SoilCare Incorporated
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Welcome to SoilCare Inc

Based in the Northern Rivers, NSW Australia,
​SoilCare is an organisation of primary producers , soil professionals
and students with ​special interests in healthy soils and healthy farms.  

New Videos Released - April 2026

​Dr Neil Wilson - The Soil Microbiome & DNA Microbial Analysis

The Soil Microbiome & DNA Microbial Analysis
Neil Wilson brings an infectious passion to 
uncovering the hidden world beneath our feet,  revealing the extraordinary roles soil microbes  play in healthy soil and crops. He shares not just  insights, but a deep appreciation for the soil  microbiome’s complexity and power.  This video provides an excellent introduction to the DNA  Microbial Analysis techniques developed by   Metagen Australia to measure, monitor and  support soil health, thereby enhancing crop  outcomes.
Dr Neil Wilson is Director of Research Microbiology at Metagen with expertise in both molecular biology and microbiology.  As an undergraduate at Macquarie University, Neil achieved first class honours in Bachelor of Science, Ecology. He has followed this with 15 years research experience including a PhD in molecular microbiology which he completed in 2008.  Neil has worked in a range of  different labs involving medical microbiology, environmental microbiology, and is now focused on agricultural microbiology. He is passionate about bridging the gap between academic science, growers & agronomists.
This video was filmed as part of the SoilCare Inc and Soils for Life 'Orchard Resilience' project.    Filmmaker:  mia-forrest.com

Dr John Grant - Why Soil Structure Matters 
Southern Cross University 


​ How soil structure benefits farm productivity, resilience and profitability. ​
In this video, John dives into one of the most  fundamental, and often overlooked, aspect of soil health: soil structure. Through his engaging and practical approach  John reveals why soil structure is important, and how it directly impacts farm productivity,  sustainability, & the future of our landscapes. 

Dr John Grant is a respected soil science lecturer  from Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia.  With years of experience in both research and practical land management, John is passionate about helping us better understand the critical role soils play in agriculture, ecosystems, and climate  resilience. His particular interests lie in soil health, nutrient cycling and agroecology, carbon sequestration in soils, and soil parameters and plantation productivity relationships. John has lectured in soils at Southern Cross University for over 20 years.
​Current research areas include nutrient cycling and land rehabilitation in agroforestry systems in the Pacific, carbon sequestration in soils, soil nutritional interactions with Bell Miner Associated Dieback in forests, environmental and carbon sequestration benefits of dung beetles and biochar, land rehabilitation and soil parameters and plantation productivity relationships.
​This video was filmed as part of the SoilCare Inc and Soils for Life 'Orchard Resilience' project.    Filmmaker:  mia-forrest.com

​Graham Lancaster introduces the Environmental Analysis Lab & testing agricultural soils.
Senior Manager, Commercial Operations, Environmental Analysis Lab (EAL) and Analytical Research Laboratory (ARL)

In this video, join Graham, SoilCare’s favourite wave-chasing, soil (biology-loving) chemist, as he walks us through EAL and explains how to submit soil samples for detailed chemical and mineral analysis.​Graham moved from Environmental Science into Analytical Chemistry in the early 1990's, setting up EAL, Environmental Analysis Lab, in Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW.In the mid 90's EAL moved into specialised agricultural analysis primarily related to organic and biological farming.
Soil analysis is designed to enhance soil management and encourage productive and economic fertiliser use. Strategic soil mineral  management can lessen potential for gaps in the yearly feed plan. Good management improves the ability to increase soil carbon, 
​biological activity and nutrient availability.

About EAL 
Environmental Analysis Laboratory (EAL)  is an independent Australian leader in providing high quality, routine & specialist analytical services to assist environmental and agricultural managers.  State-of-the art and modern facilities enables offering valuable  financial and research support to projects within Southern Cross University and to participate in collaborative projects with other 
universities and research bodies throughout Australia and overseas.

This video was filmed as part of the SoilCare Inc and Soils for Life 'Orchard Resilience' project.    Filmmaker:  mia-forrest.com

Past SoilCare Events

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Join us on December 5, 2025 to celebrate
World Soil Day 

SoilCare has invited Dan Falkenberg, Viticulturist from Eden Hall Wines, to present:
'Creating Resilient Landscapes and Enhancing Vineyard (& Farm) Biodiversity'​
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Dan will share insights on soil health, farm resilience, biodiversity, and how working with nature yields positive results. He will provide transition tips to regenerative agriculture and nature-based strategies from a grower's perspective that any agricultural operation can implement. 

