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Improving soils health and productivity with the National Soil Science team

Regional Soils Coordinator Dhiraj Gajera and Knowledge Broker Rachel Hay hosted the National Soil Science Extension Team Coordinator Abby Jenkins on a recent trip to tropical north Queensland in late May.

The group visited several farms and producers around the Mareeba, Tully and Mission Beach area who have improved their soils health and productivity through innovative mulching and composting across passionfruit, avocado, sugarcane and banana crops. Healthy soil can reduce fertiliser use and increase moisture in the soil, while at the same time decrease waterlogging by encouraging the roots to move to the surface and grow within the mulch.

It was also a chance for growers to learn more about what kinds of grants are available to them. Producers told Abby and the team that they are keen to engage in more composting and mulching trials, but that it’s hard to find funding and or resources to do so.

Learn more about the National Soils Strategy.Â