A new digital publication has been published to give farmers and growers and agriculture industry representatives the latest information about soil fertility and soil-borne diseases.
The free ebook Soil Quality: 5 Soil Biology, is the result of a partnership between the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), SoilsWest and the University of Western Australia (UWA).
Soil Quality: 5 Soil Biology is the fifth in a series of ebooks produced by SoilsWest, which focuses on soil quality for the State and includes current knowledge on best practice soil techniques in an easy-to-navigate format.
Director of SoilsWest and co-author of the book, Frances Hoyle of the UWA, said the publication would appeal to students, growers, consultants and academics.
“There is a growing interest in the role of micro-organisms in the soil that support key functions which underpin agriculture and other land-related activities,” Associate Professor Hoyle said.
“Soil is the building-blocks of what we eat, so for the agriculture sector to continue to thrive, it is important to explore ways to maintain and enhance our soil for future generations.”
Daniel Murphy, of the UWA said the ebook outlined the multi-functional role of soil and its inhabitants.
“It includes information on beneficial and disease-causing organisms and the influence of the environment and management on soil habitats which impacts soil production and resilience,” Professor Murphy said.
“The book features short videos and audio from consultants, farmers and research scientists about soil biology, and regional perspectives on soil-borne diseases and nematode pests.”
Manager Agronomy, Soil and Farming Systems West at the GRDC, Rowan Maddern, said the ebook series was created in response to grower and industry demand for a platform that enabled them to read, listen and view soil management information from any location, including the tractor.
“Topics covered by the ebooks, including those in the pipeline, cover a number of priority areas addressed in the GRDC’s current and previous investments in soil and nutrition management in WA,” Dr Maddern said.
“A highlight of the book design is that it includes not only research information about soil, but evidence-based industry and landholder perspectives of soil management challenges and solutions.”
The 82-page book Soil Quality: 5 Soil Biology is available at no cost from Apple Books at this PS News link.
