Western Australia
September 5, 2012
American scientist Bob Kremer will speak at events throughout the wheatbelt promoting the need for healthy and diverse soil microbial communities as part of the Department of Agriculture and Food’s visiting specialist program.
Department Grains Executive Director Peter Metcalfe said with more than 30 years experience in weed science and soil and plant microbiology, Dr Kremer’s work particularly on sustainable weed management strategies will greatly benefit grain growers.
Dr Bob Kremer (right) with former graduate student Luiz Zobiole from Brazil looking at high yielding soybean field plots as a result of healthy soil.
“Currently Dr Kremer is visiting the department from America as part of its visiting specialist program to speak about his work on weed management,” Mr Metcalfe said.
“The program enables not only department staff, but industry partners to be exposed to valuable international research results that relate to Western Australia.”
Dr Kremer said he would be talking to grain growers about the importance of having healthy soil and how it could boost profits through higher yields.
“We know that having healthy and diverse soil microbial communities are essential for maintaining critical soil processes such as nutrient cycling and herbicide degradation,” Dr Kremer said.
“Some growers may not realise how these healthy soil communities can improve crop yields, suppress weeds through production of natural bioherbicides, enhance herbicide degradation and improve general soil health.
“By sustainably managing crops, growers will be able to enhance soil microbial diversity and activity, therefore improving soil health which is essential for soil and crop productivity, such as higher yields, and minimising residual herbicide build up by promoting active herbicide biodegrading.”
Dr Kremer will be speaking at:
• Mingenew-Irwin Group field day - 6 September
• SEPWA field day - 12 September
• DAFWA Albany Office - 14 September 8.30am
Species
