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/soe/soe2012/ Earthworms contribute to soil emissions The presence of earthworms appears to increase soils' output of carbon dioxide by 33 percent and nitrous oxide by 42 percent. http://www.nature.com/nclimate/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nclimate1692.html Soil and environment blog by Dr. Victor B. Asio, professor of soil science & geo-ecology at Visayas State University, Leyte, Philippines. http://soil-environment.blogspot.com.au/ Blog of the SOIL SYSTEM SCIENCES DIVISION OF THE EUROPEAN GEOSCIENCES UNION http://gsoil.wordpress.com The British Soil Science Society (BSSS) has posters and leaflets with titles such as: How soils work; What are soils and soils and ecosystem services. Check them out at www.soils.org.uk They also have a You Tube video called: Why are soils important? You can view it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3Tqbji30UM&feature=youtu.be&goback=%2Egde_1826841 _member_231047326

Videos online
Dr Dirt soil videos: Great for schools and possible some limited literacy adult learning. The earth as an apple at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA78nPn41F4 Foundation of our culture at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlFyBiJ935c Soil organic matter response to soil management practices webinar by Carmen Ugarte from University of Illinois. Just a warning the sound is very poor but the slides may be useful http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWpy0R2ngpU Secrets of the soil from USC Berkley an panel of scientists discuss how the hidden world just beneath the surface could hold the key to our climate and energy future. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwmqr3oo0Ms Grassland Soil Health: Infiltration is a You tube videos for the USAs Natural resource conservation service http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_JOTeMg7Cw Soil science needs to get dirtier a presentation made at the 50th Alberta Soil Science Workshop by Dr Dan Pennock of Canada. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyzgJJmVMJU How-to Take a Soil Sample to Yield an Accurate Soil Test . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Qx070sHGgo

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Soil and sacrament a TED ex lecture from Fred Bahnson founder of Anathoth Gardens and author of Soil & Sacrament: Four Seasons among the Keepers of the Earth (Simon & Schuster, 2013) and co-author of Making Peace with the Land (InterVarsity Press 2012). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Suna6LDOv_8

Research Papers
Assessing the importance of subsoil constraints to yield of wheat and its implications for yield improvement
G. K. McDonald, J. D. Taylor, A. Verbyla and H. Kuche Crop and Pasture science 63 (12)

Rehabilitation of an incised ephemeral stream in central New South Wales, Australia: identification of incision causes, rehabilitation techniques and channel response
N. A. Streeton, R. S. B. Greene, K. Marchiori, D. J. Tongway and M. D. Carnegie The rangeland Journal 35(1)

Soil testing protocols at the paddock scale for contracts and audits. Market Based Instruments for Soil Carbon (CAMBI). Version 5.3
Murphy B, Badgery W, Simmons A, Rawson A, Warden E, Andersson K (2013). New South Wales Department of Primary Industries. Orange, Australia. http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/resources/soils/soil-carbon/testing-protocols

Soil water storage, drainage, and leaching in four irrigated cotton-based cropping systems sown in a Vertosol with subsoil sodicity
N. R. Hulugalle, T. B. Weaver and L. A. Finlay Soil Research 50 (8)

Towards cost-effective estimation of soil carbon stocks at the field scale

K. Singh, B. W. Murphy and B. P. Marchant Soil Research 50 (8)

Plant wilting can be caused either by the plant or by the soil

Ewa A. Czy and Anthony R. Dexter Soil research 50 (8)

Salinity affects the response of soil microbial activity and biomass to addition of carbon and nitrogen
Manpreet S. Mavi and Petra Marschner Soil Research 51 (1)

Carbon mineralisation and pore size classes in undisturbed soil cores

Liesbeth Bouckaert, Steven Sleutel, Denis Van Loo, Loes Brabant, Veerle Cnudde, Luc Van Hoorebeke and Stefaan De Neve Soil Research 51 (1)

Storage and stability of organic carbon in soils as related to depth, occlusion within aggregates, and attachment to minerals
M. Schrumpf, K. Kaiser, G. Guggenberger, T. Persson, I. Kgel-Knabner, and E.-D. Schulze Biogeoscinece 10 http://www.biogeosciences.net/10/1675/2013/bg-10-1675-2013.html

Comparison of Soil Carbon Dioxide Efflux between Residential Lawns and Corn Fields.
David R. Bowne, Erin R. Johnson. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 2013 10.2136/sssaj2012.0346N

Implications of Inorganic Fertilization of Irrigated Corn on Soil Properties: Lessons Learned after 50 Years
Humberto Blanco-Canqui and Alan J. Schlegelb Journal of environmental Quality Vol. 42 No. 3, p. 861-871
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Events
National Landcare WEBINAR Series - 'Regenerating Australia's Soil Health'
The nonprofit organisation, Soils for life is running a series of soil health webinars Part I Wednesday 22nd May 12.30pm (AEST) Part II Wednesday 29nd May 12.30pm (AEST) Part III Wednesday 5th June 12.30pm (AEST) Take a look at http://www.landcareonline.com.au/?page_id=10445 for details

Global Soil Map

7 to 9 October 2013 Orleans, France http://www.globalsoilmap.net/2013

20th World congress of soil science

June 8(Sun) ~ 13(Fri), 2014 ICC Jeju, Jeju, Korea http://www.20wcss.org/sub03_1.php Now accepting abstracts

23rd Australian Clay Minerals Society Conference

3rd-4th February Perth http://www.smectech.com.au/ACMS/ACMS_Conferences/ACMS23/ACMS23.htm

The third Australian Regolith Geoscientists Association Conference

6th-7th February 2014. Perth/Bunbury http://regolith.org.au/ There will be a joint conference field trip for both conferences on 5th February with a focus on bauxite and minerals sands.

Fungimap 7
23 - 27 May 2013 Rawson, Victoria http://fungimap.org.au/ Biennial conference

Farm profitability in a food insecure world.

Monday, 3 June 2013, 9:30 am 5:00 pm University of Melbourne, Parkville A Primary Industries Adaptation Research Network (PIARN) Symposium. http://www.piarn.org.au/events/2013/symposium

Enquiries
Simon Proust
NRCMA phone 02 6653 0111 email simon.proust@cma.nsw.gov.au

Abigail Jenkins
Department of Primary Industries, NSW phone 02 6626 1357 email abigail.jenkins@dpi.nsw.gov.au

All the dirt is produced by Department of Primary Industries, NSW) and published by the NRCMA. Email to subscribe, unsubscribe, contribute or comment: allthedirt.newsletter@industry.nsw.gov.au
Editor: Abigail Jenkins
2011 State of New South Wales through the Northern rivers CMA and NSW DPI

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