Episode 9: Measuring and managing soil health with Conan Moynihan

In this episode, Shaun catches up with Colin Moynihan, from Force of Nature Consulting, to talk about what’s really going on beneath our feet — the soil.

They dig (pun intended) into what makes good soil tick, how to tell if yours is in good shape, and why it matters for pasture, stock, and long-term farm performance.

Colin shares practical tips for checking soil structure and biology, explains why soil aggregation is worth paying attention to, and talks about how healthy soil leads to healthier animals. They also look ahead to where sustainable farming is heading and why nutrient-dense feed starts with what’s in the ground.Takeaways:

• Soil quality is fundamental for overall farm productivity.
• Visual soil assessments provide quick insights into soil health.
• Soil aggregation is crucial for root development and nutrient access.
• Soil microbiology plays a key role in nutrient cycling.
• Improving soil health can reduce the need for chemical fertilisers.
• Diversity in pasture species enhances soil microbiome diversity.
• Nutrient density in feed is linked to soil health.
• Effective soil management can lead to better livestock health.
• Farmers should regularly assess soil conditions and adjustpractices accordingly.
• Collaboration with soil consultants can enhance farm management strategies.

Keywords

Soil quality, soil health, farming practices, soil microbiology, nutrient density, sustainable agriculture, visual soil assessment, soil structure, livestock health, agronomy.