🌱 Exciting news! I had the pleasure of interviewing Keiran Knight on our latest episode of Secrets of the Soil. Keiran is an agronomist and has deep roots in the agricultural industry. We had an insightful conversation about the importance of soil health and implementing regenerative practices. Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:
1️⃣ Bio stimulants are game-changers for soil health: Keiran emphasized the incredible benefits of using bio stimulants to reintroduce beneficial microbes and improve soil structure. These products provide a rich ecosystem for seed growth, enhance moisture retention, and support overall plant health. The best part? They don’t require extra money, equipment modifications, or system changes.
2️⃣ Soil health directly impacts food quality and sustainability: A healthy soil ecosystem translates to nutrient-dense crops and fewer input requirements. Keiran highlighted the connection between soil health, plant health, and the quality of the food we consume. By demanding higher quality food, consumers can drive change in the manufacturing process and reward farmers who prioritize soil health.
3️⃣ Observing and understanding soil indicators is vital: Keiran stressed the importance of physically assessing soil conditions on farms. By using tools like penprompters and brick readings, farmers can evaluate soil structure and crop nutrition status. Additionally, hands-on observations, such as examining roots and smelling the soil, can provide valuable insights into soil health. Taking a holistic approach helps farmers make personalized recommendations for improving soil health and optimizing crop yields.
If you’re interested in learning more about soil health, regenerative practices, and their impact on the agricultural industry, don’t miss our engaging conversation with Keiran Knight on the Secrets of the Soil podcast. Let’s work together to create a healthier, more sustainable future for our planet! 🌍✨
Who is Keiran Knight
Keiran Knight is a fourth-generation farmer and agronomist, dedicated to enhancing the health of soil, plants, animals, and humans alike. She has a profound passion for observing healthy soil in action.
As an agronomist for Best Environmental Technologies and a broadacre farmer alongside her husband John in Wee Waa, NSW, Keiran finds great satisfaction in following up with farmers who use Best products. This aspect of her role is crucial in ensuring continued agricultural success and satisfaction in her field.
The Life Beneath Our Feet
There’s a world beneath our feet, teeming with life and bustling with activity. Our soils hold the key to sustainable agriculture, and it’s where our food truly begins. In this episode of “Secrets of the Soil,” we dive deep with Keiran Knight, an advocate for bio stimulants and soil health, to discover the intricacies that turn a handful of soil into a living, breathing ecosystem.
Understanding Soil Structure and Health
Assessing the Life Underneath
The health of soil is not just about what we see with our eyes. Keiran Knight takes us through the fundamental principles of evaluating soil by using various techniques such as measuring compaction with a penprompter, testing nutrient levels with brick readings, and simply by observing the state of plant roots. A crucial takeaway is the significance of healthy soil in retaining a wealth of microbiological life; the more soil clings to roots, the more vibrant its underground society.
The Catalyst for Regeneration
The Gentle Push Towards Vitality
During the discussion, Knight hones in on the advantages of using bio stimulants. These natural aids bolster the soil’s innate strength, encouraging a rebound from periods of distress, such as drought, without the need for costly or complex adjustments in farming practices. A mere 1% augmentation in organic carbon, Keiran elaborates, can skyrocket soil’s fertility by a staggering 500%. The effects are palpable; soils are revitalized, crop roots deepen, plants dazzle with a natural green sheen, and the ecosystem’s balance is restored.
The Economics of Soil Health
From Soil Care to Market Share
Keiran doesn’t just talk about the soil; he addresses the broader context surrounding it. How do regenerative practices resonate in the market? There’s a surging demand from consumers for quality, nutrient-rich food, and this doesn’t go unnoticed. Farmers who heed this call, Knight posits, could reshape agriculture as we know it. However, the frustration is palpable when high-quality produce is lost in processing systems that fail to recognize and reward farmers’ efforts. Herein lies the potential for change – agronomic practices that result in healthier yields can influence the industry at large and lead to sustainable economic rewards.
The Underlying Science of Soil Activism
Unleashing the Potential Below Our Feet
Active soil biology is pivotal in facilitating plant photosynthesis and natural nutrient utilization. Falconer likens nurturing the soil’s biological ecosystem to “creating a party underground,” where the living components work in harmony to support plant health. This shift away from excessive fertilizer applications isn’t just environmentally prudent—it’s economically wise, as it can significantly reduce farming costs.
The Journey from Agronomist to Advocate
From Chemical Fields to Biological Frontiers
Keiran’s personal growth mirrors the transformation he envisions for the soil. Initially entrenched within the realms of a large chemical company, Knight’s gradual awakening to the perils of aggressive chemical use inspired a shift to consultative roles emphasizing regenerative practices. His experiences with bio stimulants, mirroring the land’s resilient bounce-back during drought, reflect not just the adaptability of our soils but also of our farmers and agricultural consultants.
Sensing Soil’s Stories
Using Our Senses to Connect with the Soil
Further into our discussion, Keiran delves into the experiential aspect of understanding soil health. He recommends using our senses – the touch, scent, and even the aesthetics of soil to discern its vitality. Each farm’s tale is etched into its land, and by spending dedicated time on the ground – up to three hours on farm visits – Knight emphasizes the importance of personalized recommendations over generic advice.
A Call to Arms: The True Voice of the Soil
It's Time to Listen
As the episode with Keiran Knight reaches its conclusion, a profound narrative emerges: soil is a living entity that demands respect, care, and understanding. It’s not merely about finding data points but engaging with the land on a meaningful level. Knight’s commitment to being a ‘voice of the soil’ resonates as a clarion call to the agricultural community to embrace regenerative practices, not just for the sake of the environment but also for their livelihood.
Soils for Tomorrow
Keiran Knight’s insights on “Secrets of the Soil” remind us that each decision we make on the land engraves our legacy into the earth. It’s a story of hope, of unwavering persistence, and of respecting the intricate balance of life that dwells in a simple clump of earth. We are left with a call to action, not just to care for the soil, but to be its advocate, its steward, and ultimately, its voice.
