Can Soil Disturbance Improve Soil Health?

***Photo by Dianna Malcolm*** - The drive into The Impossible Dairy revealed a gorgeous road during spring. This property is under one hour away from Melbourne Airport.

Our editor, Dianna Malcolm, visited The Impossible Dairy in the last 10 days and got a heap of new photos of this operation that is working towards sustainably sharing the milk (it uses to make value-added products for its nearby Melbourne market) with the cows’ calves. This property is not naturally suited to dairy (read their story), but they have found some pioneering sustainable practice that is contributing to their topsoil and a whole lot of other positive results. The Soilkee system is available in New Zealand - take a look at the video, and see what you think.

Sustainable agriculture in this instance is being led by some pioneers in the Australian market. This system is available in New Zealand - take a look and see what you think. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=7vYKsw66KrI&ra=m

***Photo by Dianna Malcolm*** - The calves being reared by the calves were thriving

What happens when you deliberately disturb the soil in an effort to improve its health? It is a question that has caught the attention of soil health educator Ray Archuleta, who takes a closer look at the SOILKEE Renovator alongside Neils Olsen.

In this on-farm demonstration, Ray asks questions, explores the thinking behind the machinery and works towards understanding what the SOILKEE Renovator is designed to do. Rather than starting with all the answers, we get to follow his curiosity as the demonstration unfolds in real time.

The big question is whether carefully targeted soil disturbance can help regenerate soil and increase soil carbon. It challenges the familiar idea that soil disturbance is always something to avoid and invites farmers to look more closely at what is happening beneath their feet.

***Photo by Dianna Malcom*** - Chris Hunt with one of her favourites.

For anyone interested in regenerative agriculture, soil structure and improving the way soil functions, this is an opportunity to watch, question and learn alongside Ray. The value is in seeing the process unfold and hearing the questions that arise along the way, rather than simply being presented with a polished result.

Could deliberate soil disturbance have a place in a regenerative farming system? Watch the demonstration and make up your own mind.

Find out more about the machinery at SOILKEE.

***Photo by Dianna Malcolm*** - Chris Hunt has changed course from living in Western Australia to becoming one of the most constant carers on-farm in Victoria.

Farming Revolution: learning from nature

Farming Revolution goes on-farm to meet the people, explore the practices and investigate the ideas that are changing how we think about soil, water, plants, animals and farm profitability.

The focus is on real farming experiences, honest questions and practical learning. By documenting what happens in the paddock, Farming Revolution aims to explore what works, what does not, what it costs and what other farmers can learn from the experience.

It is about sharing knowledge, encouraging conversation and building a community of people who want to learn from nature and keep challenging conventional thinking.

***Photo by Dianna Malcolm*** - Who can resist a Jersey’s face.

Inspire. Learn. Belong.

Explore more on-farm films and discover ways to get involved with Farming Revolution. Sustainable agriculture and - led by some pioneers in the Australian market. This system is available in New Zealand - take a look and see what you think.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=7vYKsw66KrI&ra=m