We recently had the enriching opportunity to host Liana Toth from ClimateForce on the **Secrets of the Soil** podcast. If you’re passionate about soil health and sustainability, this episode is a must-listen! 🎧
Liana shares her profound insights on interpreting the soil’s needs through the weeds that grow on it, emphasizing a harmonious relationship with nature. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:
🔍 Key Takeaways:
– Reframe Weeds’ Role: Instead of declaring a war on weeds, understand their benefits. Weeds can signal what the soil needs and help fix different nutrients into the soil, ultimately supporting biodiversity and soil health.
– Fungi and Organic Matter: Acknowledge the essential role of fungi and organic matter in soil ecosystems. By incorporating compost, mulch, and encouraging thriving fungi, we can optimize soil health and boost productivity in a sustainable manner.
– Community and Volunteers:The ClimateForce project in the Daintree area thrives on community involvement and volunteer efforts. This project not only regenerates land and increases biodiversity but also provides therapeutic and educational experiences for participants, fostering a deeper connection with nature.
Join Liana and the team at ClimateForce in their inspiring mission to regenerate a 350-acre piece of the Daintree rainforest, with a goal of planting over 360,000 native trees! 🌳✨
Who is Liana Toth?
She worked on different farms for over 12 years, organic and conventional. Studied permaculture amongst other courses and have been practicing restoring soil, creating and designing gardens for 7+ years. Currently Nursery Manager for Climate Force and manage food forest gardens, community gardens and a regeneration site all organically certified.
Liana from Climate Force talks about their work on a 350-acre piece of land in the Daintree region of Australia, which is sandwiched between two World Heritage sites: the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. The organization is focused on planting native trees in order to regenerate the land, which was previously used for agriculture and is now covered in weeds. They are also growing community gardens and food forests in order to encourage community involvement and diversity.
Climate Force’s goal is to plant 360,000 or more native trees in the area in order to regenerate the land, which will also increase biodiversity by creating habitat for various insects, animals, birds, and shrubs. Liana mentions that the Daintree region is home to many ancient and primitive species of trees, and that some seeds in the rainforest only fruit every five, ten, or 15 years.
- Climate Force is an organization working on a 350-acre piece of land in the Daintree region of Australia
- Their goal is to plant 360,000 or more native trees in order to regenerate the land and increase biodiversity
- They are also growing community gardens and food forests to encourage community involvement
- The Daintree region is home to many ancient and primitive species of trees, and some seeds in the rainforest only fruit every 5, 10, or 15 years
- Climate Force is run by a group of young people and focuses on innovation and problem solving
- The land they are working on was previously used for agriculture and is now covered in weeds, making the task of regenerating it a challenge
- Liana is the city manager and is responsible for planting thousands of trees yearly
- The Daintree Rainforest is the oldest in the world and has a high level of diversity with 13 out of 19 of the world’s most primitive species found there
- Some seeds in the rainforest only fruit every 5, 10, or 15 years
- Climate Force is focused on incorporating as much community interaction and activities as possible into their work.
The Gentle Touch: Embracing Harmony with the Soil
In this episode of “Secrets of the Soil,” podcast host ‘Regen Ray’ Milidoni engages in a profound conversation with Liana Toth from ClimateForce. Liana shares her passionate insights into understanding and working in tandem with soil ecosystems. She emphasizes the virtue of handling the soil gently and with love, urging listeners to reconnect with nature. “Imagine an untouched ecosystem,” Liana urges, illustrating the intrinsic beauty of nature without human interference. This harmony is essential for developing a deeper connection with the earth and fosters a serene environment for both soil and soul.
From War on Weeds to the Necessity of Weeds
One of the critical shifts discussed is the perspective change regarding weeds. Traditionally viewed as nuisances, Liana and ‘Regen Ray’ shed light on the importance of understanding the role weeds play in the ecosystem. Weeds, they explain, are not adversaries but rather signals from the soil, revealing the land’s needs. By observing which weeds thrive, we can gauge soil conditions and nutrient deficiencies. Liana shares her journey of combating dominating grass species and witnessing the resurgence of diverse weeds, each indicating what the land required for healing and nutrient balance.
The Role of Diversity and Organic Matter
Diversity is a cornerstone of soil health. Liana emphasizes the role of fungi and organic matter in creating robust soil systems. Mimicking natural environments, like forests, in agricultural practices enhances soil biodiversity and resilience. Keeping plants under trees, for instance, offers multiple benefits: shade, moisture retention, and nutrient cycling. This practice is integral to maintaining a living, thriving soil ecosystem. The conversation turns to the challenges conventional farmers face, specifically the pressures from banking systems that encourage land clearing, often leading to biodiversity collapse.
ClimateForce's Mission and Volunteer Opportunities
ClimateForce’s remarkable work focuses on regenerating a 350-acre piece of land in Daintree, aiming to plant over 360,000 native trees. Liana, as the nursery manager, shares details about their extensive data collection, geotagging, and germination tracking efforts. They work in the unique environment of wet tropics, exploring new methods to bring back native species and foster diverse ecosystems. She also highlights the increasing interest from younger generations eager to make a difference. Volunteers are welcome to join the project through platforms like Workaway, offering an enriching experience that blends physical labor with mindfulness and community building.
Therapeutic and Educational Aspects of Regenerative Farming
Engaging with the land offers profound therapeutic and mental health benefits. Liana discusses how the project creates a safe space for individuals to delve deeper into their emotions and reflect on humanity’s future. The hands-on experience of working with the soil and seeing immediate results provides a sense of accomplishment and connection. This transformative journey is not only about farming but also about fostering personal growth and breaking down social barriers through shared efforts.
From Conventional to Regenerative: Overcoming Challenges
Transitioning from conventional farming to regenerative practices is fraught with challenges. Liana and ‘Regen Ray’ address the resistance and stresses faced by traditional farmers. Liana shares her understanding and empathy for these struggles, highlighting the need for showcasing successful models of sustainable farming. The abundance and health of produce from their organic, permaculture-focused methods stand as testament to the viability and benefits of regenerative agriculture. This episode calls for a more profound look into traditional practices and the adoption of more sustainable, biodiverse farming techniques.
An Invitation to Reconnect and Contribute
The episode concludes with a heartfelt invitation from Liana and ‘Regen Ray’ for volunteers to join their mission. The project offers food, accommodation, and a wealth of knowledge in exchange for participation. As ‘Regen Ray’ aptly points out, the rewards of working with ClimateForce far surpass monetary gains, offering invaluable life lessons and a renewed perspective on the world.
In a world increasingly detached from nature, this episode of “Secrets of the Soil” serves as a gentle reminder to reconnect, observe, and nurture the earth with love and patience. As we embrace the wisdom of the soil and weeds, we pave the way for a more harmonious and sustainable future.
