Biobloomer Spring Update 2025
- Ben Layton
- Oct 6
- 6 min read
Hey Biobloomers,
It’s been a huge few months, and we wanted to send you a little update on everything happening in our patch of Gippsland. From community events and field trials to national showcases and upcoming events, the momentum for soil health and regeneration has really been buidling and we’re stoked you're part of it
What We’ve Been Up To
New CFO
The biggest and best shift for BioBloom.au has been bringing Jess formally into the business. She’s stepping in as our CFO, Head Legend, and all-round Vibe Master. Beyond keeping the numbers sharp, Jess brings grounding energy, creativity, and soul to everything we do. From propagation experiments in the nursery to community events and back-end systems, she’s helping ensure BioBloom grows with heart as well as impact.
Seeds for the Future 🌱
Last week we wrapped up the Seeds for the Future direct seeding field days with the Yarram Yarram Landcare Network and GippsDairy. Despite wild weather, the community turned out and thousands of native seeds were planted. A special thanks to Drew Liepa from Greening Australia for joining us and sharing his expertise. BioBloom.au biochar was used in the seed mixes which made them really easy to work with and will be awesome for both early seed germination and resillience, Check out our TikTok for a peek at the fun.
YYLN Community Nursery 🌿
We’re proud to be supporting the Yarram Yarram Landcare Network, which is aiming to scale to 15,000 stems in the next cycle (WGCMA write-up). We’ve contributed biochar for propagation soil mixes and are helping with elbow grease, training and workshops. Seeing the nursery become a hub for community and ecological restoration is a real pleasure, we feel incredibly honoured to be part of the journey.
Flagship Biochar Trials 🌾
At our flagship site, we recently spread 5m³ of premium hardwood biochar and teamed up with EB Ag Services to run the Soilkee pasture renovator. This trial is testing how biochar interacts with farm biodiversity enhancement and innovative pasture establishment methods, and we’ll be closely monitoring results over the season. Look out on our socials for updates on the progress.
Sharing the Story 📢
In July we pitched BioBloom’s circular business model at the CivVic Labs Showcase, highlighting how Gippsland hardwood waste is transformed into biochar and wood vinegar that regenerates soil, sequesters carbon, and boosts farm productivity. We’ve also been in conversations through the Drought Resilience Lab and with ANZBIG about scaling our work to larger regional programs.
What’s Coming Up
We're not slowing down at all, there's so much momentum in the regenerative space at the moment and we're so proud to be a part of it. Here's a few of the balls we have in the air at the moment, please feel free to get in touch if you're interested in contributing in any and all projects.
Victorian Trees on Farms (VToF) Incubator - We’re currently applying to be part of this program, which could open doors to major support for trees, carbon, and biochar integration across Gippsland farms.
FutureCouncil Screening at the Regent Theatre, Yarram - We’re planning to host a local showing of FutureCouncil, an inspiring film exploring community-led climate action. Keep an eye out for dates and ticket details soon.
More BioBloom Events & Workshops - We’ll be running hands-on soil health sessions later this spring and summer. These will be small-group, practical events - so if you’d like to host or attend, get in touch and we’ll keep you in the loop.
Thank you all
Every seed planted, every trial run, and every conversation builds toward a more resilient food and farming future. Thanks for backing BioBloom.au - whether you’ve bought a bag of biochar, joined a field day, or just cheered us on.
Here’s to growing healthy soils and thriving communities,
Ben & Jess
Keep reading for some...
Weekly soil nerd stuff
Farming is more than just growing food. It plays a crucial role in the environment, especially in capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This process, known as carbon capture, helps reduce the effects of climate change. Different farming practices can either increase or decrease the amount of carbon stored in the soil and plants. Understanding these impacts is essential for promoting sustainable agriculture and protecting our planet.
The Role of Carbon Farming in Climate Solutions
Carbon farming refers to agricultural methods designed to increase the amount of carbon stored in soil and vegetation. These practices help remove carbon dioxide from the air and store it safely underground or in plant matter. This is important because carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas contributing to global warming.
Some common carbon farming techniques include:
Cover cropping: Planting crops that cover the soil to prevent erosion and improve soil health.
Agroforestry: Integrating trees and shrubs into farmland to increase carbon storage.
Rotational grazing: Moving livestock between pastures to allow vegetation to recover and store more carbon.
By adopting these methods, farmers can improve soil fertility, increase crop yields, and help fight climate change.
How Different Farming Practices Affect Carbon Capture
Farming practices have a direct impact on how much carbon is captured and stored. Here are some examples of how specific methods influence carbon sequestration:
Crop Rotation and Diversity
Growing different crops in rotation helps maintain soil health and increases carbon storage. Diverse root systems contribute to more organic matter in the soil. For example, rotating legumes with cereals adds nitrogen to the soil naturally, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
Organic Farming
Organic farming avoids synthetic chemicals and focuses on natural inputs. This approach often leads to higher soil organic carbon levels due to the use of compost, manure, and cover crops. Organic soils tend to have better structure and water-holding capacity, which supports carbon capture.
Grazing Management
Proper grazing management, such as rotational grazing, allows pastures to recover and store more carbon. Overgrazing, on the other hand, damages vegetation and reduces carbon storage capacity.
The Science Behind Carbon Sequestration in Agriculture
Carbon sequestration in farming involves capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide and storing it in plants and soil. Plants absorb CO2 during photosynthesis and convert it into organic matter. When plants die or shed leaves, this organic matter becomes part of the soil.
Soil organic carbon is a key indicator of soil health and fertility. It improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. Increasing soil organic carbon through farming practices can offset some greenhouse gas emissions.
However, the amount of carbon that can be stored depends on factors such as:
Soil type and texture.
Climate and rainfall.
Crop species and management.
Farmers can enhance carbon capture by selecting appropriate crops, improving soil management, and reducing disturbances.
Practical Steps to Implement Carbon Farming
Farmers interested in increasing carbon capture can take several practical steps:
Adopt cover crops: Plant cover crops during off-seasons to protect soil and add organic matter.
Reduce tillage: Use no-till or minimum tillage methods to keep carbon in the soil.
Diversify crops: Rotate crops and include legumes to improve soil nitrogen and carbon.
Integrate trees: Practice agroforestry by planting trees on farmland to increase carbon storage.
Manage grazing: Use rotational grazing to maintain healthy pastures.
Use organic amendments: Apply compost and manure to boost soil organic carbon.
Farmers can also explore programs and incentives that support carbon farming initiatives. These programs often provide financial rewards for verified carbon sequestration efforts.
Future Outlook: Farming as a Climate Solution
The future of farming is closely linked to climate action. By adopting carbon farming practices, agriculture can become a powerful tool to reduce greenhouse gases. This not only benefits the environment but also improves farm productivity and resilience.
Researchers, farmers, and government are working together to develop better techniques and policies. Advances in technology, such as soil carbon measurement tools, help track progress and verify carbon storage.
As awareness grows, more farmers are likely to embrace sustainable practices that support carbon capture. This shift will contribute to healthier soils, cleaner air, and a more stable climate.
By understanding how farming practices impact carbon capture, we can make informed choices that benefit both agriculture and the planet. Sustainable farming is not just about food production - it is a vital part of the global effort to combat climate change.
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