‘All the Dirt III’ is about building knowledge for resilient, sustainable soil management and began in Spring 2015 when 15 landholders met as a large group to get the low-down on the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils. 

Discussions on soil carbon, especially liquid and organic forms of carbon, and microbial bridges providing soil-plant nutrition followed on, as well as considerations of soil ameliorants, livestock management and production.

Small groups, led by Derek and Fiona Smith of Working for Nature, then visited individual participants’ properties to collect soil, pasture and feed samples for analysis.  With the results of these analyses and the generosity of course participants the landholders have recently completed visits to each others’ properties where they have shared their working knowledge and approaches to and ideas on soil, pasture and stock management.

In small groups or between individuals there has been open, useful and inspirational sharing and learning. ‘All the Dirt III’ participants have been able to analyse their resource base, increase their knowledge and develop ideas to make management changes to improve their soils, pastures and animal production for the long-term.

Participants will reconvene as a large group to compare and share results of soil and plant analyses, and workshop experiences and learnings. Although the project concludes at the end of June 2016 it will have a continuing impact as participant’s adjust their management practices and further develop their grazing production systems. 

‘All the Dirt III’ has been a very worthwhile project under the Federal Government’s 25th Anniversary of Landcare Grants 2015-15 Program.