Nitrogen fixers

M U L T I S P E C I E S P A S T U R E – B I O L O G I C A L N I T R O G E N C A P T U R E

Biological nitrogen fixation is a complex process. Put simply, all plants, including forage crops, need relatively large amounts of nitrogen (N) for healthy growth and development. Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is the term used for a process in which nitrogen gas from the atmosphere is incorporated into the tissue of certain plants. Only a select group of plants can obtain N this way, with the help of soil microorganisms. Among forage plants, the group of plants known as legumes (Fabaceae family), are well known for being able to obtain N from air.

A few common legumes available in Tasmania that can be incorporated into existing pasture systems are peas, beans, clovers and lucerne. Brassicas are also well suited to capturing nitrogen.

In forage production, this process can be very important because it means that the muchneeded N can be obtained from three sources: the atmosphere via BNF, the soil, and from fertilisers. Forage producers who find ways to maximise the amount of N obtained from the atmosphere via BNF will be able to reduce their fertiliser costs while maintaining soil fertility, high levels of forage protein, and high yields.

The process by which some forage crops can incorporate N from the air into their tissues involves a symbiotic (mutually beneficial) relationship. For example, Lucerne is the host plant to a microorganism that is associated with BNF. With most forage crops the second organism is a bacterium that occurs naturally in the soil, known as rhizobia.

These soil bacteria infect the roots of the plant and form nodules (see image on right). The chemical reactions, that is the process known as BNF, take place in the nodules.

So, with rising cost in fertiliser, now is a time to reset and consider diversifying that common Rye Grassdominant pasture by adding multiple species into the system, not only for nitrogen fixation, but for soil and stock health benefits.

Nodulation on Tic Bean

BY DR TOM O'MALLEY

This year we said farewell to a very likable and charismatic beekeeper of our region. The highly engaging Charlie Trafford was very generous in sharing both his time and knowledge with others interested in learning about the noble art of keeping bees. Following a diverse career including time in the Navy and Police Force, Charlie turned his attention to beekeeping and became an apiarist.

Charlie provided hands-on practical beekeeping training to many people in the Cradle Coast region, including more than a hundred in weekend workshops over the last six years.

While setting up for a beekeeping workshop a few years ago, Tom naively asked Charlie if bumble bees produced honey. The ever-witty Charlie replied with “They do, but instead of storing it in a wax honeycomb, they fashion a small clay pot from soil and keep it in there”. “Do they really?” Tom replied. “Of course they don’t!” was Charlie’s reply between fits of laughter.

Charlie will be missed by many. Vale Charles Edward Trafford (14/10/1939-20/06/2021).

GET INVOLVED

GET OUT IN THE WILD! GET VOLUNTEERING!

Have you considered getting involved in conservation volunteering? Wildcare Tasmania held their annual Wildcare Expo at Mt Gnomon Farm on 20 November and the diversity of volunteering opportunities was immense and inspiring. Volunteering opportunities range from wombat monitoring at Cradle Mountain and penguin guiding at Lillico beach, to rock climbing access maintenance, and a plethora of remote weeding opportunities.

Volunteers are always needed! Check out the Wildcare website for more information on volunteering opportunities near you: https://wildcaretas.org.au/

Sisters Beach Wildcare is keen for local volunteers to support their work to protect paperbark woodlands around Sisters Creek estuary from erosion caused by king tides and storm surges.

For more information contact Colin Hocking c.hocking@latrobe.edu.au or visit https://wildcaretas.org.au/branches/sisters-beach-wildcare/ Hannah and Perviz Marker from our NRM Committee and a volunteer with many hats!

APPLY FOR SOME FREE MONEY!

STATE GOVERNMENT LANDCARE ACTION GRANTS

Opportunities to co-invest with farmers, Landcare, and other community organisations on practical on-ground works for sustainable agriculture and rivercare type activities to the value of $1,000- $10,000. The scope of the program has now been expanded to include carbon farming initiatives, with the potential to link these activities with the Government's Carbon Farming Advice Rebate.

The type of activities eligible for funding through the Program include:

For Landcare-type on-ground works:

Removing weeds (small scale projects not otherwise funded, such as by the Weed Action Fund)

Fencing to protect natural values

Providing off-stream watering points

Controlling pest animals

Maintaining and improving ground cover (including pastures)

Protecting and enhancing on-farm remnant native vegetation, including planting of new areas of native vegetation, and improving the management of existing remnants

Managing fire regimes

Protecting and revegetating habitat (including threatened species and communities)

Habitat augmentation, such as installation of artificial fauna movement devices, artificial nesting or roosting habitat, environmental thinning or seed banking

For carbon farming initiatives:

Activities recommended in independent reports prepared by suitably qualified professionals and in line with the broader

Program Objectives (note: rebates for such advice may be available under the Carbon Farming Advice Rebate Pilot

Program).

NOW OPEN, closes Friday 31 December 2021

For more information visit:

https://tfga.com.au/environment/landcare?fbclid=IwAR1nHRu7Xsx-NxbXdwlENiELpNeLv2d6c-JSLxh_tMnaoOMOocXEQWBsZw

BURNIE CITY COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL GRANTS 2022-23

Environmental Grant funding is available in two grant streams within Burnie municipality.

OPEN NOW, submissions close 14 January 2022 • Minor Grants – Up to $5,000 • One Major Grant – Up to $15,000

For queries about the Grant Guidelines, deadlines, or questions in the form, please contact us by email at grants@burnie.net or during business hours on 6430 5866.

https://burnie.smartygrants.com.au/environ mental22-23

CARBON FARMING REBATE

The Carbon Farming Advice Pilot Rebate Program provides primary producers with rebates of up to $10,000 for advice sought about the costs and benefits of accessing carbon credits, auditing requirements, and on-ground actions that are eligible for carbon credits.

The Program will remain open until funds are expended. The total funding available for the pilot is $250,000.

Rebates of $1 for each $1 spent on eligible advice. Individual rebates are limited to a maximum of $10,000.

https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/agriculture/gove rnment-and-community-programs/carbonfarming-opportunities/carbon-farmingadvice-rebate-pilot-program