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SOIL HEALTH IN PRACTICE - REAL SOLUTIONS FROM REAL FARMERS

Natural Intelligence Farming many questions of what was happening within the soil to im-
prove its friability and moisture holding capacity. This was
Editor’s Note: I first met Ian and Dianne Haggerty in Febru- confirmed with deep soil carbon testing in 2012 that showed
ary of 2019 when we were all speaking at the Paicines Ranch. our soil carbon increased by 41% compared to neighboring
After hearing their story and seeing what they are doing on soil in the top 30 cm.”
their farm, and the stunning results that they are seeing, I “Natural Intelligence Farming” is the term the Haggertys
knew that I wanted to share it with other people. The Hag-
gertys also spoke at the 2020 No-till on the Plains conference use to describe their system that harnesses the dynamic,
natural relationships that exists between the soil, the plants,
to share their information. - KB
and the biology in the farming ecosystem. These complex
“Facilitate positive global change by rebuilding soils in relationships involve mutually beneficial interactions be-
semi-arid regions, producing premium food and fiber, and tween the soil, plant seeds and roots, microorganisms, and
supporting the nutritional needs of humanity to optimize ruminants that feed on the plants and cycle dung and mi-
health.” Big and bold words, but this is the passion of Ian crobes back to the soil. The key to their success and natural
and Dianne Haggerty who are doing just this on nearly intelligence farming is to not hinder or obstruct the interac-
50,000 acres in the arid regions of Western Australia. tions that support and inform these relationships—in other
This has not always been their focus, but it grew out of frus- words, to work with nature and not against her!
trations and failures. After years of traditional farming, the The Haggertys believe that their agricultural methods can
Haggertys realized that they were subject to drought and make a significant contribution to improving global trends
rising input costs and poor fertilizer performance. Much of in environmental management and human health. There is
the little moisture they received was lost to evaporation, and an existing and growing body of scientific research support-
hardpans in their soils were severely restricting root growth. ing a wide range of benefits associated with these farming
Ian Haggerty recalls, “It didn’t take long for us to realize that methods, including:
moisture in the soil was key to profitability and that hang- C Carbon sequestration while producing optimal food and fiber.
ing onto that moisture was critical to make a viable crop out
of a poor spring. This fact, along with a questioning mind C Increased biodiversity, particularly microbiological biodiversity in soil.
and noticing that there were discrepancies between soil test C Zero chemical residues tested in grains grown.
and tissue test results, sparked a drive for real answers. Re- C Nutritional diversity and balance in foods grown.
ducing risk and increasing profitability year in and year out C Elimination of synthetic fertilizers.
were key goals for the business to progress.”
C Increased diversity in the microbiome.
So, Ian and Di started to research biologically-based farm- C Return of diverse native plants throughout the farming landscape.
ing systems with the aim of increasing their soil’s moisture
holding capacity and microbial populations. Together they C Production of fully pasture fed meat that is high in Omega-3, conju-
climbed up a steep learning curve and integrated some of gated linoleic acid, vitamin E, and has greater mineral diversity.
the world’s top biological knowledge. They recall their ed- C Greater reliability in grain crop yields.
ucational experiences: “Dr. Elaine Ingham’s message of the C Crop disease resistance resulting in decreased fungicides and pesticides.

miracle work of soil microbiological communities in provid- Cropping
ing optimum balanced nutrition to plants and prevention of Seeds are microbiologically coated before being direct
disease and insect attack through soil health resonated with seeded into a seed trench that is supplemented with natural
us. At the same time, we consulted with Jane Slattery of South fertilizers based on high grade worm liquid and compost
Australia to develop an understanding of ruminant nutrition extract. This ensures that the plant is biologically support-
and interconnectedness with landscape health. Working on ed from germination to early growth. By supporting and
both the soil and animal health aspects concurrently enabled encouraging the soil/plant root microbiome, the plant’s
some wonderful synergies to express and assist with fast immune system is strengthened so that no fungicides or
tracking the ecological progress of the farm. We were priv- pesticides are necessary. By not using water soluble fertil-
ileged to be introduced to Dr. Christine Jones, Dr. Maarten izers with the seed, extensive root system growth is stimu-
Stapper, and Walter Jehne, who had considerable knowledge lated, and the plant is able to reach wider and more deeply
on working soil health principles in Australian agricultural for moisture and nutrition. The thick rhizosheath on the
environments. Dr. Jones’ ‘liquid carbon pathway’ answered

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