How Native Grasses are Boosting an Olive Grove

Can native grasses reduce pests, boost fertility, and cut input costs in olive groves?
Join Tim Thompson in Mudgee, NSW, as he meets olive grower and native grass researcher Peter Ampt. Discover how a living grove floor of native grasses improves soil health, supports beneficial insects, and reduces the need for herbicides and fertilisers—all while enhancing olive oil production.

Learn how Peter manages 1200 trees on a rocky hillside with no synthetic fertilisers and minimal spraying, using smart timing, careful observation, and adaptive pruning. This is practical regenerative farming at its best.

🌿 You’ll Learn:

Why native grasses are a game-changer for soil nutrition

How to time slashing for native grass regeneration

The surprising relationship between fungi, grasses, and olive trees

Cultural pest control strategies that actually work

How to monitor pest thresholds using simple tools

📍 Filmed at: Mudgee, NSW
🎓 Featuring: Peter Ampt – Olive Grower & Native Grass Specialist – https://unsworks.unsw.edu.au/entities/publication/67b2cbd6-d224-456f-9c3f-dadaa2d7975e

🔗 Related Videos:
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🔸 Building Soil on a Degraded Farm

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00:00 Introduction: Native Grasses in Olive Groves
00:36 Meet Peter Ampt – Olive Grower & Grass Researcher
01:45 Benefits of Native Grasses for Soil & Trees
03:15 Timing Slashing for Native Grass Regrowth
05:32 Observation and Regeneration Strategies
06:45 Mulching with Olive Prunings
08:30 Fungal Activity and Soil Health
09:50 Insect Pest Management: Lace Bug Control
11:00 Pruning and Pest Prevention
12:20 Simple Insect Monitoring Techniques
13:25 Soil Comparison: Native Bush vs Grove Floor
15:00 Results: Moisture Retention & Soil Building
16:45 Practical Tips for Managing Grove Understorey
18:00 Wrap-Up: Why Grasses Matter More Than You Think