Acidity is a major land degradation issue that threatens sustainability and productivity in North East soils, a project officer says ahead of a free industry conference.
North East Catchment Management Authority project officer Sam Gitahi said about half of the four to five million hectares across Victoria affected by strongly acidic topsoil were located in this region.
Mr Gitahi said a further two to three million hectares in north east Victoria had moderately acidic topsoil.
"There is therefore a need to promote awareness among land managers and the wider community about the importance of soil acidity and its management, support behaviour change to improve soil management practice and ensure that research, development and the extension system are meeting their needs," he said.
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The North East Regional Soil Health Conference 2021 in Beechworth on Friday aims to build knowledge and understanding of practices that will reduce soil acidification.
Topics include the importance of soil pH in agriculture production, soil sampling and testing and current research.
Supported by North East Catchment Management Authority through National Landcare Program funding, it is part of a four-year soil health project.
Registrations available through Eventbrite.
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