Soil secrets revealed for National Science Week

Soil health, microbes, composting and worm farming will be explored in a free workshop series taking place across Perth as part of National Science Week celebrations in August.

The Soil Secrets series includes a free presentation by Dr Monica Gagliano from the University of Western Australia and local scientists from Hydrosoil.

The Soil Secrets workshops are an initiative delivered by the City of South Perth in partnership with Switch your thinking and the SJ Food and Farm Alliance, to raise awareness of how the community can replenish their soils with vital nutrients by composting at home and of the important role soil plays in our environment and any productive garden.

“We encourage our residents to consider starting to compost at home. It’s a great way to reduce the waste that ends up in landfill and it also returns valuable nutrients to your garden,” City of South Perth Mayor Doherty said.

Switch your thinking is a local government sustainability initiative—developed by the City of Armadale, the City of Gosnells and the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale. The SJ Food and Farm Alliance champions peri-urban agriculture and influences broader issues such as food security, local economies, community health and nutrition.

Soil Secrets received grant funding from the Australian Government as part of the Inspiring Australia – Science Engagement Programme.

In addition to the Soil Secrets workshops, the City will host an evening with Tony Hughes-d’Aeth, Senior Lecturer in English and Cultural Studies at the University of Western Australia as part of National Science Week Celebrations.

To find out more about National Science Week and register for events, visit the City’s website.

Green Living: The Minds of Plants
Dr Monica Gagliano from the University of Western Australia will reveal how plants sense gravity, repel enemies and trick animals into helping them reproduce. 

6.15pm Tuesday 8 August
South Perth Library
Cnr Sandgate St and South Tce
South Perth

Green Living: Soil Secrets Revealed
Local scientists from Hydrosoil will present a workshop at Manning Library that will help participants better manage their soil for a more productive veggie patch, a vibrant flowerbed or a healthy and resilient lawn.

12pm Wednesday 9 August
Manning Library
2 Conochie Cres
Manning

Words with Wine: Tony Hughes-d’Aeth
Tony examines the creation of the wheatbelt through its creative writing. Some of Australia’s most well-known and significant writers wrote about their experience of the wheatbelt, each gives insight into the human and environmental effects of this massive-scale agriculture. 

6.30pm Tuesday 29 August
South Perth Library
Crn Sandgate St and South Tce
South Perth