Soil Events and Farm Walks
Soil Events and Farm Walks
The Coorong Tatiara Local Action Plan is currently delivering a suite of projects in the area of Sandy Soils and Soil Innovation.
Funding Partners
These projects are supported by Meat and Livestock Australia, GRDC, Department of Agriculture and Water Resources through funding from Australian Government's National Landcare Program, Landscapes SA Limestone Coast, Landscapes SA Murraylands and Riverland,.
Useful Links
For more technical information and reports in regard to Soil Innovation please click here.
For more technical information about Soils and Sand Stabilisation please click here.
Project Background
Improving soil health across our landscape will result in a number of benefits including;
- Applying technology and soil amendment options
- Fertiliser decision making
- Increased livestock feed production
- Improving the ability to capture rainfall where it falls
- Improved resilience to adverse conditions
- Reduced wind erosion
- Reduced recharge to groundwater, delivering dryland salinity benefits
- Understanding & improvements in; groundcover, soil pH, carbon, structure, water holding capacity
2024 Events and Farm Walks
The following events will be held in 2024 hosted by the Coorong Tatiara Local Action Plan and the Coorong District and Tatiara District Councils
National Landcare Program and Future Drought Fund supported workshops and demonstration sites are being delivered around Coonalpyn and Culburra, and in the Tatiara. The broad aim of the overall project is to build farming systems resilience and future proofing the impacts of drought through accelerating the adoption of proven cost-effective and yield responsive sandy soil and fertiliser management practices by farmers across Southern Australia. The technical quality of these events is boosted by the ability to deliver results from locally held trials and demonstrations.
The first pair of workshops were held with strong support from local producers.
Better Fertiliser Decisions Workshop - Coonalpyn - Wednesday 3rd of April 2024
This event was well supported with 38 in attendance across the day. Attendees were predominantly from Coonalpyn, Culburra, Field and Keith localities. Several Agronomists and Landscape Board Officers were also in attendance.
The morning session focussed on effective soil and fertiliser decisions in grazing systems. The afternoon session focussed on identifying the economic yield potential and closing the gap in cropping systems.
Sessions were interactive in nature with plenty of examples for participants to work through.
Workshop feedback was very positive with all looking forward to a farm walk at the project demonstration site to be held in July 2024 at Culburra.
Adopting Variable Rate Technology Workshop - Bordertown - Tuesday 26th of March 2024
16 attended this morning event with attendees predominantly from Bordertown and Coonalpyn. Agronomists and Landscape Board Officers were also in attendance. This session focused on applying variable rate technologies to the farm business, the benefits, and the practical application. Sessions were interactive with work sheets that attending experts helped the speakers work through.
A winter farm walk will be held in Tatiara, with further detail to be provided shortly through the Coorong Tatiara Local Action Plan e-newsletter.
2023 Events and Farm Walks
The following events were held in 2023 hosted by the Coorong Tatiara Local Action Plan and the Coorong District and Tatiara District Councils
‘Improving Production on Sandy Soils Update' at Coomandook and Willalooka 2023
The ‘Improving Production on Sandy Soils Updates at Coomandook and Willalooka were successful event with 30 and 38 in attendance respectively with terrific weather at both. Given the specialised nature of much of the Soil Biology content, we were pleased with this level of interest in the workshop content.
These events provided an opportunity to promote findings of two of the key Coorong Tatiara Local Action Plan Projects running at the moment:
- Meat and Livestock Australia funded project ‘Upper South East Sandy Soils - Lets make the bucket bigger’
- National Landcare Program 2 funded project ‘Non Wetting Soils and Improving Veldt Grass Production’
The days included:
* A specialist workshop on understanding soil biology and links to production
* A comprehensive update on Sandy Soils Projects and results to date
* A visit to the MLA Sandy Soils demonstration site at Booderoo
* A discussion of successful treatments to improve veldt grass production and feed value
* Boosting feed quality and livestock production on sandy soils, and mixed species grazing
We make a point of conducting a new ideas / where to from here discussion with producers at the end of each event. This builds our knowledge to inform future project ideas we develop in communication with our Local Action Plan Committees.
Here are the key ideas arising from the Coomandook event.
Learn about livestock methane production on different feed types eg. dryland lucerne compared to other feed | Feedtest database for the region; factoring in farming system, rainfall, soil type, location etc |
Look at K and P response on Veldt Grass | Nutrient response on Veldt Grass |
Soil Biology benchmarking across management systems | Addressing decompaction PLUS addressing non wetting sands. How do we do both? |
Veldt Grass work more refined. Correct fertility first, then apply the Gibberellic Acid | Potential methane benefits of Veldt Grass (under different treatments) |
Veldt Grass with Gibberellic Acid and Seaweed extracts applied to strengthen cell wall strength to counteract frost burn off | |
Here are the key ideas arising from the Willalooka event.
