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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What is the link between farming with Multi Species and resurrecting the damaged carbon and water cycles. Are farmers in control of their changing climate? Is regeneration the answer? Is Carbon really the issue or is it bare ground and clearing land? Are we on the brink of salvation?
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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?’
Watch on Youtube
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