Tasmanian agricultural systems have traditionally benefited from relatively high organic carbon content due to climatic and soil influences.
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However, many areas in the Midlands have a long history of tillage, fallows and set stocking, leading to declines in soil organic carbon and overall soil health.
A pasture and crop managmenet field day held by NRM North and Southern Farming Systems (TAS) was held at Rob and Jo Bradley's Woollen Park property near Longford.
The day focussed on the results of local trials aimed at investigating and demonstrating cost-effective and relatively easy implementation systems to overcome these soil constraints on-farm, through manures, tillage and drainage mechanisms.
NRM North land program manager Adrian James said five-foot-deep pits were dug to examine the varied soil profiles existing on the site and the benefits the incorporated manure may have had.
"Below average rainfall levels this year have limited the data available for the lucerne pasture drainage trial. However, early soil improvements in the incorporated chook manure trial show that positive carbon gains could be achieved under variable conditions," he said.
The latest research and technologies to assist farmers in pasture management were also presented by a host of speakers.
UTAS researcher, Geoff Dean, discussed findings from subsoil manuring trials, funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation with initial support from NRM North.
For those interested in new technology, Southern Farming Systems (VIC) introduced Pasture Paramedic, a pasture assessment tool developed by Meat and Livestock Australia.
Dr Shane Powell from UTAS discussed E-Nose, a tool in development that has the potential to detect gases given off by soil microbes, recently funded by Soil CRC.
Macquarie Franklin discussed the importance of early planning for good autumn pasture practices, and recent work monitoring dung beetles by Southern Farming Systems (TAS) and farmers left with plenty of new ideas to incorporate in their own cropping and pasture systems.
Primary Industries Minister Guy Barnett said the early trial results were encouraging.
The trial collaboration between NRM North and Southern Farming Systems is part of a wider soil carbon project supported by NRM North, through funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program.
For details about the trial results or any information shared on the day contact the NRM North Land Program on 6333 7777 or email ajames@nrmnorth.org.au
