At Gillingarra, a flush of ryegrass following deep soil mixing has offered an unexpected insight into how soil disturbance can “wake up” both biology and weeds. The findings are helping refine management approaches within the GRDC Soil Water Repellence Project.

Growers are finding that visual potassium budgets make nutrient data easier to interpret and apply. Through the GRDC-funded K Extension Project, WMG’s infographic tools are helping turn complex soil results into practical insights for managing potassium across different soils and seasons.

The second year of the Soil Water Repellence Project is revealing how soil amelioration effects shift over time. From Dandaragan to Moora, grower collaboration is helping uncover what works, what changes, and how management needs to evolve as soils respond.

Field testing at Ballidu compared potassium fertiliser rates across two contrasting soils. The emerging trends highlight how rainfall, soil profile and nutrient balance can shape crop uptake and the value of site-specific strategies in variable seasons.

With the 2025 harvest fast approaching, growers in the West Midlands took part in a hands-on GRDC Harvester Set-Up Workshop designed to help fine-tune machinery, reduce losses and build confidence in achieving efficient, profitable harvest performance across the region.

WMG Executive Officer Gabby Carrivick reflects on a busy start to spring, highlighting recent workshops, collaborations and research progress as the team prepares for harvest and the year ahead. Read the full update and Gabby’s message to members here.

A big turnout at Minty’s saw growers tour Summit's trials and get a mid-season look at WMG’s Soil Water Repellence Project trial. Early results showed improved establishment and reduced compaction, while 2024 economics highlighted the costs and returns of different machines.

Following the Soil CRC conference, delegates travelled north with WMG to see sandy soils firsthand. At Velyere, a soil pit explored N-banking challenges, while Wathingarra’s long-term trial showed how stacking amendments can improve productivity and resilience.