We celebrate World Soil Day (WSD) annually on December 5th to raise global awareness about the role soils play in agricultural development, ecosystem functions and food security. 
​Endorsed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations (UN) General Assembly,  WSD became an official international day in 2014. Since then, FAO has facilitated the implementation of WSD as a global platform for action and advocacy within the framework of the Global Soil Partnership (GSP).
Download the flyer pdf.
SoilCare extends its gratitude to the event sponsors for their enthusiastic support for healthy soil and resilient farms.
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Dan has been the Viticulturist at Eden Hall Wines since 2011, implementing regenerative practices like biodiversity programs, mulching, composting, bio-stimulant production, native grasses, and holistic grazing. He received the 2018 Barons of the Barossa Viticulturist of the Year award. Under his leadership, Eden Hall won the 2022 Vineyard of the Year and the 2023 SAWIA Environmental Excellence Award, with additional awards in 2024 and 2025.   
Eden Hall - The Vineyard      
Eden Hall vineyard, established in 1997 in Eden Valley, spans 33 hectares and cultivates a variety of grapes, including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Riesling. The vineyard features deep sandy loam soils ideal for premium grapes and is adorned with majestic red gums. Committed to sustainability, Eden Hall employs regenerative land management practices by introducing 20 species of native perennial grasses to enhance soil health, reduce irrigation reliance, and boost biodiversity. They produce compost from onsite waste, which improves soil quality and reduces synthetic fertilizer use. Additionally, straw mulch is used to retain moisture and lower soil temperatures. During winter, sheep are utilized to minimize tractor use, emphasizing their eco-friendly approach. The vineyard has also undertaken significant environmental initiatives, including revegetation and planting native species to support local wildlife.

Enhanced Compost for Phytophthora Management 
with Dr Dean Metcalf, Dave Forrest and Ross Arnett

An on-farm process for multiplying a selected indigenous microorganism here to edit.

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Monday, October 27, 2025 
9.00 AM to 1.00 PM 


​Dr Dean Metcalf is back to team up with Dave Forrest and Ross Arnett to deliver this exciting workshop on Phytophthora Management, highlighting the role of enhanced compost as part of an integrated disease management system.
The workshop starts at DPI with presentations and a deep dive into Trichoderma and its multiple benefits before moving to the practical on-farm session.
The workshop will cover:
 - Plant diseases ~ how they infect & how beneficial microbes inhibit disease.
 - Integrated Disease Management ~ site factors & management practices.
 - Compost use and timing.
 - Practical methods of inoculation ~ adding spores to the prepared compost windrow.


Download the flyer PDF.


Northern Rivers Soil Health Card Workshop with Dave Forrest (Organic Farmer & Educator)
Wednesday, 23 July 2025 at The Farm,
11 Ewingsdale Rd, Ewingsdale (Byron Bay) NSW 2481, Australia​

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FREE EVENT + Afternoon Tea: Registration Required
​The Soil Health Card serves as an additional tool to help you gain a deeper understanding of your soils and their productivity, complementing any existing soil testing you may conduct. Maintaining soil health in the short term will undoubtedly increase the sustainability of farming into the future.
  • 10 easy on-farm tests to assess your soil health
  • watch the video
  • Learn to monitor biological and physical properties of your soil
  • ​Benchmark and record changes to inform management decisions
  • More information at www.soilcare.org
  • Download the workshop flyer.​​ ​
SoilCare proudly presents a distinguished lineup of researchers, presenters, and hands-on practitioners who will address current and future challenges related to pests and diseases. We invite you to join us to meet these experts and empower yourself to meet future challenges head-on, including those brought on by a changing climate. Be part of the innovative solutions and promote sustainable practices that will benefit our environment for generations to come! Your involvement is key to creating a resilient future. 

