Over the past few weeks, the South-West WA Regional Soil Coordinator has delivered seasonally relevant soil information at a series of regional events, providing practical guidance for growers across a range of soil types and management challenges.
MADFIG GRDC Seeder Set Up
At the Merredin and Districts Farm Improvement Group (MADFIG) seeder set up workshop, content focused on seeding considerations for different soil types. This included strategies for saline and alkaline soils, and the potential benefits of on-row or edge-row sowing in water-repellent soils. Participants also explored how monitoring soil moisture can guide suitable seeding depth, and the impact of operating speed on furrow infill and soil throw in lighter soils or after strategic tillage. Early establishment checks were highlighted as a tool to identify inconsistencies and inform future management decisions.
Photo 1 & 2: Attendees at the Merredin seeder set up workshop (Photos MADFIG)
SoilsWest – GRDC Soil and Plant Nutrition
In partnership with Jenni Clausen (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development), the first regional soil and plant nutrition workshop supported by SoilsWest and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) was delivered at Moorine Rock, hosted by the Far East Agricultural Research (FEAR) Group. Topics included nutrient removal from the previous year’s crops, understanding common soil types and constraints, and interpreting key soil test parameters. Jenni presented on pH management and lime application decisions using tools such as the iLime calculator. Awareness of soil constraints across properties helps growers consider targeted management methods to reduce impacts on crop growth.
Photo 3: Bridget presenting to the FEAR Group at Moorine Rock (Photo Erin Pope)
Photo 4: Jenni Clausen presenting at Moorine Rock (Photo Erin Pope)
Western Beef Leading the Herd
Workshops in Guilderton, Elgin, Bridgetown and Manypeaks, supported by Harvest Road, provided broad insights for graziers, with content delivered by a local agronomist, vet, and a Harvest Road representative. The Regional Soil Coordinator covered DIY soil sampling, understanding key soil test parameters, reviewing soil test results, and managing soil acidity.
Photo 5 & 6: Presenting to graziers in Bridgetown and Manypeaks (Photos Jeisane Accioly)
Resources and Tools
Content presented at the workshops was drawn from published resources, including:
- Understanding soil analysis data – DPIRD
- A simple guide for describing soils, 2nd edn. – DPIRD
- Crop establishment and precision planting – GRDC
- Soil sampling high rainfall pastures in Western Australia – DPIRD
- Soil Quality Knowledge Base
Tools to support practical application:
- Nutrient Calculator for High Rainfall Pastures – DPIRD: Evaluate soil sample results, estimate nutrient status, and determine fertiliser requirements.
- iLime Calculator – DPIRD: Compare liming strategies and calculate the value of lime sources for specific soil types.
For further information or to discuss support for delivering soil-related content in your region, contact Bridget at bridget.watkins@murdoch.edu.au
