North Coast Local Land Services recently commissioned a survey of local beef farmers to find out their understanding of the use of compost to improve soil health and beef production. Mark Asquith Senior Land Services Officer said the survey forms part of a larger project with several demonstration sites set up in the Clarence Valley.
"The compost, from Councils' kerbside source, separated organics collection (green lid organics bin) is being used in trial plots on four properties," Mark said.
The project is supported by the NSW Environment Protection Authority through the Waste Less, Recycle More initiative, funded from the waste levy. Three-quarters of more than 200 farmers surveyed were aware of the composted product. Additionally, almost half of the 200 farmers were positive about its potential to improve soil health.
"We want to demonstrate how compost made from recycled organics can improve the soil and pasture management practices of earlier sustainable agriculture projects delivered by North Coast Local Land Services," Mark said.
"We are interested to see the results from the follow-up survey of the region's beef farmers after the demonstration sites are opened to the industry over the next year."
The project is helping to close the waste cycle in the Clarence Valley, by using local organics compost on local beef farms.
Mark emphasised that this project is not using general waste from the councils' red bin collection.
"The compost we are using is made entirely of garden and food organics, and put through a hot composting process."
Ms Louise Orr, General Manager North Coast Local Land Services, said the project team look forward to sharing the project's results with industry members.
"This project has the potential to demonstrate an efficient example of a triple bottom line outcome for the region's agriculture with gains for productivity, the economy and the environment."
Check the resource hub at northcoast.lls.nsw.gov.au for project publications as they become available.
