WMG focus on soil health and soil testing continues into 2024
It is well documented that a combination of soil tests and on-farm observations will assist in determining the nutrient requirements of both crops and pastures. Regular sampling and lab testing provides farmers with critical information to make informed decisions about input requirements, paddock optimisation and limiting factors. Understanding the variability of your paddock both across and down helps to build a better profile of soil health and is a critical tool in decision making and farm management.
Throughout 2023 there has been a concerted focus on soil health from WMG, with both the commencement and continuation of multiple soil focused projects and key events. One of the main projects that has assisted in this regional focus on soil health is the Evolving Soil Testing Project. The goal of the project is to assist farmers and land managers in the Wheatbelt region of WA with improving their soil testing program and implementing sustainable practices that enhance soil health.
WMG has been working with 10 farmers across the West Midlands region to help them improve their soil testing programs by carrying out soil tests on their properties and providing them with the necessary resources and information to feel confident about soil testing. With harvest finishing up for most of the region, the next few months of summer are again the opportune time for ramping up soil testing programs.
As well as heading back out to properties to carry out more soil testing, we will be updating our Evolving Soil Testing Project webpage over the coming months, releasing several case studies of the farmers we have been working with on the project, and releasing a short series of videos exploring soil testing in farm management, understanding your paddock ‘down’ and what the numbers mean in soil test lab results.
Working directly with farmers is the main way that WMG provides value to its members, if you are interested in learning more about evolving your soil testing or trialling a new practice, get in contact with us at comms@wmgroup.org.au.
Simon Kruger
Project Communications Officer, WMG
