Digging for gold | Healthy Soils Competition is back

By Jay Bryce

Jun 15, 2023

Returning: The Soil Week competition returns this year. Photo by contributed

A retired farmer from the Wimmera district and a soil advocate from Melbourne have joined forces to organise the Healthy Soil Competition for primary and secondary students.

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Calvin Muller, a former farmer, has always been intrigued by the impact of different on-farm practices on crop yields.

Implementing innovative techniques such as no-till farming and cover crops, he saw improvements in soil fertility and reduced salinity issues.

Concerned about the excessive use of chemicals, Mr Muller now sponsors the Healthy Soil Competition, believing that young people will lead the change in soil conservation.

Teaming up with Mr Muller is Bev Middleton, a retired soil advocate who founded Soil Week Australia.

The 2022 competition received an overwhelming response, with 60 schools and over 600 students participating nationwide.

Entries showcased creativity through rap dances, artwork and stories, highlighting the importance of healthy soil.

This year's topics focus on worms and their positive impact on soil and the environment.

The competition, running until September 15, offers voucher prizes and aims to engage students in celebrating and protecting our precious soil resource.

To enter or find out more, visit soilweekaustralia.com.au/schools-competition