Soils hold the key

Soils hold the key

It has been calculated that in the next 50 years, the planet will need to produce as much food as has already been produced in the entire history of human-kind. Dr Christine Jones, renowned soil ecologist, will be coming to New Zealand in June to communicate a practical message that the way we produce that food requires a radical departure from business as usual.

Earth Food Inc www.earthfood.org.nz will be hosting a series of workshops with Dr Christine Jones. Christine received a Community Fellowship Award from Land and Water Australia, recognising "individuals with an outstanding track record in mobilising and inspiring the community to better manage their land, water and vegetation'.

"The world is experiencing unprecedented pressures from peak oil, water, climate and health," comments Nicole Masters, chair of Earth Food Inc "and the way we manage our soils holds a vital key in addressing these issues". By managing agricultural soils in order to sequester and store atmospheric CO2 in the form of stable humus has major implications for soil structure, water-holding capacity and nutrient status. "Christine has shown that soils have the capacity to store much more carbon than trees, and the way we have been managing our soils has been a contributor to atmospheric carbon and water vapour levels."

"The most meaningful indicator for the health of the land, and the long-term wealth of a nation," says Christine "is whether soil is being formed or lost. If soil is being lost, so too is the economic and ecological foundation on which production and conservation are based."

Active and ongoing soil sequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide and the rebuilding of carbon-rich topsoil is one of the greatest challenges - if not the greatest challenge - facing human societies around the world.

And as Dr Jones is showing; building stable humus with all its benefits is an achievable goal for everyone involved in agriculture.

The workshops are aimed at inspiring farmers, growers, researchers and regional councils on the practical rewards from building healthy soils see w to find a location near you. Christine is an engaging, informative speaker, and this opportunity shouldn't be missed.

ENDS

© Scoop Media