Waterway

Simple guide helps farmers understand soil tests

Understanding and interpreting soil test results has been made easier thanks to a step-by-step guide produced by Yea River Catchment Landcare group and local soil scientist Cath Botta.

"Soil tests are an important and routine management tool for farmers," Ms Botta said.

"They offer a useful snapshot of soil nutrient status and help farmers make more informed decisions about soil management.

"However, understanding soil test results and their interpretation is somewhat more difficult. This new guide,

Understanding your soil test step by step, is a small reference book created specifically to demystify the complexity of soil tests and to support key farm decisions."

Yea River Catchment Landcare member Judy Brookes led the development of the booklet on behalf of the group.

"Because our soils are probably our biggest asset on farm, and fertiliser programs can be a large financial commitment, it is vital to have at least a basic understanding of our soils and how we can use a soil test to guide us," Ms Brookes said. "This booklet is designed to sit alongside soil tests to help with interpretation of the results and their meaning."

The guide was funded through Goulburn Broken CMA’s Beyond SoilCare Project and will be launched at a free soil test interpretation workshop in Yea to be held on Thursday February 18 from 10am to 3pm. Contact the Yea River Catchment Landcare group on 0448 972 563 or email if you would like to attend.

Contact the Goulburn Broken CMA on 5797 4400 or  email  if you would like a free copy of the Understanding your soil test: step by step guide.

The latest round of Beyond SoilCare Project grants for organisations to run activities and events for local farmers that promote sustainable farming and soil health activities closes Monday January 25. For more information about the grants visit our website.

The Beyond SoilCare Project is funded through the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.

The Goulburn Broken CMA acknowledges and respects First Nations people and the deep connection they have with their land and waters.


We acknowledge the Yorta Yorta and Taungurung people and their ancestors/forbears as Traditional Owners of the land and waters in the Goulburn Broken Catchment (and beyond). We value our ongoing partnerships with Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation and Taungurung Land and Waters Council for the health of Country and its people.


We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and acknowledge and recognise the primacy of Traditional Owners obligations, rights and responsibilities to use and care for their traditional lands and waters.

Shepparton
168 Welsford Street, PO Box 1752, Shepparton VIC 3630
T (03) 5822 7700
F (03) 5831 6254

Benalla
89 Sydney Road, PO Box 124, Benalla VIC 3672
T (03) 5822 7700

Yea
Shop 5/10 High Street, Yea VIC 3717
T (03) 5822 7700

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