Jack meets 'soil rockstars' in Tassie

Territory Regional Soil Coordinator Jack Farthing has been down in chilly Tasmania attending the National Soils Extension Community of Practice Field Trip and Soil Practitioner training.

As part of the trip he visited several farms around Hobart along with other Regional Soil Coordinators and Soil Extension Officers to learn about the various soil conditions and issues faced by growers in the region.

“It was great to be able to talk to producers and look at the ways they manage the various soil conditions and issues when growing in their regions,” Jack said.

“Although the Territory and Tasmania are worlds away in terms of climatic conditions and soils, it was fascinating to draw comparisons to issues faced in the NT and Tassie. You don’t often think about drought when daydreaming about lush green Tassie fields but like all of us, climate change and drought is something we are all learning to adapt to.”

The group also had the opportunity to learn from the expertise of University of Tasmania lectures Richard Doyle and Marcus Hardie.

“Another highlight of the Tassie tour was having the opportunity to learn from some truly gifted lectures from the University of Tasmania Richard Doyle and Marcus Hardie who were truly fascinating in their description of landscape formation and soil issues faced by growers,” Jack said.

For those who want an opportunity to meet some soil ‘rock stars’, both professors will be attending the National Soil Science Conference in Darwin in June.

While in Tasmania, Jack also attended the Soil Science Australia Registered Soils Practitioner Training Program at the University of Tasmanian Research Farm to learn more about soils and how to read landscapes.

This project is supported through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

Image: Territory Regional Soil Coordinator Jack Farthing has been down in chilly Tasmania