Mixed pasture species options and application | Mixed pasture species feed value |
Managing Silver Grass | Effective use of trace elements |
Reefinator use for feed production increases | |
The event handout booklet and presentations can be accessed here.
Fact Sheet Booklet - Coomandook Spring Sandy Soils Event 2023
Fact Sheet Booklet - Willalooka Spring Sandy Soils Event 2023
Project Update Spring 2023 - Meat and Livestock Australia Sandy Soils Project
Soil Biology Update - Dr Ashley Martin 2023
Improving feed production on sandy soils-Michael Wilkes
Salinity Management Update & Where to from here?
This Salinity Management Update was held on Wednesday the 22nd of March 2023 at the Coomandook Uniting Church Supper Room. 22 farmers, agronomists and advisers were in attendance to discuss a range of topics. Feedback was positive, and all felt we had learnt a lot more about the behaviour of dryland salinity in our local area, and plans were made to try some new pasture options.
Please click on the presentations below to open a copy of these presentations.
| TOPIC | SPEAKER | ORGANISATION |
|---|---|---|
Seeding techniques, uses, potential in our District | Bruce Hume | Cropmark Seeds |
| Safflower Demonstrations | Dr Rhiannon Schilling | SARDI |
Local Salinity Management and Data Update Automated piezometers & data analysis over recent seasons | Felicity Turner | Independent Adviser for Coorong Tatiara Local Action Plan |
| Chris McDonough | Insight Extension for Agriculture | |
| Kylie Matthewson | Mallee Sustainable Farming |
Please click here to access the workshop notes that accompanied the presentations.
Please see below the key points from the group discussion.
| How does your country look this season 2022 / 2023? | Have you tried anything new or different? | What's Next? Understanding local salinity | What's Next? New things to try |
|---|---|---|---|
| COOMANDOOK / COOKE PLAINS Good ground cover Continuous small flushing rainfall events Lots of Messina 'around the edge' The site has improved with more and stronger plants | MENINGIE EAST 2015 S&W dryland lucerne site still persisting well. Continues to perform well on deep ripped strips COOMANDOOK The Plozza Ploughed areas are still growing crop | Learning more about the two parts to the dryland salinity system in our local area Are there more localised - seep type systems in our area than we think? | Safflower? Demonstration across the salinity gradient; - Fodder Beet - 'Shot Gun' mixes of different pasture species |
This event was supported by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board through funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program and the landscape levies. This event was also supported by the Coorong Tatiara Local Action Plan, Coorong District Council and the Coomandook Agricultural Bureau.
2022 Soil Events and Farm Walks
The following series of events were held over August 2022 hosted by the Coorong Tatiara Local Action Plan and the Coorong District and Tatiara District Councils with an impressive line up of speakers and topics. Attendance at these events was strong in spite of the wet weather.
Linkages to Farm Walk & Workshop Notes and presentations can be accessed below.
FIELD FARM WALK - IMPROVING PRODUCTION on NON WETTING SANDS
Field Farm Walk Notes - Improving Production on Non Wetting Sands
Dr Mel Fraser & Group at Field Farm Walk 18th August 2022 Amended soil profile at Field
WESTERN FLAT FARM WALK - IMPROVING PRODUCTION on NON WETTING SANDS
Western Flat Farm Walk Notes - Improving Production on Non Wetting Sands
Western Flat Deep Ripping Demonstration
Western Flat Meat & Livestock Australia Improving Sandy Soils Case Study
Australian Government Soil Testing Incentives Program Factsheet
These events were supported by the following organisations; Meat and Livestock Australia and the National Landcare Program.
Western Flat Farm Walk Tuesday 23rd August 2022
Western Flat Amended Soil Profile
COOMANDOOK SANDY SOILS FARM WALK
The Coomandook Sandy Soils Roadshow was held on Tuesday the 13th of September 2022, visiting sites around Coomandook and Cooke Plains. Sandy Soil Meat and Livestock Australia, and GRDC demonstration sites were visited to learn about sandy soil limitations to plant growth and potential options for soil amelioration techniques to boost crop and feed production.
Workshop sessions were held at the Coomandook Hall covering;
-Machinery selection and set up with engineering experts from the University of Adelaide.
-Review of crop responses to deep tillage from the Sandy Soil Research Program with PIRSA and CSIRO.
-Exploration of decision support tools and review how soil amelioration might impact farm profit and risk with CSIRO
44 primary producers attended this day was held in conjunction with MacKillop Farm Management Group which concluded with a BBQ.
Please click on the link below to access the Farm Walk notes.
Coomandook Sandy Soils Roadshow Farm Walk Notes
Dr Jack Desboiles and Dr Chris Saunders with the University of SA tillage demonstration trailer
Dr Mel Fraser leading the Farm Walk at Booderoo
Dr Mel Fraser leading the Farm Walk at Ptitzners
CARBON ON YOUR FARM - SOIL HEALTH & SALINITY UPDATE, Coomandook
On Wednesday 6th of April 2022 this event was held with 25 participants in attendance.
