Australia is the driest continent on earth and the management of our water assets is often the limiting factor to the productivity and viability of our farmland.

The Mudgee Microscope Group (MMG) visited “Tarwyn Park”, the Bylong Valley property known as the home of Natural Sequence Farming, last week.

Natural Sequence Farming, a technique to re-hydrate the land, was developed by Peter Andrews after years of observing the landscape and experimentation.

MMG members were given an insight into landscape hydrology, the importance of vegetation and the principles of Natural Sequence Farming by Stuart Andrews, Peter's son who is now managing the property.

The discussion was followed by a tour of the farm and Stuart explained how Natural Sequence Farming has been utilised at “Tarwyn Park” to repair erosion, increase the water holding capacity of the soil and improve fertility and productivity.

Rather than allowing water to flow straight downhill, Natural Sequence Farming utilises plants and gravity to slow down the flow of water, move the water through the landscape and give soils, the largest water sinks on our farms, time to recharge.

Although simple in principle, the technique relies on knowledge and skills to read the unique Australian landscape.

The MMG are a group of farmers and land managers who share an interest in soil health and, particularly, soil biology. They meet once a month for dinner, a few drinks and a lively discussion.

Want to join or find out more about our special interest groups? Contact our co-ordinator, Agness Knapik, on 0435 055 493 or email info@watershedlancare.com.au.

The Mudgee Microscope Group is supported by Watershed Landcare through funding from the Australian Government's 25^th Anniversary Landcare Grants.