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WORLD LEADING SOIL EXPERT PROVIDES HELPING HAND
World leading soil microbiologist Dr Elaine Ingham will be
visiting Gippsland to assist local people improve their soil,
save water, reduce fertiliser and chemical use and better their
bottom line.
Dr Ingham will be conducting an intensive two day seminar at
Education Centre Gippsland’s (ECG) McMillan campus at Warragul.
AgriSolutions has partnered with ECG to host Dr Elaine Ingham’s
visit to West Gippsland – one of only two seminars to be held in
Victoria.
Soil specialist Gerhard Grasser said it was a unique opportunity
for people involved in agribusinesses, farmers, landholders,
turf managers, teachers, students and those managing parks and
gardens to gain access to a brilliant communicator and
world-renowned soil expert who has even been invited to attend
Prince Charles property, ‘Highgrove’
“This seminar aims to increase understanding of biological
process relationships in soils, plants and animals and the huge
benefits to land managers, business and the environment.
“Participants will be introduced to biological farming, and its
application to their farm or business operation, learn how to
merge current soil management practices with biological methods,
assess soil health, and learn techniques to make good quality
compost from readily accessible materials to increase soil
fertility.”
The seminar has attracted registrations from across Victoria and
interstate as well as interest from South Africa.
Mr Grasser said there was a ground swell of interest from people
wanting more information on soil science and growing recognition
that every thing starts with good soils.
“No matter what condition a soil is in, using microbiological
principles has the capacity to build healthy soils that hold
more carbon and in turn more water. A healthy soil reduces plant
disease and can achieve up to 70% water savings.
“Because of the biological activity there is more opportunity
for nutrient uptake and that leads to healthier plants which
mean less use of herbicides, pesticides and fungicides equating
to a better bottom line.”
He said there was a lot of talk about carbon sequestration.
“Farmers and businesses that set themselves up now with the
knowledge of biological farming processes will be in a stronger
position to gain from opportunities for carbon offsets in the
future. The real gains of biological farming however are more
fertile soils, healthy plants, increased production, and cleaner
and more viable businesses.”
The seminar has been approved for Farm Ready subsidies (ex Farm
Bis) which means that farmers and those employed in eligible
agri-businesses may be fully reimbursed for the cost of the
seminar provided they contact Farm Ready at least five working
days prior to the event.
ECG and AgriSolutions are planning to offer further specialist
speakers throughout the year to give local people access to more
experts in the field.
The Seminar, ‘True Fertility – combining soil biology, chemistry
and structure’ presented by Dr Elaine Ingham will be held from
May 13-15 at ECG McMillan’s Warragul campus.
For more information phone 5627 8663 or email
agrisolutions@dcsi.net.au. For more information on Dr Elaine
Ingham visit www.soilfoodweb.com.au.
Dr Elaine Ingham provides a closer up look at compost.
Dr Elaine Ingham examines the role of weeds in soil health.
Media Inquiries:
Gerhard Grasser (AgriSolutions) 5627 8663
Babis Lagos (ECG Head of Rural Studies) 5622 6000
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