Watershed Landcare are launching a new project which will provide landholders with the opportunity to increase their knowledge of aspects that influence soil health.

The Digging Deeper into Watershed Soils project will explore improving soil health with a focus on soil health issues within our region; soil biology, soil water and soil acidity; and adapting management decisions as a result of understanding the landscape.

Landholders will also have an opportunity to participate in on-ground works on their own properties focusing on soil health.

“This project gives landholders the chance to look at soil issues that they aren't quite sure how to manage or what is really causing the problem. They will have the opportunity to work with technical experts, to identify solutions and options for management.” said Claudia Wythes, Watershed Landcare Coordinator.

A series of workshops will be held across our region linking with the on-ground activity sites. Watershed Landcare are looking for sites to host the workshops and conduct on-ground works.

Landholders will have the opportunity to have their soil tested and work with the experts engaged to analyse soil test results, determine management options, address their issues and discuss their proposed on-ground works.

“The project funds will help landholders to perhaps try a different solution or look at the issue differently.” said Ms Wythes.

Landholders will be able to utilise the funds to conduct erosion control work, works to improve hydrology, compost or compost tea applications, planting of nitrogen fixing species to improve productivity, Pasture Cropping or any other ideas that meet the project objectives.

Individual landholders will be able to apply for up to $750 in funding and will be required to provide a 25% in-kind contribution (labour or materials) to the project. Participating landholders will also receive a free soil test and expert advice from our selected speakers tailored to their site.

Have you got a soil health topic you would like to explore further, would like to host a workshop or have an idea for a project to improve soil health on your patch?

Contact Caludia Wythes, Watershed Landcare Co-ordinator, for more information on 0412 011 064 or claudia.wythes@watertshedlandcare.com.au.

This project is supported by Watershed Landcare through funding from Landcare Australia and teh Jaramas Foundation and is part of the NSW Government’s Local Landcare Coordinators Initiative, supported through the partnership of Local Land Services and Landcare NSW.