Key takeaways
On December 5th, banana growers from the Innisfail region gathered at Mann Farming in Silkwood, QLD, to celebrate World Soil Day 2024. Hosted by Regional Soil Coordinator, Dhiraj Gajera, alongside TNQ Drought Hub Knowledge Broker Karen George, the event brought together over 25 enthusiastic farmers keen to enhance their understanding of soil health.
With this year’s theme, “Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage,” the workshop focused on the critical role soil plays in sustainable agriculture. Discussions covered climate-smart farming, soil capacity building, and practical solutions to improve soil biodiversity and health.
Understanding Soil Health in Banana Farming
Banana farming is a cornerstone of North Queensland’s agricultural economy, with the region producing 94% of Australia’s bananas. Best management practices (BMP) are crucial for maintaining environmental sustainability and biosecurity. Farmers are actively working to protect soil health through practices such as on-farm biosecurity, fruit quality maintenance, and sustainable land management.
A major highlight of the workshop was the onsite soil testing demonstration. Results indicated that while soil health levels were good, bacterial dominance outweighed fungal populations. Given that bananas are tree crops, fostering fungal dominance is ideal for soil balance.
To improve soil health, participants were encouraged to:
Soil biodiversity is often overlooked but is the master key to soil health. It supports plant growth, enhances nutrient availability, and regulates multiple ecosystem functions, including nutrient cycling and decomposition. Soil organisms—earthworms, fungi, bacteria, and nematodes—play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem sustainability and resilience.
Healthy soils also contribute to carbon sequestration, mitigating climate change. By reducing chemical inputs, using organic fertilizers, and implementing integrated pest management, farmers can enhance soil biodiversity and long-term productivity.
Representatives from the Department of Primary Industries South Johnstone Research Facility, and the Australian Banana Growers’ Council also attended the event. They were highly engaged and discussed a follow up workshop opportunity to continue these valuable conversations.
✅ Test soil regularly and work towards increasing beneficial fungi.
✅ Maintain ground cover to protect soil biology.
✅ Boost organic matter through mulching and composting.
✅ Manage soil pH with appropriate amendments.
✅ Use fertilizers efficiently with liquid fertigation programs.
✅ Regularly calibrate chemical sprayers and fertilizer spreaders.
✅ Monitor irrigation systems for leaks and inefficiencies.
Soil is not just dirt—it’s a living, breathing ecosystem that sustains our crops, livestock, and environment. The insights from World Soil Day 2024 emphasize that farmers play a pivotal role in soil conservation. By measuring, monitoring, and managing their soils, they ensure a more sustainable and productive future for North Queensland agriculture.
