Soil health could be set to improve in the Northern Territory thanks to a new UQ Skills and Northern Territory Natural Resource Management (NTNRM) course delivered to NT farmers and graziers.
The 12-month, Australian Government-funded course recently completed its first year, educating top end farmers and graziers in foundational soil science, applied soil management, soil physics and chemistry, and more.
Classes were held in Darwin, Katherine, and Alice Springs, with field work on properties and conservation areas – such as Alice Springs Desert Park – with further student engagement via Zoom, online and phone meetings.
Students focused on soil ecosystems and health, gathering samples and conducting field and laboratory assessments of biological activity, providing a practical focus for students to hone their skills.
They also visited and assessed soil pits, which were used at representative sites to assess soil profile characteristics and properties.
Soil samples from participant’s properties were analysed by Eurofins APAL Agricultural Laboratory for detailed soil chemistry data, and students interpreted and applied data.
Soil constraints were identified by participants and amelioration practices identified, and plans were then developed to address the appropriate soil management practices.
Students lauded the practical discussion and debate between themselves and course presenters, finding it was highly valuable in exploring the practical application of soil theory.
They also thoroughly enjoyed networking with their peers, resulting in continuing contact between students online.
A number of graduates are now considering a continuation of their studies via tertiary agricultural courses at UQ Skills and The University of Queensland.
Despite their bolstered knowledge of local soil science, participants became acutely aware of the limited information on soils in the Northern Territory, particularly in relation to primary production.
Although Government departments, Charles Darwin University and private consultants have collated significant soils information and data, there is still need for further soil surveys, research, and extension.
Discussions on the importance of organic matter in soils has opened avenues for further consideration into cropping and horticulture enterprises research.
NTNRM has released a video that goes into more detail on the soils course.
The teaching team would like to acknowledge the NTNRM staff (Emily Hinds, Sara Bugno, Jack Farthing, Kimberley Pitt) and UQ Skills (RTO #1511) staff (Bruce Alchin, Guta Bedane, Doug George) involved in making the course a success.
