We research grower innovations that build soil carbon
We measure and validate these farming systems & practices through the three lenses of economic viability, soil carbon science and adoptability. Our guiding principle is high impact, co-designed & collaborative research for communication and adoption.
We conduct high impact research to solve real world problems, by addressing knowledge gaps and contributing to the existing agricultural soil carbon evidence-base. Co-designed research is an iterative and dynamic process between researchers and farmers. At SoilCQuest 2031 we believe everyone has a role to play in research.
By collaborating with farmers, academia, industry and government, we support and enable research and the translation & integration of research across all sectors.
On-farm research trials with growers
Multiyear Intercropping Trial with grower Grant Sims at Pine Grove, northern VIC
SoilCQuest 2031 is undertaking a small plot trial in collaboration with cover crop expert grower Grant Sims from Down Under Covers.
Established in April 2022 and run over four growing seasons & years, this trial is exploring the effects of two intercropping combinations- canola & vetch and canola & faba beans compared to a monoculture crop.
In addition to this the effect of differing fertiliser regimes will be assessed with a more biological- based fertiliser regime of Bio Fert, Guano and Vermi cast, compared to local standards of MAP.
Research Trial for Climate Resilient Soils Network project 2020- 2021
In this project one plot and three paddock-scale trials were conducted to investigate the influence of various microbial inoculants and farming systems on soil properties and agricultural yields with the aim to increase water use efficiency, boost soil carbon and climate resilience in agricultural systems.
The results highlight the challenge of both spatial and temporal soil heterogeneity, which in this case reverted or did not allow for detecting (short-term) changes in soil carbon content, soil aggregation or crop yield.
The adaptive research optimized a cross scale learning-by-doing approach including small plot trials, field scale strip trials and paddock scale trials.
To demonstrate the ultimate effectiveness of microbial management on soil properties, multi-season, spatially stratified and more in-depth coverage of soil heterogeneity are required than what was undertaken in this project.
The 2021 season was in no way rainfall limited so water use efficiency data was not able to be examined as initially planned. Yet, as part of the project, we were able to show the success of legume-cereal intercropping for nitrogen provision to minimise expensive nitrogen fertilisation for both the intercropped and subsequent growing period.
SoilCQuest 2031 through the Climate Resilient Soils Network would like to thank the following people and groups for the amazing support over the period of this project:
Collaborating farmers Luke & Alex Wood, Stuart & Ellen McDonald & Steve Nicholson
Landcare networks Central West Lachlan Landcare, Mid Lachlan Landcare, Little River Landcare, Tablelands Landcare & Wedden Landcare
Industry supporters Kilter Rural, David Hardwick, Sumitomo Chemicals, Loam Bio, Top Soil Organics
Australian National University
The Ian Potter Foundation
The many farmers in Central NSW and beyond that continually give us support for our work.
On-farm research trials with growers
Multiyear Intercropping Trial with grower Grant Sims at Pine Grove, northern VIC
SoilCQuest 2031 is undertaking a small plot trial in collaboration with cover crop expert grower Grant Sims from Down Under Covers.
Established in April 2022 and run over four growing seasons & years, this trial is exploring the effects of two intercropping combinations- canola & vetch and canola & faba beans compared to a monoculture crop.
In addition to this the effect of differing fertiliser regimes will be assessed with a more biological- based fertiliser regime of Bio Fert, Guano and Vermi cast, compared to local standards of MAP.
Research Trial for Climate Resilient Soils Network project 2020- 2021
In this project one plot and three paddock-scale trials were conducted to investigate the influence of various microbial inoculants and farming systems on soil properties and agricultural yields with the aim to increase water use efficiency, boost soil carbon and climate resilience in agricultural systems.
The results highlight the challenge of both spatial and temporal soil heterogeneity, which in this case reverted or did not allow for detecting (short-term) changes in soil carbon content, soil aggregation or crop yield.
The adaptive research optimized a cross scale learning-by-doing approach including small plot trials, field scale strip trials and paddock scale trials.
To demonstrate the ultimate effectiveness of microbial management on soil properties, multi-season, spatially stratified and more in-depth coverage of soil heterogeneity are required than what was undertaken in this project.
The 2021 season was in no way rainfall limited so water use efficiency data was not able to be examined as initially planned. Yet, as part of the project, we were able to show the success of legume-cereal intercropping for nitrogen provision to minimise expensive nitrogen fertilisation for both the intercropped and subsequent growing period.
This project was supported by The Ian Potter Foundation and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.
SoilCQuest 2031 through the Climate Resilient Soils Network would like to thank the following people and groups for the amazing support over the period of this project:
- Collaborating farmers: Luke & Alex Wood, Stuart & Ellen McDonald & Steve Nicholson
- Landcare networks: Central West Lachlan Landcare, Mid Lachlan Landcare, Little River Landcare, Tablelands Landcare & Wedden Landcare
- Industry supporters: Kilter Rural, David Hardwick, Sumitomo Chemicals, Loam Bio, Top Soil Organics
- Australian National University
- The Ian Potter Foundation
- The many farmers in Central NSW and beyond that continually give us support for our work
Supporting farmers trial & adopt practices
SoilCQuest 2031 brings research to the paddock to support big & small farming operations to build soil carbon for resilience and productivity.
We communicate research findings and facilitate pathways for farmers to build their capacity so they are supported to trial and adopt soil carbon- building practices.
Supporting farmers trial & adopt practices
Supporting farmers trial & adopt practices
SoilCQuest 2031 brings research to the paddock to support big & small farming operations to build soil carbon for resilience and productivity.
We communicate research findings and facilitate pathways for farmers to build their capacity so they are supported to trial and adopt soil carbon- building practices.