To guide the creation of future courses, SoilsWest are asking farmers, on-farm employees and industry representatives to complete a simple 2-minute multiple choice survey on soil and plant nutrition to help ensure the content meets your needs!
The SoilsWest team at Murdoch University are currently developing online learning modules for soil and plant nutrition in broadacre agriculture. This project funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and Murdoch University, will provide access to new and fundamental knowledge, with the aim of increasing the adoption and understanding of changes associated with soil management practices.
Online learning will target different sectors of the industry including farmers and on-farm employees, as well as advisors to support continued learning for the grains industry in soil and plant nutrition.
The free to access learning modules will cover key topics including how to conduct soil and plant testing, understanding soil tests, soil nutrient cycles, plant-based mechanisms driving nutrient uptake, soil-plant-nutrient interactions and the impact of management practice, and explore both risk and profitability with a focus on nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K). With content covering soil physical, biological and chemical processes driving both nutrient supply and plant uptake, the modules will help to develop core skills and confidence in assessing soil condition and responding to change.
Looking forward, the project also aims to run strategic workshops with growers, delivered at seasonally relevant times to support further learning relevant to their regions and access to regional capacity and experts. The workshops aim to build on the concepts presented in the learning modules and support informed decision-making prior to harvest, seeding and in-season.
Register your interest to participate in the modules and workshops here starting 2025 and 2026.
The project will develop and build on networks and partnerships to capture new research knowledge in soil and plant nutrition and will strengthen industry and grower group links to develop delivery pathways.
This project is supported by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub Regional Soils Coordinator, through funding from the Australian Government’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust.
With the knowledge and access to networks created, it is anticipated that course participants will have the core skills and knowledge to improve soil and nutrient management decisions on-farm.
