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Groundbreaking soil carbon trials for GippslandA ground-breaking study into the controversial subject of soil carbon has earned Agribusiness Gippsland Inc (AGI) a $150,000 Federal Government grant. By Susan Webster - 26th November 2008 - Back to News The Caring for Our Country grant, announced on Friday, will see three Gippsland sites examined for their ability to capture carbon in soil.
Carbon capture is being considered a potential remedy for global warming, but scientists differ on its possibilities.
A series of 11 to 15 trial pits will be dug and 1000 soil samples tested across Gippsland to test existing soil carbon content.
The initial trials at Bairnsdale, Orbost and Swifts Creek will be repeated the following year further westwards.
Future sites in West Gippsland and Port Phillip regions will now be sought, said AGI chair Alex Arbuthnot.
"Growing plants that capture carbon and store it in their roots would be a true win-win for agriculture and the community," he said. "Farmers could help fight climate change, earn valuable offsets, save water and still increase the levels of food production that our hungry world needs.
"Until now, scientists have had a challenge in quantifying how much carbon can be soil-stored. It has caused quite a split in the soil science fraternity. We hope to help set the benchmarks in Gippsland."
Mr Arbuthnot added that the work could prove as eco-friendly below the soil as above it. "Soil carbon is an important element for the natural fertility of soil and it increases the soil’s water-holding capability," he said.
"This data we collect could also be used to study the effects of soil carbon on sustainable farming and water conservation.
"And, importantly, this project is innovative as it will educate farmers and land managers about restoring the productive capacity of their soils, and will improve soil health."
Scientists, farmers and agricultural advisors will help deliver the nine-month project, which will include four field days. The initial phase is to sample soils across the region under different management regimes down to 40cm, studying the carbon levels at 10cm intervals. Results will be presented next year.
AGI will coordinate and manage the project, funded under the Federal Government’s Caring for Our Country Fund, and will work in partnership with the DPI, East Gippsland Landcare, East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and Southern Farming Systems.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: susanw@ptarmigan.com.au
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