Field Day Promises Climate Change Solutions Nov 3 & 4

At times we are able to fit into Peter's busy schedule, the chance for groups to visit his projects to see them first hand.

In most cases Peter would be your guide.

Please leave your requests here including the number in your party. The more in the party the better chance of a visit being arranged.

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duane
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Field Day Promises Climate Change Solutions Nov 3 & 4

Post by duane » Fri Oct 26, 2007 11:15 am

Field Day Promises Climate Change Solutions

After months of hearing about the problems associated with climate change, land managers are being given a chance to learn how to be part of the solution.
Australian leaders in environmental farm management and sustainable agriculture are converging on Mulloon Creek Natural Farms on Saturday, November 3rd, for a field day that will showcase the role of the soil in managing and mitigating climate change.
Allan Yeomans, author of “Priority One”, joins biological farming expert and author Graeme Sait; leading interpreter of the biodynamic method, Hugh Lovell; and revegetation expert Matt Kilby of Trees for Earth at Mullon Creek to discuss complementary approaches to the challenge of building soil carbon.
Field day co-convenor Matt Kilby said the loss of humus (carbon) in Australia’s agriculture soils mirrors the dramatic increase in CO2 in the upper atmosphere.
“Carbon in our soils has fallen from five percent organic matter in 1900 to an average of 1.5 percent today,” Mr Kilby said.
“This represents a loss of 70 tonnes of C02 per hectare to the atmosphere.”
“There is an urgent need to motivate farmers to reclaim these losses. This involves a better understanding of carbon sequestration and the strategies required to successfully reverse the situation.”
The Mulloon Creek field day will showcase cutting-edge technologies in carbon fixing. This will include new perspectives on the importance of soil microbiology, plant suitabilities, tree planting (as a carbon sink and for environmental modification) and cultivation (in relation to water retention and humus building).
Allen Yeoman will discuss a host of solutions for those seeking a more proactive role in the management of global warming.
Graeme Sait, the author of “ Nutrition Rules” will highlight the win/win opportunities involved in humus building. He will demonstrate that increasing humus means much more than reducing atmosphere CO2: it also delivers greater water and nutrient retention and a much-needed improvement in the quality of the food that sustains us.
Matt Kilby will emphasize the importance of trees in farm landscaping. He will demonstrate new, proven techniques to ensure maximum survival of tree plantings to inspire farmers to embrace further plantings on their properties.
American author/consultant, Hugh Lovell, will use his groundbreaking approach to biodynamics to show the many benefits of this approach in maximizing both soil health and tree health.
“This field day is a timely, practical and philosophical exposition that applies equally to farmers, consultants, land care agencies and various government departments,” Mr Kilby said.
“Even climate change celebrity, Al Gore, now acknowledges that soils were the missing link he had overlooked in his Oscar-winning documentary ‘An Inconvenient Truth’.”

For more information contact Donna on 0413 535 957, email donna@mullooncreeknaturalfarms.com or Matt Kilby on 0418 654 231, email matt@treesforearth.com.au

MCNF is situated in Bungendore – 45 minutes east of Canberra, about 280 km south of Sydney. The total land holding is 5700 acres, which includes about 1800 acres of native forest. MCNF is a member of the Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA) and is certified A grade organic and biodynamic. In addition to the mixed farming enterprises MCNF also has educational programs in conjunction with ANU and events and workshop facilities.

MCNF is also home to the first joint Landcare and Land Owner demonstration of Peter Andrews’ Natural Sequence Farming. The rejuvenation of the Mulloon Creek and surrounding flood plains is already gaining national interest. The demand for tours and site visits is testimony to the fact that Australian land managers care about the state of their land. The NSF field day is listed for 4th November. People interested in attending should contact Donna....see above

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