Speakers
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Mark TupmanAgroecologist, Productive EcologyFor over two decades Mark has been active in the fields of organic/biodynamic production, permaculture, sustainability, agro-ecology and holistic management and in between times managed an orchard, animals and food gardens on his own property. Through his business, Productive Ecology, Mark provides consultation and education & training in the establishment of integrated living production systems. In addition to his consulting work, Mark works as the horticulture project manager at the Witchcliffe Ecovillage development and as a project consultant to the Lower Blackwood Landcare Group
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Dr Brad DegensSenior Soil and Water Scientist - Department of Water and Environmental RegulationDr Degens’ expertise spans hydrology, geochemistry, and hydrogeology, equipping him with a unique set of skills to develop ground breaking solutions for environmental challenges. He is especially adept at managing the complex issues presented by both coastal and inland acid sulfate soils, which pose significant risks to ecosystems and human health.
In his current role, Dr Degens works closely with a network of farmers, agronomists, and land care officers. Together, they implement strategic interventions, such as the use of clays and high phosphorus-sorbing mineral products, aimed at enhancing nutrient retention within farming systems. These initiatives not only improve soil health but also significantly reduce any negative impacts on water quality, demonstrating his commitment to practical and sustainable environmental practises.
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Brooke AndersonAgronomist - Agronomy SolutionsBrooke Anderson of Agronomy Solutions offers independent agronomic advice and is based in Cowaramup. She specialises in soil and plant nutrition, grazing management, weed management, plant variety selection and fertiliser budgeting for pasture systems as well as devising fungicide programs and soil and plant nutrition for viticulture. Brooke has a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Honours) and completed her honours on the sustainability of lime resources on the SW Coast. With over 20 years’ experience, Brooke has a sound understanding of many agricultural systems.
Demonstrating the Difference – A Project Field Walk
Our fertility approach comparison demonstration in Warner Glen is well and truly underway and it’s time to have a look at what’s going on.
Over the last couple of months, the site was prepared then seeded, and a number of different fertility program protocols have been implemented. For more information head to our project page:
On the field day project consultant Mark Tupman will discuss the different biological and nutritional treatments applied so far, and the costs involved, as well as the methods that are going to be used to measure the progress of the different programs.
As part of the afternoons activities, we will undertake some basic assessments of plant species growing in the mix to see if there are any notable growth and health differences showing up yet AND get a lesson on how to take pasture tissue samples.
PLUS
We’ll also take the opportunity to hear from agronomist Brooke Anderson and Department of Water & Environmental Regulation’s Dr Brad Degens, who have been running trials looking at local clays or Iron Man Gypsum to improve nutrient retention in Scott River grey sands. The focus has been on keeping P in the sands – with both showing some great improvements.
Mixing in clays has had other benefits with early soil wetting. Both sets of trials are showing mixed effects on pasture growth. Brooke and Brad will provide a more complete update on what these are showing at the field walk.
Event Logistics
When? Thursday August 15th, 2.00pm to 5.00pm
Where? Blackwood Springs Farm, 1220 Warner Glen Rd, Warner Glen 6288
What else? BYO refillable drink bottle plus please wear appropriate & clean farm footwear and dress for the weather. We’ll wrap the day up with a BBQ, beers and chats.
The clay and IMG trials are supported through the Lower Blackwood LCDC and Western Dairy by the Healthy Estuaries Initiative.
Demonstrating the Difference is a Lower Blackwood LCDC project hosted by Dairy Farmers Neville, Gary & Elaine Haddon and is led by consultant & agroecologist Mark Tupman of Productive Ecology with assistance from agronomist Anthony Quinlan of Soil Dynamics, and agronomist Graham Mussell of Graham Mussell Consulting.
The project is supported through funding from Soil Wise. Soil Wise is funded by the National Landcare Program Smart Farms Small Grants – an Australian Government initiative. It is supported by Healthy Estuaries WA – a State Government program
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