Organic carbon influences many soil characteristics including nutrient and water holding capacity, nutrient cycling and stability, improved water infiltration and aeration. It is recognised that soil carbon helps maintain production levels due to the positive impact on soil health.
The ancient WA soils are low in soil organic carbon and modern agricultural practices alter the natural cycling of nutrients, depleting the organic soil carbon. Soil scientists unanimously agree there are agronomic and environmental benefits associated with rebuilding soil organic carbon in agricultural soils, but what is Soil Organic Carbon? Is it possible to build soil carbon in WA agricultural systems and what does it mean for the farm business and the environment.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development have some really useful information on their website regarding managing WA soils and this resource looking at soil organic matter and answering FAQs maybe just what you need to incorporate some regenerative practices into your farm that lead to increased soil health outcomes.