RIVERLANDERS have been encouraged to participate in an environmental initiative focused on highlighting the importance of soil health. 
The Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board earlier this month opened registrations for the Soil Your Undies project. 
Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board regional agriculture landcare facilitator Eliza Reiger said the program was an “easy, fun and educational” way to learn about biological activity in soil. 
“Once registered, you will receive two pairs of 100 per cent cotton underpants and instructions on how to bury them at two different locations of your choice,” Ms Reiger said. 
“We are aiming for everyone to undertake their undie burials during National Science Week in mid-August. 
“After the undies have been buried in the topsoil for two months, you will need to dig them up.
“Then mail them back to us for drying, photographing and weighing. 
“We will return your soil results and provide information about improving soil health and function for enhanced sustainability. It’s that easy,”
Ms Reiger said soil functions ensured local plant species had a healthy growing environment. 
“At the end of the two months, if there’s not much left of the buried undies, you have a lot of healthy biological activity in your soil. These same soil organisms can break down plant materials in a similar way,” she said. 
“Burying cotton undies is an easy way to compare the biological activity in different soil types, at numerous locations on the farm, in various crop types, in garden beds, under a variety of watering regimes or even in different environments.”
Registration for the Soil Your Undies project can be completed by visiting the website (https://soilyourundies.eventbrite.com.au).