Australia
April 9, 2014
Australia’s world-leading investigation into the influence of soil biology on crop production has produced new knowledge – and researchers want to share their discoveries with growers and the broader grains industry.
Grain growers, advisers and other industry personnel are being invited to attend and participate in a fee-free national symposium in May to learn more about soil biology and how it can be managed for improved crop production.
The GRDC’s Soil Biology Initiative (SBI) II symposium in Melbourne on May 15 will discuss new understandings generated through the five-year initiative and how growers can factor soil biology into their farming systems for positive impact.
SBI II co-ordinator, Associate Professor Pauline Mele (pictured), says the research program comprising 17 projects across the northern, southern and western cropping regions has produced some important insights that will inform growers’ future practices.
“This initiative set out to build a baseline of knowledge and we now have a far greater understanding of the impact of farming practices on soil quality and functioning and most importantly the role of biology in influencing nutrient availability and disease suppression and ultimately profitability,” said Assoc Prof Mele, of the Victorian Department of Environment and Primary Industries.
“We are now in a position where we have credible new information that will no doubt be of interest and use to growers and others, and this symposium will be the first of a number of forums and platforms for sharing that knowledge.”
To be held at AgriBio in Bundoora, the symposium will explore the role of biology in plant nutrient supply, how suppressive soils function and monitoring of soil quality with new tools and technologies.
Grower input will be sought into how this new information can be tailored and delivered to meet regional needs.
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