DIY soil sampling kits and support on offer to high rainfall graziers to boost productivity and sustainability

Expressions of Interest are now open to pasture growers to participate in the Soils – New Horizons project, delivered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).

The three year project – co-funded by the Western Australian and Commonwealth Governments – builds on the State’s Healthy Estuaries WA program. 

It will expand learnings to landholders beyond the current Healthy Estuaries WA program catchments, who receive more than 550 millimetres of rainfall per annum from north of Perth to east of Esperance. 

Project participants will receive a subsidised soil sampling kit and soil sample analysis, as well as colour coded reports and maps to better understand their soils and aid evidence-based decisions about fertiliser use and land management. 

Local workshops to share the latest knowledge and developments in managing soil acidity and macronutrients – phosphorus, potassium and sulphur – will be held for participants during February and March each year of the project.

DPIRD project lead, senior research scientist Simon Clarendon, encouraged landholders to examine how the Soils – New Horizons project could benefit their business. 

“South West farmers apply $400 million a year worth of excess phosphorus, contributing to reduced returns and poor water quality throughout the region,” he said.

“The Soils – New Horizons project will arm participants with a better understanding of their soils and nutrient loss, through training and support.

“By undertaking do-it-yourself soil sampling and correctly interpreting the results, landholders will have the skills and confidence to make informed fertiliser and land management decisions to reduce nutrient runoff and improve production margins.”

DPIRD will establish demonstration trials in targeted areas, while field trials are already underway at DPIRD’s Manjimup Horticultural Research Institute and on a collaborator’s Gingin property.

The Soils – New Horizons project is part of the National Bilateral Soil Partnership, which is a key component of the Commonwealth Government’s National Soil Action Plan (2023-28).

To find out more and register an Expression of Interest to participate in the project email nutrientmapping@dpird.wa.gov.au or visit the webpage.