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Innovations in regenerative agriculture – Using local supplies of compost
Project: 
Sustainable Agriculture

Our aim with this project is to increase the awareness, understanding and ability of Wheatbelt growers to adopt methods of sustainably managing Australia’s soil. 

We will work with regenerative farmers using compost as a natural fertiliser to improve soil carbon, retain soil moisture and supply sufficient nutrients to the crop reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers.

Using compost as a natural fertiliser not only supplies winter cereal crops with sufficient nutrients to produce good yield but it restores the soil carbon and improves the biological function of the soil

A soil that is healthy and functioning uses and stores soil moisture more efficiently which helps the agricultural system to adapt to changes in climate. Regenerative farming is about improving soil health so it can function at the highest level.

Incorporating composted waste to reduce chemical fertilisers, increase carbon and stimulate microbial activity is an important tool used in these systems. Locally composted waste provides an opportunity to explore their potential for incorporating into productive broadacre farming systems in the WA Wheatbelt.

The work of those farmers currently using compost will be shared with the wider Wheatbelt community so that others can learn from their investigations and find opportunities to introduce the practice into their own farm business.

Overview
Our aim with this project is to increase the awareness, understanding and ability of Wheatbelt growers to adopt methods of sustainably managing Australia’s soil.
Contact

Felicity Gilbert
Program Manager
Phone: 9670 3112
email: fgilbert@wheatbeltnrm.org.au