Biocontrol strategies: Eco-smart tools and systems for integrated pest & disease management.
Seminar:  Tuesday, 1 July, 2025 ~ NSW Department of Agriculture (DPIRD), 
1243 Bruxner Highway, Wollongbar 2477
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Tools for farming in a changed climate
My Climate View - Dr Stephen Snow,  &  Dr Yuwan Malakar, CSIRO
Beneficial microbes for healthy crops.  Dr Dean Metcalf,  
General introduction & interactions to the microbes in the soil (fungi, bacteria, nematodes, protozoa).  ~  Plant diseases – how they infect  ~  How beneficial microbes inhibit diseases.  ~  Phytophthora, what is it?  ~ Trichoderma & enriched composts and more!
‘Pest READI’ - Dr Hazel Parry, and Dr Tracey Steinrucken, CSIRO
Incorporating Indigenous cultural values in pest suppressive landscapes.  David Hinchley  Jagun Alliance 
Potential flowering plants for Conservation Biological Control (CBC) in subtropical Rubus.
Dr Saleh Adnan, Research Horticulturist Entomology, NSW DPI
Why biocontrol?  Painting the picture of retaining the status quo.  Dr Kirsten Ellis,  Southern Cross University
Sustainable pest control for macadamia industry 
​Dr Tania Yonow and Prof Darren Kriticos,  Cervantes Agritech

Download the flyer





​Thank you to supporters:

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 Dr Judi Earl ~ November 19, 2024, Southern Cross University, Lismore 
​Manage Grazing to Restore Soil Health, Ecosystem Function and Climate Resilience
 
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After advising and training hundreds of graziers and land managers, Judi decided it was time to put the principles into practice. The purchase of ‘Glen Orton’ - 'the GO' – (pictured above) near Coolatai, NSW in 2011 provided the perfect opportunity to showcase the capacity.
Workshops with pasture ecologist, grazier, and SoilCare member, Dr Judi Earl.  Judi will share insights into managing for soil health and ecosystem function on grazing lands. Through her extensive experience in land planning and holistic management, Judi can guide you towards unleashing the full potential of your land and enterprise. The key to climate resilience lies in healthy soils and thriving ecosystems within a thoughtfully designed-for-purpose property.
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Workshop flyer

Thank you to the host sponsors for the
​Dr Judi Earl workshops:
Thank you to the support organisations for the Dr Judi Earl workshops:
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Videos from our 2023 workshop,  'Measuring & monitoring soil microbiology & soil health'.

Soil biological processes can deliver a myriad of benefits to agroecosystems including suppression of plant diseases, provision of critical plant nutrients and optimal soil structure. The complexity of soil microbial ecosystems makes the management of soil biology challenging.  To be able to understand something and effectively manage it we must be able to measure it.
'To Understand It, You Need To Measure It:
Approaches for Measuring Soil Biology'.

Dr Neil Wilson,  Metagen Australia
 'Key Measures for Biological Crop Nutrition'
Dave Forrest,  Organic Forrest Farms

'Soil Chemical Analysis for Biological Farming Systems'
Graham Lancaster ​, Environmental Analysis Lab, SCU
'Using Data to Manage Soil Health'
Alan Coates, Coates Agriculture​

Thank you to our workshop partners.
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Our Recent Conference

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​Australian Biological Farming Conference and Expo 2022 
Post Conference virtual delegate registration now available.
Watch the entire conference from the comfort of your home.
'THE ANSWER IS SOIL.  WHAT'S THE QUESTION?'
~  From opening to closing  ~​
2022 Australian Biological Farming Conference 
speaker presentation videos now available.

Details on the Conference Website
post conference virtual delegate registration for conference videos
27 Conference Videos AUD 300.00 + GST
5 Pre-conference workshop videos AUD 120.00 + GST
5 Pre-conference Videos and
27 Conference Videos 
AUD 420.00 + GST
​
Go to the conference website for video and speaker details.

Integrated Pest Management & Cover Crops 

The second IPM/Cover Crop Field Day in the series of three was attended by farmers interested in planting cover crops and providing beneficial insect habitat.
Ross Arnett shared his insightful observations on numerous trials running on his farm.  Thanks also to Richard Llewellyn, BioResources, and Dave Forrest, Organic Forrest, for contributing their knowledge and expertise. 
​BioResources provides insectary reared biological controls  specialising in Trichogramma and Anastatus wasps.

Farm Walk with Geoff Bugden
Thank you to Geoff and Debbie Bugden for hosting this farm walk on their pecan farm. Geoff shares his many years of observations and on-farm trials.  With help from Dave Forrest, Geoff explains to visitors how he developed his farm management practices. 
In this video watch Geoff explain how he manages ground covers, integrated pest management, soil health, and his brews of bio- fertilisers and bio-teas. 
Farm Walk videos produced by Mia Forrest.

Quick links

Northern Rivers Soil Health Cards

Soil Health Card Videos

Australian Biological Farming Conference 2018 Videos
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