| 119 nzdairy RURAL SERVICES » Soil to Soul Understanding the living processes within the soil Karen Phelps For dairy farmers facing increasing environmental pressures, rising input costs and the ongoing challenge of maintaining profitable production, Peter Bacchus of Soil to Soul believes the answer may lie beneath their feet. “Improving farm performance begins with understanding the living processes within the soil and working with nature rather than against it,” he says. A lifelong advocate of biodynamic and biological farming methods, Peter traces his family’s involvement with biodynamics back almost a century. “My family have been interested in biodynamic methods since 1924 and 1933, depending on which side of the family one looks. For me biodynamics is normal and I am passionate about promoting biodynamic and biological farming towards mainstream agriculture,” he says. Having worked as a dairy farmer, medicinal herb grower and compost maker on both small and large scales, Peter has spent decades observing the connections between soil health, plant nutrition and livestock performance. Central to his approach is the belief that healthy soils drive healthy pastures, which in turn support productive and profitable dairy systems. Peter points to the teachings of Austrian philosopher and scientist Dr Rudolf Steiner, who delivered a series of agricultural lectures more than 100 years ago. “Remain within the sphere of life was Steiner’s advice to farmers, and that advice is even more important today,” explains Peter. Biological farming focuses on stimulating natural biological activity in the soil through the use of composts and specially prepared substances derived from cow manure, finely ground quartz and selected herbs. For dairy farmers Peter says one of the key benefits is increased pasture growth through enhanced photosynthesis. “In the cooler months from April to October we often see a significant increase in photosynthesis through the use of the quartz preparation,” says Peter. “That can result in a doubling of Brix readings allowing plants to absorb more light and produce more sugars.” Those plant sugars not only build pasture growth but also feed soil microorganisms through root exudates. As soil biology becomes more active, nutrients are released naturally and made available to plants when they are needed. “When the soil biology is flourishing, nutrients are delivered to the plant as required rather than being Biological farming focuses on stimulating natural biological activity in the soil through the use of composts and specially prepared substances derived from cow manure, finely ground quartz and selected herbs. taken up unnecessarily through the soil solution,” explains Peter. He believes this biological nutrient cycling can reduce reliance on manufactured nitrogen and support strong pasture production. Peter also encourages farmers to view weeds and pests differently. “When I walk onto a farm, I look at the weeds and see what they are telling me about the soil,” he says. “Diseases on plants and insect pressure can also indicate nutritional imbalances. They are often symptoms rather than the real problem.” Addressing underlying soil conditions, he says, can frequently reduce weed pressure more effectively than relying solely on herbicides. Environmental outcomes are another important consideration. Peter says biologically active soils have the potential to increase carbon sequestration and also reduce nitrate losses to waterways. “We have seen situations where carbon levels are increasing and nitrate levels in water are reduced to trace or untraceable amounts, all while maintaining productive farms with healthy animals and very low veterinary costs,” explains Peter. SOIL TO SOUL bringing health to your soil and farm Sustainable Management Consultants on sustainable & pro table management of soils, pests and weeds. Long term weather forecasting. Contact Peter Bacchus on: 027 263 2521 p.bacchus@farmside.co.nz Ultimately, however, farming must remain financially sustainable. “Making money is a vital part of sustainable farming,” says Peter. “The real measure is the difference between total sales and the total costs of running and maintaining a farm. That’s why for Soil to Soul improving soil biology is not simply about environmental stewardship. It is about helping dairy farmers build resilient, productive and profitable businesses from the ground up.”
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