New dairy research gets to the root of soil health

The DairySoil project will introduce cutting-edge farming practices to help reduce the industry’s use of synthetic fertiliser, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and increase productivity and resilience to climate change.

This program will utilise state-of-art sensors to measure, map, retain and recover the moisture and nutrient levels needed to produce reliable and sustainable soil.

In partnership with the Victorian Government, Dairy Australia and the Gardiner Foundation, DairySoil is spearheading the initiative as part of the $42.5 million DairyFeedbase23-28 program.

The DairyFeedbase23-28 project is supporting transformational programs across soils, forages and animal nutrition over the next five years.

From researching soil health and pasture composition changes, to measuring and reducing methane emissions, the DairyFeedbase program will aim to increase the profitability and productivity of dairy farms while minimising their impact on the environment.

The projects will also link to other national research under way and make the most of facilities at Agriculture Victoria’s Ellinbank and Hamilton SmartFarms and the AgriBio Centre for AgriBiosciences in Bundoora.

Dairy Australia managing director David Nation the DairySoil program was the cornerstone investment in soil research for Dairy Australia and the DairyFeedbase program.

“It recognises the important role soil health plays in farm profitably and sustainability. The outcome will help farmers get more from their soil,” Dr Nation said.

Gardiner Foundation chief executive officer Allan Cameron said including soils in the DairyFeedbase program for the first time would provide valuable insights on how to create healthier soils for dairy farms.

“Gardiner Foundation is proud to support this important research which seeks to improve the productivity and sustainability of the Victorian dairy industry,” he said.

For more information visit, https://dairyfeedbase.com.au/