{"id":9877,"date":"2023-12-19T14:55:01","date_gmt":"2023-12-19T06:55:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/estuaries.dwer.wa.gov.au\/?p=9877"},"modified":"2023-12-19T15:01:41","modified_gmt":"2023-12-19T07:01:41","slug":"farmers-across-south-west-wa-are-soil-test-ready","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/estuaries.dwer.wa.gov.au\/farmers-across-south-west-wa-are-soil-test-ready\/","title":{"rendered":"Farmers across south-west WA are soil test ready"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We have had a record turnout at the DIY (do-it-yourself) soil sampling workshops held in eight catchments across south-west Western Australia (WA) this November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A total of nine training sessions brought together 190 landholders to learn how to gather soil samples from their own paddocks. This year, for the first time, 94 farmers outside of the Healthy Estuaries WA catchments were involved through the Soil Wise program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

GeoCatch project officer Jenelle Schult said the training helps support farmers\u2019 nutrient management decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The training provides farmers with the information they need to confidently adapt their fertiliser application to target what is required, resulting in improved productivity and a higher profit margin for the farmer, as well as reduced nutrient loss to waterways,\u201d Jenelle said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fertiliser management program provides farmers with access to soil testing, various workshops, and one-on-one tailored advice from an agronomist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The DIY training sessions led by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) are based on national guidelines and enable farmers to take accurate soil samples that represent their property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The training included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n