CQUniversity microbiology lecturer Dr Sandrine Makiela is keen for landholders to nominate to have microbes in their soils tested, in an effort to produce baseline data of micobial activity in Central Queensland soils.

Thanks to a new trial jointly funded by CQUniversity and consultants Grazing BestPrac (GBP), graziers may be able to get feedback on microbial activity in their soils without sending samples interstate.

Dr Sandrine Makiela pictured in her laboratory

Dr Makiela says the project aims to check the amount and types of microbes necessary to build and maintain productive soils to support healthy pastures.

She is keen to collect between 60 and 80 samples from a variety of Central Queensland region soil types, including a highly productive paddock and a run-down paddock (for comparison).

"While many have spoken of the link between microbes and improved pastures resulting from changes to management practices, the tests should show what worked and what did not," Dr Makiela says.

"We first need the data to compare to find out what levels we have now and what effects those microbes have on soil health."

Anyone interested in becoming involved in this project can call Grazing BestPrac via 4938 3919.

Paddock soil health is crucial to graziers