In this episode of the MSF Farm Talk podcast, we dig into what’s really happening beneath the soil surface. Soil biology expert Dr Gupta Vadakattu from CSIRO joins us to explore the hidden microbial world in our paddocks.

We talk through:

• What soil biology actually is

• How microbes help crops survive drought, disease, and nutrient stress

• The role of stubble retention, crop diversity, and nutrients in promoting soil life

• Whether herbicides and drought impact soil biology

• Why microbes might be chewing through stubbles faster than they used to

• And yes… the science behind burying cotton underpants in your soil!

Whether you're managing sandy soils or wondering how to build a stronger biological base for crop production, this episode offers practical insights backed by decades of research.

🔗 Want to learn more about soil biology and other soil constraints?
Check out Chapter 6 of the 101 Soils Questions Book and more on the Soils Connect website:
👉 https://www.soilsconnect.com.au/resources

🎧 This podcast is part of the “Enhancing Farmer Knowledge of Soil Function to Improve Management Outcomes” project, proudly supported by the South Australian Grain Industry Trust.