🎙️ Exciting news for all soil lovers! Our latest “Secrets of the Soil” podcast episode is live, featuring the insightful Bryan McLeod. As an expert in soil, plant, and animal nutrition, Bryan brings a wealth of knowledge from his global experiences, from New Zealand’s pastures to Japan’s farms. Tune in to Episode 13: “Why Soil is Worth More than Gold” for a deep dive into the world of soil analysis and how it can revolutionize your growing journey.
🌱 Here are 3 key takeaways to enrich your
understanding of soil’s hidden power:
✅ Soil Is a Living Ecosystem: Discover why Bryan advocates for treating our soil with the care and attention it deserves, as one would nurture a child. Learn about the symbiotic relationship between soil health and plant diversity, and how regenerative farming techniques can reduce overall costs while improving yield.
✅ Fertilizers & Analysis: Find out how the proper use and understanding of fertilizers and soil tests can restore or degrade your land. Bryan shares invaluable insights on how to manipulate your soil’s structure and biology, ensuring the most natural balance and optimal growing conditions.
✅ Nutrient-Dense Foods: Our conversation unveils a crucial trend: the nutrient value in our vegetables and pastures is declining. Bryan highlights the need for better food quality over quantity, and how a deep understanding of your soil can lead to more nourishing harvests, correcting deficiencies that affect crop growth and animal health.
🌾 Whether you’re a farmer, a home gardener, or simply curious about the ground beneath your feet, this episode packs a punch with practical advice and thought-provoking discussion. Discover why soil, often overlooked, truly is more valuable than gold.
Listen, learn, and let’s grow together for a healthier, more sustainable future. 🌍
Don’t forget to share your thoughts and spread the word about “Secrets of the Soil” – we’re here to unearth the richness beneath us, one episode at a time.
#SecretsoftheSoil #Podcast #Agriculture #RegenerativeFarming #SoilHealth #SustainableAgriculture #SoilScience #GrowingJourney
Who is Bryan McLeod?
Bryan McLeod was raised on a farm near Putaruru New Zealand, attending Massey University NZ in 1962 where he obtained a diploma in Agriculture, Dairy Farming Option.
He went through share-milking and farm ownership in the Waikato and started consulting in 1978 and moved to Australia in 1986.
Bryan established Pro Ag Consulting in 1987 which was represented in all states and territories within Australia. Bryan (ProAg Consulting) has now been consulting for 36 years, specialising in soil, plant and animal nutrition. He has studied the relationship between soil mineral balance and plant production, fruit quality and storage life, as well as likely effects on animal health and stock performance. During this time he has gained experience in most forms of agriculture, concentrating on soil nutrition, land preparation and remedial fertiliser programmes. Pro Ag Consulting now offers a complete soil and plant analysis with an independent fertility program and plans of action.
Pro Ag Consulting was reporting on approximately 2000 soil samples per year and then with partners established the Australian Perry Agricultural Laboratory (APAL) in Adelaide in 2000. In 2003, Bryan, and Partners, established a soil analysis laboratory in the Henan Province in China, with which to service local farmers. The objective of this service is not only the processing of soils but also education in agriculture. This includes the teaching of farmers to understand their soils and allowing them to make more educated evaluations on fertility programmes.
Bryan has been sort after as a guest speaker at agricultural seminars and as a presenter at educational workshops in many states of Australia. Bryan is presently working with dairy farmers in Japan.
Bryan has now returned to New Zealand but is still continuing to consult in Australia.
Website: http://bryanlmcleod.com/
The Treasure Hidden in Plain Sight
In today’s world, we often overlook the fundamental components that sustain life. Beneath our feet lies a resource more valuable than any precious metal: soil. In this enlightening episode of “Secrets of the Soil,” our host Regen Ray Milidoni and guest expert Bryan McLeod delve deep into the reasons why soil is worth its weight in gold and how understanding and nurturing it can revolutionize our approach to growing and agriculture.
The Vast Universe in a Handful of Soil
It’s easy to forget that a handful of soil contains a universe of life. Soil is not just an inert growing medium but a living entity brimming with microorganisms. Bryan hails from New Zealand, where he’s spent a lifetime studying the interactions between soil, plants, and animals. He shares stories of overcoming challenges like nutrient deficiencies in volcanic soils and introduces practices aimed at creating a haven for beneficial bacteria. When we care for the soil as though it were a child, providing a proper environment for microbial life, we pave the way for a thriving ecosystem above ground.
Soil Analysis: Beyond the Surface
Understanding the Soil's Complexity
Diving into the technical aspects, Bryan emphasizes the importance of soil analysis. Different regions exhibit unique soil compositions, from high magnesium and potassium soil to those low in essential nutrients that impede bacterial growth. The complexity of soil science shines through in discussions about how certain elements, like nitrogen, can play a critical role in stimulating soil bacteria and enhancing structure.
The Long-Term Impact of Agricultural Practices
Bryan discusses the long-term effects of cultivating practices and machinery on soil structure. By matching practices with the soil’s needs, we can maintain its integrity. A poignant case is presented from the Northern Territory in Australia, where regenerative farming significantly cut spray expenses for a grower, illustrating the economic benefits of understanding soil systems.
Innovations and Virtual Consultations: Soil Science in the Digital Age
As the world becomes increasingly connected, soil science has adapted. Bryan shares how virtual consultations provide access to expert advice irrespective of geographical barriers. This remote guidance can assist farmers in diagnosing issues and implementing effective solutions worldwide.
Feeding the World: Quality Over Quantity
Diminishing Nutrient Values
Bryan addresses a pressing concern: the reduction in nutrient value of vegetables and pastures. He argues that the focus on rapid growth and volume has led to nutrient dilution. High-quality food should nourish the body and soul, transcending mere dietary guidelines.
High-Quality Proteins from Plants
Highlighting the surprising fact that certain vegetables like rocket, cos lettuce, and spinach can contain significant protein levels, Bryan suggests alternative approaches to traditional protein sources. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for both growers and consumers.
The Ripple Effect of Fertilizers
Soil’s future greatly depends on our current fertilizer practices. Using the right products that match the soil’s conditions can restore or degrade its quality. Bryan calls for thorough knowledge and application of fertilizers to manipulate soil health positively.
Call to Action: Embracing the Soil Renaissance
Regen Ray concludes the episode with a call to action, inviting listeners to share their newfound knowledge and become advocates for soil care. By doing so, we can ensure that the soil, which should be prized as much as gold, receives the attention and care it needs to sustain us for generations to come.
The Path Ahead for Soil Guardians
As we close this chapter of “Secrets of the Soil,” it’s clear that soil is not just an agricultural asset but a global treasure. Bryan reminds us that taking care of the land is an investment in our collective future. We stand on the brink of a soil renaissance, where understanding and nurturing the ground can lead to more sustainable and fruitful outcomes for all. Whether we’re speaking of individual gardeners or large-scale farmers, the message is the same: the soil is worth investing in.
Let’s protect and enhance this precious resource, not just for a better harvest but for a healthier planet.
