Project to begin June 2021 – Completed by June 2023

 

Winter 2021 – Soil test 1

Soil test, for Carbon, 6 different properties at 10, 30 and 80 cm depth. Testing in/Winter 2021. Properties being: beef cattle, sheep, horticulture – extensive cut flowers and cropping. Cropping being in the Molyullah area.

Cropping area – Dookie Landcare group ?

Collaborate with executive and property holders about process.

Each property to test trial field and another similar/ untreated paddock. Gecko CLaN and Ag Vic will assist in site assessment.

Trial site group will record stocking rates, treatment to site such as fertilizer application /or re-sowing and ground coverage, type of agriculture, over the trial site.

 

We will supply labour and additional money for testing. Landholders/Gecko CLaN to do sampling with our deep core sampler

 

Total of 12 samples and 36 tests. Tests sent to Incitec Pivot /Nutrient Advantage and analysed by Brad Costin from Ag Vic. Brad will advise on what data we need to collect from the tests.

Ag Vic will supply climate data, also members can supplement.

Results returned and workshop with trial site group, run by Brad Costin to understand results and treatment planning/ change of practise.

 

Feb- Mar 2022- Workshop 1

Available to the tested landholders and all members of the group. Forum hosted by Brad Costin from Ag Vic. He will also give a presentation then follow with discussion of results and the different management practices involved and climate, soils etc.

The Gecko CLaN will assist in promotion of the project via our landcare groups and website – www.geckoclan.com.

Gecko CLaN will support OH&S and advertising.

 

Winter 2022 – Carbon Audit

Discussion will lead to Carbon audit. The 6 landholders will conduct a carbon audit. Carbon audit is available for all members of the group to participate. If they wish to do a soil test, it will be at their own expense. This will link into the Gecko Clan’s carbon auditing program. The Gecko CLaN will deliver a Workshop with the trial site landholders on MLA Carbon accounting program. This will be delivered by Jim Shovelton and Brad Costin. This will run parallel to the group’s project. Workshop catered for. The Gecko Clan aims to run a carbon audit program for any members who wish to participate.

 

Winter 2022

Repeat Soil test, for Carbon, same 6 properties at 10, 30 and 80 cm depth. Testing in Autumn/Winter 2022.

Total of 12 samples and 36 tests. Same process as above. Landholders to supply auxiliary data fertilizer history, stocking rate, type of agriculture, soil type.

 

Feb – Mar 2023 Workshop 2

Forum Hosted by Jim Shovelton – from Meridian Ag. Discussion of results and the different mgt practices involved and the effect on soil carbon. Is there a best practice? Any changes needed?  Results of carbon audit will also be discussed. Forum to look at results then to lead into wider discussions about carbon on farms, carbon market and value of Carbon. Facilitated in conjunction with the Gecko CLaN.  Forum open to landcare members beyond MTTLPG. Workshop advertised and catered for. The Gecko CLaN will assist in promotion of the project via our landcare groups and website – www.geckoclan.com.

Gecko CLaN will support OH&S and advertising.

 

Winter 2023 Carbon Audit

Auditing to continue

 

Project completed by June 2023