TNQ Drought Hub
James Cook University Australia
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From the Ground Up, 21-22 May, Cloncurry

Node partner, Southern Gulf NRM in collaboration with Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry hosted a workshop and field day at Cloncurry focusing on soil restoration and rangeland management. The event highlighted strategies to enhance drought resilience through improved soil health.

At the workshop, RSC Dhiraj Gajera presented on crucial topics including soil acidity, nutrient retention, organic matter, structurally unstable and sodic soils, and the factors contributing to soil health decline. He also shared practical methods for improving soil health.

Additional presentations covered soil crust and the biology makeup that can contribute to soil health, the significance of understanding plants species in paddocks and various project updates focusing on restoration.

Participants then attended a field day at Lara Downs near Julia Creek to view the recovery efforts focused on Mitchell grass downs country following the 2019 floods. The group also practiced plant identification, witnessed a drone demonstration for identifying Mitchell grass tussocks and explored a legume trial site. These hands-on activities emphasised the importance of adaptive land management practices in enhancing drought resilience.

Image: Participants out in the field.