Optimising Soil and Plant Health

Agroecologist Mark Tupman demonstrating how to make a trace element foliar spray

Last month landholders in the Peel-Harvey were treated to a workshop on Optimising Plant Nutrition with agroecologist Mark Tupman, of Productive Ecology. During the morning session, Mark discussed the intricate relationship between soil microorganisms and plants. Microorganisms, such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi, provide a critical link between plant roots and nutrients that would otherwise be out of reach. In return, microbes receive sugars made via photosynthesis that leak from plant root tips.

Like the microorganisms that live in the human body, soil microbes require a healthy environment in order to survive and thrive. Improving soil health is paramount to improving production and building resilience in the face of the warming, drying climate we are currently experiencing. Growing multispecies pastures and cover crops, good grazing management, and minimising the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, are some of the ways we can achieve good soil health.

After lunch, Mark took participants outside to demonstrate making a compost slurry to coat seeds before planting. This is a highly effective way of utilising a small amount of good quality compost on farm.
Mark also demonstrated making a trace element foliar spray, which is low cost and enables plants to quickly and efficiently take up nutrients, bypassing any soil constraints. For further information on making your own foliar sprays contact amy.williams@peel-harvey.org.au. Despite the heat, the day was highly informative and, as always with Mark’s presentations, super inspiring!

Soil Wise is funded by the National Landcare Program Smart Farms Small Grants Initiative – an Australian Government program.