Your 101 Soil Questions Answered

Improving carbon levels in sandy soils requires a combination of strategies. Start by incorporating cover crops like legumes or grasses to build organic matter. Minimise soil disturbance by adopting no-till or reduced-till practices to protect carbon already stored in the soil. Adding organic amendments such as compost or manure can also boost carbon levels over time. Finally, ensure your soil is well-covered year-round to prevent erosion and retain nutrients.

Carbon farming involves practices like planting high-biomass crops, reducing tillage, and using cover crops to capture atmospheric carbon and store it in the soil. This increases organic matter, improves nutrient cycling, and boosts soil health, leading to higher fertility and productivity.

Rotating diverse crops, such as legumes, cereals, and oilseeds, reduces pest pressures, breaks disease cycles, and enhances nutrient availability. Incorporating nitrogen-fixing crops like legumes can naturally replenish soil nitrogen, improving both soil health and yield potential.

Rotational grazing allows pastures to rest and recover, promoting deeper root growth and increasing organic matter in the soil. It prevents overgrazing, improves water retention, and distributes nutrients more evenly across the land, leading to healthier soil and more productive pastures.

To enhance drought resilience, focus on increasing soil organic matter through compost or cover crops to improve water retention. Reduce tillage to maintain soil structure and minimise evaporation. Practices like deep ripping and mulching can also help retain moisture and reduce surface runoff.