Lyn Abbott is a member of the Agricultural Institute of Australia. Lyn's interest is in soil micro biology, Micro rizers, the soil biological fertility with plant interaction. In 2013 Lyn retired but continues with research and supervisors students.
Biology of soil. Living things in soil with a food chain that is more diverse than the most complex rain forest.
Nutrients that are natural without artificial fertilizer through testing the biological. The
focus has been on the chemical. But the soil structure can be poor.
Use of the biological is really complicated with the rizophere mycronical bacteria producing beneficial nitrogen.
Lots of interactions are taking place in the soil.
Natural plants do well in our for poor soils but slow growth. Too slow for agriculture. Added chemicals miss out on something that is vague and hard to define. We are seeking balance.
What is required in the soil is as much carbon as is possible as preserve. Photosynthesis puts it in. But it requires constant replenish which is very difficult as soil structure reverts to a standard level. Hence the usage of manures, mulches, etc. But this is not useful in the large scale required for agriculture. With recycling rules there are strict statutory rules.
Looking after this soil in the agriculture community by working with a group of farmers in Wagin. The focus on perennials putting more more carbon in the soil. But putting more carbon in the soil takes a lots of time.
2003 to 2012. Longer perennial more carbon after two years. The soil was limed in 2007.
Change soil conditions over time with cropping.
Testing the soil does not tell much without the geology and history. Hence the need for the farmer's knowledge over time.
School children shown how to look at the soil and being aware.
Perth Royal Show Discover Dirt.
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