Soils for Future Productivity
Have you ever wondered why a part of your paddock consistently underperforms? Maybe there’s a corner that constantly brings the average yield down for the entire paddock?
The Soils for Future Productivity project offers landholders in the Riverina region the opportunity to conduct soil sampling across a chosen paddock with a detailed report and analysis of the results.
About the project
The Soils for Future Productivity project makes soil sampling available to help farmers achieve optimum productivity through soil health improvement whilst setting up farming systems for long term productivity.
Soil sampling helps identify major constraints in the soil, whether that be physical, chemical, or biological. These constraints often hinder plant function, growth and productivity, and therefore potential yield and profit. By identifying the chemical composition of your soil and the level of soil nutrients, informed decisions regarding the need for inputs and the appropriate type of soil amendment or management can then be applied.
Important soil constraints to consider are water and nutrient holding capacity, acidity and alkalinity as well as macro and micronutrients. In doing soil sampling, farmers can identify where these exist throughout their profile and across their paddock; amelioration strategies can then be implemented to manage these constraints.
Available assistance
- a chosen paddock (approx. 50ha) soil sampled and tested to a depth of 20cm with additional Carbon testing offered
- a detailed report of the results
- an opportunity to discuss results with soil scientists & agronomists.
Soil sampling methods
Precision Pastures will be completing stacked zonal sampling based on satellite imagery on the chosen paddock. This is based on NDVI satellite imagery and provide indicators of plant growth performance, providing effective correlation with soil type. The zones are formed by stacking the imagery. Three to five zones are formed per paddock, with sampling sites (usually 1-3) located within each zone.
Samples for comprehensive testing will be taken for the top 20cm of the farmer’s soil. Additional samples down to 60cm will be taken for Carbon testing.
VRA fertiliser, lime and gypsum application rates will be prescribed, as well as tailored agronomic advice for the paddock.
How to apply
Lodge an expression of interest.
EOI’s close: 29 Feb 2024.
Complete the Expression of Interest.