Soil health takes centre stage

THE Limestone Coast Landscape Board is encouraging farmers, landholders and primary industry groups to apply for a Climate-smart Landscapes Grant.

Grants of between $5000 to $80,000 are available to support projects related to soil health, water and nutrient management, and carbon markets.

Limestone Coast Landscape Board sustainable primary production team leader Ehsan Sayad said if we think about soil health, for example, we need to consider soil organic matter as the engine of production.

“Practices such as lime spreading to address soil acidity or adding compost to increase soil quality could be eligible projects,” Mr Sayad said. “This is an opportunity to trial different rates of application, and to understand the results in different parts of our region.

“We strongly encourage primary industry groups to work with their members to take advantage of the Climate-smart Landscapes Grants.”

“Project activities that can be funded include field days, the establishment of demonstration sites, and workshops which enable participants to collaborate and share knowledge based on the land they are managing.”

To find out more, go to Climate-smart Landscapes Grants. Applications close 5pm on April 15. Applicants are strongly recommended to discuss project ideas with Limestone Coast Landscape Board staff.

The Climate-smart Landscapes Grants program is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.