Farmers in Geographe catchment head to Ludlow to hear about results from Soil Wise trials for 2023-24

Farmers from the Geographe catchment region got a firsthand look at results of field trials in Ludlow with the aim of improving their fertiliser programs and boosting productivity. Primary producers participated in a field walk where they analysed the Soil Wise nitrogen, potassium and sulphur trials for 2023-24, hosted by farmer Annette Batley and GeoCatch. The walk gave participants the opportunity to see how the trial was performed, and to listen to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation’s Rob McFerran and nutrient expert Graham Mussell on the impacts of limiting nutrients on plant growth. The Soil Wise NKS Project is conducting 10 fertiliser trials across the region, aimed at addressing macro and trace nutrient constraints in the soil and assisting farmers when applying fertilisers on their properties. GeoCatch sustainable agriculture co-ordinator Jenelle Schult said producers seeing the trials in action and discussing the impacts of nutrients was invaluable. “It’s all about giving farmers the insights they need to make smart, informed decisions that boost their productivity while safeguarding our waterways,” she said. Targeted fertiliser programs can assist farmers in optimising farm production while reducing unnecessary costs and nutrient run-off. Farmers involved in the Geographe Soil Testing Program were also provided training on the day, focusing on plant tissue sampling. The event was supported by the National Landcare Program’s Smart Farms Small Grants and State Government’s Health Estuaries WA program.