In partnership with Soil Science Australia, Western Sydney University (WSU)’s Soil Science unit is offering a four-day certification course in soil biology and health in which participants will learn how to adopt practices and tools that improve soil health to unlock gains in crop quality and productivity.
Over four days, course participants will learn about the fundamental properties of soils; how microbes in soils influence soil fertility and drive plant production; and practices and strategies that enhance soil health and biological activities, and that use the power of plant-soil-microbial relationships to unlock soil nutrients and produce healthier, more nutritious plants.
Course outline
The course program is designed to expand understanding of how new research is driving renewed interest in soil health and soil biology as a function of overall farm productivity: It includes an overview and history of soil biology and agriculture, along with the latest information about:
- the diversity and functions of soil microbes that drive productivity;
- nutrient cycling of nitrogen, carbon, and other nutrients
- plant and microbial interactions;
- soil fauna that influences soil biology and activity; and
- integrating soil health methods into practice.
Program evaluation and certification
Certification requires evaluation of the knowledge acquired during the course. This evaluation will include a 20-question multiple-choice quiz that that tests knowledge on concepts of soil health, soil biology and management practices that harness soil biology. It also requires a short essay-form response to a scenario that describes productivity issues on farm and asks how these could be overcome by integrating methods/tools/approaches that harness soil biology.
Attendance at this course by accredited CPSS can be claimed in participants’ OPD.
Who should attend?
According to the course convenors, the program is suitable for:
- ‘keen and innovative’ persons seeking to understand the benefits of soil biology as a driver of healthy crops and healthy foods in sustainable production environments;
- proactive and innovative growers across the horticultural and agricultural sectors; and
- consultants, advisors and agronomists seeking to unlock new value from cropping operations.
When and where
The course will take place over four consecutive days, Tuesday 15 August through Friday 18 August 2023, on site at Western Sydney University’s Hawkesbury Campus (Bourke St entrance), Richmond, NSW 2753. View on map.
Further information and applications
For more information about the Soil Science Soil Biology course and how to apply for it, click here.
Note: Some subsidies will be available towards the cost of this course, awarded on a needs basis.
Lead image: At this four-day certification course run by Western Sydney University with Soil Science Australia, you’ll learn about practices and tools that improve soil health to increase crop quality and productivity. Credit: Shutterstock