Where:

Peats Soils, Brinkley – meet at the Strathalbyn Natural Resource Centre, 6 Catherine Street, Strathalbyn then travel by bus.

When:

Wednesday 23rd March 9:30 am to 1:00 pm.

What:

Join us for a bus tour of the Peats Soils organics processing plant and a presentation from Dr Ashley Martin, Soil Scientist. Dr Martin will discuss the role of microbes in the soil and how they can be used to overcome some key soil issues in the area.

Sandy soils:  Sandy soils often lack structure, which reduces water infiltration, water holding capacity and beneficial microbial communities that drive important soil processes, such as nutrient release, disease resistance and carbon accumulation.

Water repellent soils:  Water repellent soils in agriculture are usually caused by a build-up of waxy materials and incompletely-processed organic matter in the surface layers.  Natural waxes on the surface of plant leaves are the major contributor to this problem.  Inadequately broken-down organic matter can also contribute, along with soil management practices that damage structure.

Soil acidity:  Soil acidity in the Goolwa to Welling LAP area is typically due to the underlying parent material (rock) and leaching of alkaline nutrients by rainfall.

The day will also include the opportunity to see some innovative new operations including large scale composting, biodiesel production and methane harvesting.

This field excursion will be of interest to anyone wishing to get more from their soil.

Please RSVP to:

Jacqui Wilson
Community Engagement Officer, GWLAP
8536 5617/0400 036 843
jacqui.wilson@gwlap.org.au

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