19 Feb 2020
QHS Year 12 Agriculture students had the opportunity to attend an exceptional Field Day run by the NSW Department of Industry and the Local Land Services.
The event, coordinated for farmers at the Tamworth Research centre, featured current and relative topics including: soil water and availability, pasture growth and nutritive value, tropicals and their ability to trap water as well as experiments with plant density and species selection.
“Students gained valuable and professional first-hand knowledge that related directly to the HSC Agriculture syllabus. One of the most interesting points made on the day was that even after all the rain, we only have 6 weeks of ground moisture left for plant growth. However, historically, if we reach 220ml by the end of February , then in 7 out of 10 years , the rest of the year resulted in good rainfall,” said Head Teacher Agriculture, Mr Harries.
Students also had the opportunity to see on-site research trials on Lucerne and Digit grass sowing densities and how the pastures have responded to the rain. Other topics encompassed measuring the soil water profile, what to sow for feed and groundcover, pasture response and management, and possible livestock health impacts of fresh growth.