Southern Farming Systems is running a series of workshops on the risk soil acidification to their production and how to best manage this risk. The workshops are open to members and non members in the Streatham and Hamilton Branch regions

The project is supported by Glenelg Hopkins CMA, through funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country, Sustainable Farm Practices initiative. The Australian Government has identified soil acidity as the priority threat to sustainable farm productivity and soil health in the Glenelg Hopkins catchment.

When:

Wednesday 17th March, 2010

12.00 midday Registration and light lunch for 12.15 start
2.45pm Close & Afternoon tea
The workshop will be followed by:
3.00pm Registration for Streatham Branch Members Results Day & AGM
Results presentations followed by AGM & BBQ tea.

SMW Rovers Football Club, Mininera (VicRoads Map 74 H3)

Free - Open to both members and mon-members (light lunch provided)

Enquiries/RSVP:

Streatham Branch Coordinator
Una Allender
M:  0419 891 920
E: uallender@sfs.org.au
Or fax attached form to:
F: (03) 5350 4244
R.S.V.P. please for catering purposes.

Details:

Workshop Presenters:

Soil Acidity 101 –

• Why worry about soil acidity?
• Tim Johnston Soil Health Officer, Grains – South West Vic, DPI

Lime Responses and application rates

• Dr Kevin Reed RPS Hamilton: Lime Use for Perennial Pasture in southern Victoria
• Scott Cameron Westlake Fertilisers Liming and Cropping
• Peter McCluskey VLPA: Sources of Lime & Gypsum

Nutrient availability and soil pH

• Lee Menhenett Technical agronomist, IncitecPivot

Practical session and Q&A

An opportunity exists to have your soils tested at the conclusion of the workshop. Bring in approx 200g of soil from 0-10cm depth, then we will use some pH test kits to provide a quick indication of soil pH.