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June 08

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June 08

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how and where to dispose of chemical containers

Northern Rivers Soil Health Cards and Soil Best Management Practice Guides for Perennial Horticulture and Vegetables have been released. The documents were produced by farmers for farmers in a project funded by the NR Catchment Management Authority. Dave Forrest demonstrated the Soil Health Cards to (above) pecan growers at their recent AGM and (right) to vegetable growers at a recent field day at Cudgen. Dave demonstrates the soil aggregate stability test. SoilCare members visit Environmental Analysis Laboratory (EAL) Graham Lancaster (3rd from left), manager of EAL at Southern Cross University, conducted an interesting information session and tour of the lab in June 2008 to interested SoilCare members. Graham introduced us to some very impressive equipment and then reminded us of the valuable locked-up nutrients we are storing in our soil. For more information visit the EAL website .   SoilCare Expo 2008 The SoilCare Expo held on 5 March was well attended. Visitors reported the day was valuable for people looking for information about sustainable soil and land management. The Bio-char seminar presented by Adriana Downie from Best Energies and Dr Lukas van Zwieten (pictured) of NSW DPI was well attended. National Landcare Programme Project Best Practice Soil Health and Conservation in Macadamia Plantations  Participants enjoyed the SoilCare Farmer to Farmer field day on 6 February. Learn how four innovative farmers have taken steps to manage soil erosion and improve soil health.
Debra Lewis and Mark Atkinson  (McLeans Ridges) are planting a new macadamia orchard.  To reduce the volume of water entering the orchard from an adjoining property they have constructed a drain to redirect run-on to a stable gully catchment thus minimising erosion. Details of this project.	John Webster (Agnutta at Clunes) has removed 25% of the trees (every 2nd tree in every 2nd row) in a crowded block to improve light penetration.  The trees have been chipped and chips spread on the orchard floor.  Smother grass has been planted in squares throughout the block. Details of this project.
Meg and Peter Fleming (McLeans Ridges) have removed 25% of the trees in a block with little or no light penetration to the orchard floor and minimal ground cover. Trees were chipped and a mixture of millet, carpet grass, broadleaf paspalum and haifa clover was broadcast planted and sprigs of smother grass manually planted. Details of this project.	Anne and Shaun Stead (Jiggi) are using limb removal in 18 year old macadamia trees to enhance light penetration through the canopy and down to the ground covers. Prunings are chipped and the chips are put directly back under the trees to enhance erosion control and increase biological activity. Details of this project.