Digging deeper for soil health
Although primarily known for beef production, the Fitzroy region in Central Queensland boasts a growing and diverse horticulture industry. The gross value of the horticulture industry in the Fitzroy region is $150M, a quarter of which is attributed to vegetable production, namely sweet potatoes, pumpkins, tomatoes, and capsicums.
Given its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), the horticulture industry has an important role to play in adopting land management practices which are not detrimental to Reef water quality. Minimising loss of topsoil to reduce the amount of fine sediment ending up in waterways in particular is a priority in the Fitzroy region.
In early June growers in the Fitzroy region participated in two paddock walks on soil health practices to minimise losses of sediment and nutrients. The events were hosted by herb growers Paul and Kim Stringer at Biloela, and Reef Certified lychee growers Paul and Krystal Caton at South Yaamba. Discussion canvassed regenerative farming practices, the benefits of precision sampling practices, tools for measuring losses of nutrient, and using soil organic carbon to its highest advantage.
The events were funded by natural resource management body Fitzroy Basin Association (FBA) to assist horticulture growers based in the region to become involved in their programs, and to improve management practices. Other events that the FBA has funded for growers include a field day on soil conservation, and pest awareness and preparedness.
Basic soil conservation principles and practice to minimise erosion, loss of topsoil and potential impacts of fine sediment on water quality, without compromising yield include:
Well maintained headlands, contours, and sediment traps to prevent infield sediment loss, gullying and erosion.
Correctly designed and built access roads and tracks.
Undersow inter-rows or use mulch (annuals).
Vegetated drains, buffers, and diversion banks, and at least 80% ground cover to slow run-off/increase infiltration (grassy inter-rows and mulch in tree lines).
Regenerative agriculture approach for improved soil health.
