Far North farmers are driving research into the best ways to mitigate climate change and build soil health through agricultural systems.

A group of Tablelands farmers have begun soil testing on their properties to measure and compare carbon levels and other soil health indicators as part of a three-year project encompassing different crops, forests and soil types.

Rainforest Bounty’s Geraldine McGuire said evidence of both carbon sequestration systems in agriculture and soil health improvements could help the region to build a reputation in carbon farming and improve its ‘carbon sink’ status with investors.

A partnership between landholders and natural resource management organisation Terrain NRM is behind the research.

“Some of my orchards are 20 years old; some others are just being planted,’’ Dr McGuire said. “Because carbon takes a long time to build up, we are testing over a number of years. In my case we are comparing native fruit orchards with a control site in reforested land on the property.”

Other properties include native fruit orchards, an avocado farm and pasture.

Terrain NRM’s Rowan Shee said the research was part of a larger Digging Deeper Plus project focused on helping farmers to improve soil health on their properties through on-farm workshops, free soil tests and customised soil management plans. This project is supported by Terrain through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

He said building carbon levels in soils had multiple soil health benefits – from improved soil structure, water infiltration and nutrient cycling to reduced soil compaction and erosion.

“The end result is better plant growth and better long-term soil health and productivity,’’ Mr Shee said.