This episode explores the importance of soil and soil management for agriculture and the environment, focusing on the soils of the Sydney region. Experts from the New South Wales Soil Knowledge Network share their expertise on topics such as geology, soil formation, soil types, erosion, and assessing soil health. The conversation highlights the role of organic matter, irrigation, and soil samples in managing different soil types. Listeners will gain a better understanding of the value of soil and practical tips for improving soil health. Let's make the world greener and healthier, one soil par ..read more

In this episode, we explore soil amendments and their role in enhancing soil fertility.  Accompanied by farmers from Kangaroo Valley, we delve into their strategic use of compost and diverse amendments to enhance soil health.  Former Senior Agricultural Advisor Ed Hogan presents a comprehensive soil biology demonstration, offering invaluable insights for the farming community - recognising the significance of tailoring agricultural approaches to meet the distinctive needs of each soil and steering clear of a generic 'one-size-fits-all' methodology. Tune in to discover which amendment ..read more

Riparian Zones play an integral role in the Australian landscape - from cultural heritage to agriculture, recreation, and providing habitat for aquatic and terrestrial animals. These areas are crucial for filtering water, preventing erosion, and supporting the overall productivity of the surrounding landscape. They also provide grazing, shelter, and access to water for livestock. Development and agriculture can pose a potential threat to riparian zones. Clearing, overuse, and uncontrolled stock access are some activities that can lead to erosion, habitat loss, and reduced water quality. But th ..read more

Many landholders have been promoting biodiversity and wildlife conservation on their property for many years. Not only is this beneficial for the environment, but through conservation agreements, landholders benefit financially from protecting their patches. Landholders can be involved in a variety of different programs and conservation agreements. One of the main aspects is landholders need to have native vegetation in good condition on their land. In terms of size, smaller farms can collaborate to create larger parcels that may be eligible for financial compensation.  In this episode, w ..read more

Citizen Science has been around for a long time. It has allowed vast amounts of data to be collected and analysed within a relatively short period by getting members of the public to participate in scientific research.  This research is invaluable as it helps to inform natural resource management, increase environmental protection and inform policy and decision making.  It also benefits individuals as they can engage in research and provide public input.  There are numerous citizen science opportunities for landholders to get involved in, whether it be about frogs, tree hollows ..read more

Wildlife corridors are essential for the survival of animals. They also provide additional benefits for both the environment and agricultural productivity. Unfortunately, habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation create immense challenges for animals as they struggle to reach food, water and shelter. But there are many things that landholders can do to improve habitat connectivity and increase wildlife conservation efforts. By planting more trees and creating corridors for animals, landholders contribute to landscape resilience and benefit in many ways by preventing soil erosion, improving c ..read more

Livestock farming has been practiced for over 10,000 years, so understandably there are many different approaches, particularly when adapting to climate change. Climate change affects livestock production, both directly through heat stress and indirectly through effects on grassland and species distribution.  Farmers are innovatively managing their livestock to improve productivity and reduce environmental impacts. The techniques vary, including rotational grazing, precision genetics, species stacking and intensive feeding systems.  This episode features three farmers who share how ..read more

On the road again with Matt and Edgars. This time visiting farmers who have significantly injected life back into their farms growing wine, macadamias and cherries! Biodiversity is essential for ecosystem functions that support all life on Earth. Climate change significantly impacts biodiversity through the increase in the intensity and frequency of fires, storms, or periods of drought. Farmers combat and maintain healthy ecosystems by focusing on regenerative practices such as native plantings, increasing diversity, cover cropping, microbiology and integrated pest management. In this episode ..read more

Soil is one of the most undervalued substances on this planet, but farmers know that our future depends on the health of our soil. Maintaining healthy soils improves productivity and resilience on farms and also plays a role in tackling climate change by capturing and storing vast amounts of carbon. Recent climatic changes contribute to many soil issues like erosion, nutrient imbalance, water logging and loss of soil biodiversity. In this episode several farmers share their experiences of cover cropping, soil testing and using compost and organic fertilisers to improve soil health and structur ..read more

The ⁠#ClimateSmart series explores the diverse impacts of ⁠#ClimateChange⁠ on the landscape and farmers' own experiences in practically adapting their land, systems and businesses. In this episode, we're looking at farmers who have used landscape modification including diversion banks, ponding, swales and leaky weirs to slow and store water flows during rainfall events. Along with restoring ground cover this has significantly reduce erosion and restored landscape function. Thank you to the farmers, you can watch and read their stories here: Scott Preisig and Belinda Scott, Merrylands Station ..read more