Forty local growers, agronomists and researchers had their say on soil problems at Cranbourne on 28th August 2007. The workshop was one of a series setting national priorities for future soil health projects funded through your national R&D levy. Short talks from guest speakers included: Lessons from broadacre cropping soils. Indicators of soil health used in sub-tropical vegetables. Physical, chemical and biological indicators of soil health. The success of grower soil training days - UTE GUIDE Many soil related issues were raised in the workshop discussion. These were grouped into major themes including: measuring soil health, raising soil organic matter and reducing soil inputs. The groups views will help develop better targeted R&D levy proposals on soil health.

Soil Health We need healthy soils to grow healthy plants at low cost. Soil quality issues for vegetables include erosion, compaction, structural decline, salinisation, acidification and the build up of plant pests and diseases. Land and soil management strategies include: increasing vegetation cover maintaining habitat for other flora and fauna increasing fertiliser use efficiency diversion of waste by reuse and recycling and on-site waste management waste minimization through cleaner production approaches. Horticulture Australia is currently funding a number of projects in the soil health area, including research into soil structure, nutrition and soil borne diseases. Your R&D levy funds have been invested in a strategic Soil Health Program for the Vegetable Industry : DPI-Queensland will develop an understanding of soil health limitations, identify improved management techniques and to determine what information vegetable growers need to implement plant and soil health strategies. DPI-Victoria are undertaking a literature review of soil health research in the vegetable industry to identify current knowledge, research and development gaps, and preliminary research priorities for soil health for the vegetable industry. Non-levy Government funding to develop a practical guide for soil management. The project Ute Guide & Soil Health Interpretation Courses for Vegetable Growers