Understanding the relationship between soil health has with productively growing crops and pastures is being encouraged by the establishment of healthy soils discussion groups in the Tamar Valley.

Tamar NRM, with the support of Meat and Livestock Australia and Southern Farming Systems, has facilitated two healthy soils discussion groups where a range of issues including soil management, improving wet soil drainage, soil report interpretation and nutrient budgeting were discussed.

Tamar NRM's technical working group chairman Ian Sauer said soils were like people.

"They (soils) are all different and need different treatment to produce their best," he said.

"With over 50 per cent in the Tamar Valley having class 4 or 5 land capability, and soils that can change dramatically from paddock to paddock, getting the soil factors right is an important first step on the path productivity.

"We secured highly qualified soil scientists to present at the three field days, people that were be able to assist the discussion group and present practical ways to assess physical characteristics of soil and offer advice on how to improve them."

Tamar NRM project coordinator Greg Lundstrom said the spring and autumn discussion groups of up to 20 landholders would visit a number of farms and be examine core samples taken from the Tamar Valley region's variable soil profiles.

"The paddock discussions and hearing first hand from the farmers concerned provide valuable insights."

Presenters include Rob Moreton (DPIPWE), Theresa Chapman (RM Consulting Group) and Dr. Bill Cotching.

Each presentation has interconnecting themes including structural assessment of soil, improving wet soil drainage, soil biology, and fertilizer/nutrient budgeting.

For more details visit the website at www.tamarnrm.com.au or contact Greg Lundstrom, Tamar NRM on 0438 642 112