The dirt on soil: Why healthy soil matters
OPINION: Every year, December 5 marks World Soil Day. This date wasn’t chosen at random, it’s the birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, a passionate advocate for soil stewardship.
But for Ballance Agri-Nutrients' Aimee Robinson she's exactly where she wants to be.
Aimee is the upper South Island representative for Ballance's Science Extension Team, working with farmers from Canterbury, Marlborough and the West Coast. She advises them in ways to achieve increased on-farm productivity, through more efficient and effective nutrient management. For Rolleston-based Aimee, the role is a perfect fit.
"Everything on earth relies on soil, it's the basis for agriculture and human society", she says, "so it's incredibly rewarding to work closely with farmers, who are so knowledgeable already, to continually improve the way we use the soil."
A graduate of Lincoln University, Aimee has a Masters in Soil Science and a Bachelors degree in Environmental Science. Despite not coming from a farming background, Aimee loves working in the agricultural industry and has found the farming community to be very welcoming.
"They are very accepting and welcoming as an industry and community. Farmers love sharing, you learn so much by asking them", Aimee says.
Besides some good natured ribbing from farmers regarding her Auckland origins, Aimee finds that her educational background, industry experience and genuine interest in the community has helped to establish a great rapport.
"If you're honest and willing to put in the time to understand their particular situations, goals and challenges, then they respect you for that. If they trust you, they'll trust your advice."
Besides working with individual farmers, she also runs educational workshops. Not just for those in the agricultural industry but also workshops aimed at school aged children and people in urban areas. She notes how important it is to present an accurate view of the agricultural industry and especially to reverse the misconception that farmers don't care about the land and environment.
"When you talk to farmers, it's immediately clear that looking after the environment is important to them" she says.
"By working together we are able to change on-farm systems for the better, using the latest developments to maximise production and create more efficient product use.
In the end, this is better for the environment and better for the soil."
