Carbon Mythbusters

Grower Group Alliance Media Release: 1 September 2008

Carbon Mythbusters: Exploding soil carbon myths

Soil carbon myths are set to be tackled this spring field day season, as the Grower Group Alliance (GGA) presents the 2008 Researcher Roadshow, hosting Clive Kirkby from CSIRO Canberra.

Supported by South Coast NRM Inc, Mr Kirkby present ‘Carbon Mythbusters: Exploding soil carbon myths in WA’ at two grower group field days in the northern agricultural region and three on the south coast, and present at two agribusiness breakfast in Perth and Geraldton.

GGA project leader Tracey Gianatti said the roadshow aims to improve the quality of information provided to WA farmers and industry representatives about soil carbon.

“The presentations will increase participants’ knowledge of, and ‘explode the myths’ surrounding the role of soil carbon; its impact on soil fertility, crop productivity and water holding capacity; the potential for soil to sequester carbon and methods to increase soil carbon.

“Improving soil health is consistently ranked as one of the top five issues faced by farmers in surveys of grower group members, and the roadshow allows grower groups to address this specific concern identified by their members,” Ms Gianatti said.

Project partner Wayne Pluske, of Nutrient Management Systems, said there is a large amount of information being presented to farmers on possible benefits of soil carbon, such as how it may increase water holding capacity of soils or suddenly increase plant-available nutrients.

“While there are factual aspects to much of this information, it would seem sometimes it gets extrapolated a bit too far, possibly for individual or commercial gain,” Mr Pluske said.

Mr Kirkby’s current research into crop residue management, soil carbon and the role of microbes is focussed particularly on the influence of nutrient availability on the formation and stabilisation of soil humus following stubble retention.

He is currently trying to understand why, despite retaining quite large amounts of stubble for many years, there often hasn’t been an increase in soil carbon levels, and believes insufficient nutrients, and not just limited carbon inputs, may limit the formation and build-up of stabilised organic matter in soils. This may explain why in some trials, large returns of stubble over many years have not resulted in an increase in soil carbon levels.

Mr Kirkby will be presenting at the following dates and venues. All are open to anyone who may wish to attend.

Wednesday 10 Sept        Agribusiness breakfast, University Club, UWA, Perth

Thursday 11 Sept           Liebe Spring Field Day, Marchagee

Friday 12 Sept                 Agribusiness breakfast, Conversations, Geraldton,
Mingenew-Irwin Group Spring Field Day, Mingenew

Monday 15 Sept              Jerdacuttup Spring Field Day, Jerdacuttup

Tuesday 16 Sept             RAIN Spring Field Day, Ravensthorpe

Wednesday 17 Sept        Esperance Downs Research Station Spring Field Day, Esperance

For more information or to register your interest, contact Susan Hall, Grower Group Alliance, P: 08 6488 7937, E: sahall@fnas.uwa.edu.au.