What does "building soil carbon" really mean on Mallee farms and why should you care?

In this episode, we cut through the confusion and get straight to the facts. Nick Paltridge sits down with Amanda Schapel from PIRSA to unpack what soil carbon actually is, how it interacts with soil function, and what practical steps farmers can take to improve carbon levels on broad acre cropping land.

We cover:


The types of carbon in your soil (and which ones matter)


How organic matter breaks down—and how to slow the loss


Whether cover crops and stubble retention are worth it


What carbon means for water-holding capacity, fertility & resilience


Key limitations for increasing soil carbon in low rainfall zones

If you’ve ever wondered whether carbon farming is realistic in your paddock—or just want to know how to make your soil more productive and resilient—this episode is for you.

Resources mentioned:
📘 Explore the 101 Soils Questions Book – www.soilsconnect.com.au
📍 Join the Soils Connect Facebook Group for weekly updates https://www.facebook.com/groups/soilsconnect

This episode is part of the Farm Talk – 101 Soils Questions podcast series and is supported by the South Australian Grain Industry Trust (SAGIT).

What does "building soil carbon" really mean on Mallee farms and why should you care?
In this episode, we cut through the confusion and get straight to the facts. Nick Paltridge sits down with Amanda Schapel from PIRSA to unpack what soil carbon actually is, how it interacts with soil function, and what practical steps farmers can take to improve carbon levels on broad acre cropping land.
We cover:
<ul data-start="1036" data-end="1347">
<li data-start="1036" data-end="1094">
The types of carbon in your soil (and which ones matter)
</li>
<li data-start="1095" data-end="1152">
How organic matter breaks down&mdash;and how to slow the loss
</li>
<li data-start="1153" data-end="1209">
Whether cover crops and stubble retention are worth it
</li>
<li data-start="1210" data-end="1280">
What carbon means for water-holding capacity, fertility &amp; resilience
</li>
<li data-start="1281" data-end="1347">
Key limitations for increasing soil carbon in low rainfall zones
</li>
</ul>
If you&rsquo;ve ever wondered whether carbon farming is realistic in your paddock&mdash;or just want to know how to make your soil more productive and resilient&mdash;this episode is for you.
Resources mentioned: 📘 Explore the 101 Soils Questions Book &ndash; <a href="https://www.soilsconnect.com.au" data-start="1631" data-end="1689">www.soilsconnect.com.au</a> 📍 Join the Soils Connect Facebook Group for weekly updates https://www.facebook.com/groups/soilsconnect
This episode is part of the Farm Talk &ndash; 101 Soils Questions podcast series and is supported by the South Australian Grain Industry Trust (SAGIT).

MSF's Farm Talk Podcast proudly brings Farmers, Researchers and Ag Industry connections together to chat innovative farming practices to help build a sustainable farming future for our Mallee growers. Mallee Sustainable Farming is a farmer-driven organisation specialising in Research, Development and Extension for NSW, VIC & SA's low-rainfall Mallee region. For more information visit: www.msfp.org.au/podcast 

MSF's Farm Talk Podcast proudly brings Farmers, Researchers and Ag Industry connections together to chat innovative farming practices to help build a sustainable farming future for our Mallee growers. Mallee Sustainable Farming is a farmer-driven organisation specialising in Research, Development and Extension for NSW, VIC &amp; SA's low-rainfall Mallee region. For more information visit: <a href="http://www.msfp.org.au/podcast">www.msfp.org.au/podcast</a>&nbsp;

MSF Farm Talk Podcast

MSF's Farm Talk Podcast proudly brings Farmers, Researchers and Ag Industry connections together to chat innovative farming practices to help build a sustainable farming future for our Mallee growers. Mallee Sustainable Farming is a farmer-driven organisation specialising in Research, Development and Extension for NSW, VIC & SA's low-rainfall Mallee region.

MSF's Farm Talk Podcast proudly brings Farmers, Researchers and Ag Industry connections together to chat innovative farming practices to help build a sustainable farming future for our Mallee growers. Mallee Sustainable Farming is a farmer-driven organisation specialising in Research, Development and Extension for NSW, VIC &amp; SA's low-rainfall Mallee region.

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