Are you stuck in the “lime every few years” cycle?
Soil scientist Phil Mulvey joins me in the vineyard to unpack how pH really works — from aluminium toxicity and CEC (cation exchange capacity) to buffering and why plant diversity can stabilise pH and rebuild soil structure. We compare lime vs a biological approach (multi-species covers, legumes, deep-rooters) and preview a follow-up on fungal inoculation.
What you’ll learn:
Why pH ≈ 6–6.5 maximises nutrient availability
The 5.2 pH aluminium toxicity cliff and shallow rootsHow CEC and organic matter “glues” create aggregation, infiltration & drought resilience
Practical seed-mix ideas for vineyards & grazing to buffer pH biologically
📍 Location: Australia (vineyard)🌱
Seed sources mentioned: Ardent Seeds (TAS) / ardentseeds mixes (mid-row & under-vine)
👤 Guest: Soil scientist Phil Mulvey
🚜 Tractor cameo: Ferguson TEA20
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Starting at 48:10, Phil joins the BrisScience panel as they celebrate the International Year of Soils with a nitty gritty discussion on: ‘Digging deeper…can Australian soils really feed the world?’
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Are you stuck in the “lime every few years” cycle? Phil Mulvey joins Tim Thomposon to unpack how pH really works — from aluminium toxicity and CEC (cation exchange capacity) to buffering and why plant diversity can stabilise pH and rebuild soil structure.
Watch on Youtube
Discover Soilkee, a machine that stimulates soil growth by activating microbes in a unique way. Find out how this innovative technology is revolutionizing agriculture!
Watch on Youtube