Module 6 ‘Healthy soils’ outlines the importance of managing soils to promote plant and animal health and sustain optimal biological productivity.
Soil is a dynamic, living environment and a vital farm resource. Broadly speaking, healthy soil contains nutrients, allows water and air movement, has a diverse population of soil biota (microorganisms), resists erosion, stores water, retains nutrients, is not acidic or saline, resists disease and provides a healthy environment in which plants can grow and reach their potential.
More than any other farm resource, managing soil health is about protecting and building up the capital so current and future generations can continue to live on the interest. No amount of technology, genetics or grazing management will protect a business in the longer term if the soil resource is depleted.