As climate change continues to be a pressing problem, reliable solutions that can address other natural resource issues are in great demand. Grasslands offer such a solution with proper management says Judi Earl, a soil scientist from Australia who will speak at HMI's 2016 Gathering in Paicines, California.
Judi gained a PhD in pasture ecology when she conducted the first studies in Australia describing the benefits to pasture composition and soil condition from planned grazing. She has extensive experience in how grasslands and pastures respond to grazing and fertility management and is a widely respected speaker on these matters. A partner in the AIMS consultancy and Holistic Management™ Certified Educator since 2002, Judi’s main area of interest is working with land managers to enhance the condition and productivity of their land through understanding of ecosystem function and more effective utilization of available resources.
What Soil Can Do For Us
Judi's presentation will focus on how soil surface condition is the ultimate indicator of the health of ecosystem processes. Much of our soil is so degraded we no longer have a benchmark for what constitutes healthy soil, let alone a concept of what it can do for us. The value and importance of soil to our very existence on this planet is vastly underestimated by society.
But healthy soil provides the basis of nutrition for the food web, is the major sink of terrestrial carbon, stores and filters water, is the habitat of the greatest biodiversity and sustains the vegetation which provides the air we breathe. All life has its roots in the soil. Judi’s presentation will cover chemical, physical and biological aspects of soil health and the role of these elements as the foundation for healthy plants, animals and humans.
Come learn how grasslands are an untapped opportunity to mitigate climate change at HMI's 2016 Gathering.
will offer thought-provoking presentations and breakout sessions on various
interests. Local food security, land health, strengthening our communities and nourishing our bodies all included! We have something for everyone, so come learn from the experts! Many of our acclaimed speakers are celebrated throughout the world. Our special keynote speaker, “America’s Most Famous Farmer” himself,
, will be sure to inspire us all. We’ll also enjoy beautiful landscapes, farm-fresh food and be on the land with the animals.