The Food and Agricultural Organisation FAO “International Year of Soils” is now well under way. We are looking to do our part in raising awareness and welcome ideas for activities and actions.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is a Platinum Sponsor of our annual conference, recognising the importance of soils to our region. We will have a soil health component at the Field Sessions.

The LandWISE MicroFarm is also looking at how we might help soil help us. Following our onion crop, we direct drilled cover crops.

The crops themselves, Caliente Mustard in one half and an oat/vetch combination in the other, are intended to aid soil health, adding biomass and structural quality.  The mustard will need to be incorporated to provide soil fumigant activity before the next crop. But we anticipate positive nett benefit to our soil.

You can download a copy of the FAO  Bulletin “International Year of Soils here>