The Scots College field visit

The Mulloon Institute’s Luke Peel and Joe Skuse hosted year 12 Agriculture students from The Scots College over two days with a focus on soils and the Mulloon Rehydration Initiative. 

The students were given an insight into the property and catchment scale operations undertaken by TMI that help reinstate nature’s way of managing water in the landscape, and the principles of managing the land to improve soil and plant growth. The students were taught how to assess a range of soil profiles for physical and chemical characteristics, and understand what makes a good soil that acts like a sponge to infiltrate and retain water for plant growth. Additionally, they learnt about the importance of soil microbes for nutrient cycling and their symbiotic relationship with plants. The students were also treated to an informal lecture by expert regenerative farmer, Martin Royds from Braidwood, and a tour of his Jillamatong property. 

As a graduate of TSC, landscape planner Joe Skuse was able to give an insight into his journey from studying at the college, then his Bachelor of Environment Sustainability from ANU, which has provided a career pathway to TMI.

Thanks to The Scots College’s Coordinators Kym and Duncan McMaster, and teacher Daisie Thomas for their continued interest and support to bring students to Mulloon Creek Natural Farms. Education and training for the next generation of farmers, agronomists, and land managers is paramount to Australia’s food fibre and environmental future. Thanks also to our major partners, ANU for the use of their soil sampling equipment.

The Mulloon Rehydration Initiative is jointly funded through the Mulloon Institute and the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program. The initiative is also assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust.