Living Soils Project
Living Soils project (sponsored by SQNNSW Innovation Hub and UniSQ)
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Living soils project offers education and demonstrations to equip farmers with the knowledge and skills to repair and transform their soils, crops and pastures biologically. This project will present a tool kit of biological options, so that you can find a match for your operation. Learning will include an overview of whole systems thinking and approaches using permaculture design, natural farming methods, regenerative soils, landscape re-hydration, syntropic agriculture, agro forestry and the soil food web. Practical steps will be given for how to transition from conventional farming practices to biological practices, which naturally repair tired dirt, compromised and compacted mono culture pastures and return soil function to a diversity of living soils.
This is a hands-on learning journey!
Living Soils is a unique project - ongoing until May 2027. Over the course of the project, you will learn about about soil life and composting techniques, have the opportunity to create living micro-organisms, view the biology of your own soil and see results from applying composts with micro-organism extracts in them in the field. Granite Borders have two field sites, one in Ballandean, Qld; and one at Woodside, Tenterfield. While you are welcome to follow the journey of both sites, it may be more practical for you to follow one, by joining the field days for one or the other. You will be able to indicate which one when you register for the events.
In addition to the compost work on site, there will be a film night finale, showcasing the project journey, and offering a Q&A panel discussion, relevant to the project themes. These evenings will include panels of local participants in creating living soils, Guy McKenzie and Lachlan Searle, as well as our learning guides, Lana Tyacke, Ron Hannah and Graeme Sait.
As part of your journey, you will learn how to use Microbiometers. You can bring your own sample in to test, and Ron can interpret further with a more powerful microscope.
Learn about Indigenous Micro-Organisms (IMOs), two composting techniques, creating compost extracts and how they contribute to soil repair and landscape rehydration.
In addition, you will be encouraged to contribute to our composting piles (on site) - either by dropping your 'offerings' off at the Landcare office, or bringing them to pre-organised field day events.
Meet our Scientists
Cameron Leckie - Regional Soil Coordinator (Southern Queensland Northern NSW Innovation Hub; the University of Southern Queensland)
Cameron Leckie has been the Regional Soil Coordinator for the Southern Queensland Northern NSW (SQNNSW) Innovation Hub for over four years. His role is to help facilitate the implementation of the National Soil Strategy and Climate Smart Agriculture.
An agricultural engineer, Cameron has recently submitted a PhD dissertation on the topic of the spatial variation of soil constraints and infiltration. Cameron is also an accredited Registered Soil Practitioner - Soil Management as well as being the Chair of the Training Board for Soil Science Australia.
Cameron is fascinated by soil and landscapes and excited to support activities that aim to enhance soil health and the productivity of agricultural systems.
Lana Tyacke - Permaculture Designer, Educator and Consultant (Woodside Permaculture)
Through the lens of education in Permaculture Design (including Peter Andrews of Tarwyn Park; Mulloon Institute Landscape Rehydration, Regenerative soil, Soil Food Web, Organic farming), plus 30 years of practicing biological farming and 11 years of independent research into how nature works, Lana has a clear vision along the path to a regenerative future.
My work has resulted in an understanding that we can rebuild biologically healthy soils quite fast, secure pure clean drinking water for all, implement water harvesting strategies for flood, fire and drought mitigation and build a sustainable, regenerative future ensuring a resilient healthy community and region.
Lana has generously shared her knowledge and practice, through seasonal community courses at her property, Woodside Permaculture. She has delivered these to our community in an engaging and effective way for the past 4 years.
Ron Hannah - Regenerative Soil and Microscopy (Ron Hannah, Red Gum Hills)
Ron is a regenerative soils and permaculture enthusiast. He has completed Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC), Soil Food Web and Regenerative Soils and Microscopy courses with Matt Powers. He will be joining the project to offer insights into soil microbiology.
Graeme Sait - Nutri-tech Solutions
Tyrone Ryan - Dusty Lens Media
Register for our Introductory Workshop in Wallangarra on Friday, 2nd October from 9am, here: http://tix.yt/living-soils-introductory-workshop
