Soils – New Horizons is a Whole Farm Nutrient Mapping program run by DPIRD. This program expands the activity to all graziers within the greater than 550 mm rainfall zone (outside of current Healthy Estuaries WA catchments).
Whole farm nutrient mapping (WFNM) helps graziers make informed evidence-based nutrient management decisions. By using soil test results, nutrient use can be optimised to increase profitability and reduce nutrient run-off to nearby waterways. The WFNM process provides a science-backed approach to pasture fertiliser management, supporting graziers to maximise pasture productivity by applying only the nutrients required to address key limitations. Through evidence-based fertiliser management graziers can enhance soil health, productivity and environmental sustainability.
Project Activities
- Whole Farm Nutrient Mapping
- Nutrient maps of a farm’s paddocks inform nutrient management strategies.
- Soil Testing
- Farmers participate in soil sampling and testing to analyze key nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur, as well as the Phosphorus Buffering Index (PBI) and pH.
- Subsidized soil sample analysis (farmer co-contribution is $25/paddock capped at $300)
- Subsidized soil sampler (at a rate of $50/paddock, free if sampling 12 paddocks or more), or you can loan a sampler
- Informed Fertiliser Decisions
- The program uses the soil data and maps to help farmers match fertilizer use with specific pasture growth goals, leading to improved nutrient efficiency.
- Benefits for Farmers
- Improved Nutrient Efficiency by optimizing fertilizer use, reducing waste and cost.
- Cost Savings
- Saves money by preventing over-fertilization and matching inputs to needs.
- Enhanced Productivity
- Supports profitable and sustainable pasture production.
- Environmental Benefits by reducing nutrient loss to waterways.
- Target Audience
- The program is specifically for farmers in high-rainfall areas (greater than 550 mm annual rainfall).
- Support and Resources
- Offers subsidised soil testing, expert advice, practical workshops, and personalized fertilizer plans to participants.
The Project is supported through a bilateral partnership agreement between the Australian Government and the State Government of WA through DPIRD and a key component of the National Soil Action Plan (2023-28)
