A new resource will serve as a one-stop-shop for farmers and gardeners keen to understand and improve their soil health.

North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and Agriculture Victoria have teamed up to create the region’s new Soil Health Guide.

North Central CMA Sustainable Agriculture Program Manager Mandy Coulson said the guide included a physical and digital book, a step-by step website, and instructional videos on how to understand, test, and improve your soil.

“Soil is central to a lot of the challenges farmers face, so understanding the makeup of soil and how to improve it can go a long way to helping them make the right decisions,” she said.

“No matter whether you’re in a paddock, at your desk, on the lounge, or in the garden, you’ll have access to the information you need to test and improve your soil.

“These resources are perfect for our catchment, but the knowledge can be easily used anywhere around Victoria or Australia.”

Agriculture Victoria Grains Northern Biosecurity and Agriculture Services Regional Manager Rebecca Mitchell launched the guide at Pyramid Hill today, and said the resources offered practical information and solutions.

“The Soil Health Guide is a toolkit and identifies a range of simple tests anyone can do to determine management actions to improve soil health,” she said.

“The Soil Health Guide looks at ground cover, biological activity, soil colour, pH, texture, topsoil, structure, compaction, and stability.

“The guide also discusses the valuable role played by existing soil carbon stores and how they offer great benefit to both agricultural productivity and the wider environment.”

To find out more, and to access the free resources, go to www.nccma.vic.gov.au/projects/agriculture/soil-health-guide.

This project is delivered by the North Central CMA and Agriculture Victoria, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.