The day included sessions on;
- A data update from the Roby Downs – Automated Weather Station / Soil Probe / Groundwater Piezometer with Independent Advisor Felicity Turner
- Three Soil Pits across Soil Types. Looking at soil tests results & interpretation, production limitations, soil carbon, non wetting sands, salinity & management options with Brian Hughes - Principal Land Management Consultant with PIRSA
- An overview of carbon flow in local farm businesses in our landscape
- Soil, Carbon and Productivity, Soil Carbon Baseline Levels, Carbon Building Projects in SA. Where to from here? presented by Amanda Schapel, Senior Land Management Consultant with PIRSA. Click here to access this presentation.
- Climate knowledge and local seasonal variability with Darren Ray - Applied Consulting Climatologist
Please click here to access the Information Booklet from the day
Below : The group listen to Brian Hughes of PIRSA discuss overcoming soil constraints including dryland salinity
Below: Dr Amanda Schapel of PIRSA speaks to to group about Soil Carbon and Productivity
2021 Soil Events and Farm Walks
The Western Flat Driving Field Day was held on Tuesday 9th November 2021 focussing on Boosting Soil Fertility, Using Compost, Crops and Deep Tillage. Around 70 people in attendance, reflecting a strong interest in the topics covered, sites visits, and machinery on display.
Information covered on the day included:
- Meat and Livestock Australia - Improved Grazing Production on Non Wetting Sandy Soils Project, to improve feed production on sandy soils
- How organic waste is transformed into a valuable soil conditioner & how to use it on farm
- The Mulbarton Business story - stacking enterprises for success
- A farmer taking on the challenges & opportunities of cover cropping & establishing summer active feed
- How to select the right tillage implement for your soil conditions
Above: Dr Mel Fraser of PIRSA discussing limitations to plant growth in the soil pit at Bordertown
Above: Learning about a broad range of soil amelioration machinery on farm at Bordertown
Several handouts were provided to participants on the day and were referred too at the different sites.
These can be accessed below.
- Cover Crop Candidates Fact Sheet
- Meat and Livestock Australia - Improving production on sandy soils - Western Flat
- Sandy soil constraints in south east South Australia - MacKillop Farm Management Group
- Understanding soil organic amendments & their application in sandy soils - MacKillop Farm Management Group
To access the Meat and Livestock Australia - Improved Grazing Production on Non Wetting Sandy Soils survey results click here
Funding and support for this event was provided by Meat and Livestock Australia, Australian Governments National Landcare Program, Coorong and Tatiara District Councils, GRDC, Grasslands Society of South Australia, and the MacKillop Farm Management Group.
Soils, Carbon & Productivity, Mt Charles & Keith - Farm Walk and Workshop
On the Friday 29th October 2021 a high quality event was held looking at a range of topics of relevance to agriculture across the Tatiara and Coorong with 55 participants in attendance.
The day included sessions on;
- Carbon in your farm business. Looking at carbon footprints, emission reduction & sequestration options, and looking at whether we can we build soil carbon in our landscape. Click here to access the presentation.
- Applying the data - Telemetry for weather, soil moisture, groundwater, & salinity. Click here to access the presentation.
- Soil pH trends across the Tatiara and Coorong. Impacts on yield & feed growth. Economic treatments to overcome acidity. Click here to access the Fact Sheet and Report: Soil Acidity in the Coorong and Tatiara Districts.
- Learning about the Bednar Terraland deep ripper delver incorporator with crumbling roller up close, and learn about its optimum uses and benefits.
Left: Amanda Schapel of PIRSA presents to the group at the Keith Institute
Right: Bednar Terraland deep ripper delver incorporator with crumbling roller
The morning farm walk component at Mount Charles included a technical soils session looking at three soil pits across the landscape identifying limitations to plant growth, and best bet amelioration treatments, and looking at telemetery equipment in the field.
Left: Brian Hughes of PIRSA at the soil pit identifying limitations to plant growth
Right: Independent Advisor Felicity Turner explains on farm telemetry equipment
Expert speakers on the day included;
Brian Hughes, Amanda Schapel & Andrew Harding - Land Management Consultants from PIRSA covering carbon in your farm business and soil carbon, identifying and overcoming soil limitations to production, and soil pH impacts on yield and plant growth
Felicity Turner – Independent Advisor, covering optimum use of on farm telemetry equipment, and using this data for seasonal decision making
Simon March –EarthServ Pty Ltd, showcasing the Bednar Terraland deep ripper delver incorporator with crumbling roller
Please click here to access the technical notes handed out on the day.
Funding and support for this event was provided by the Limestone Coast Landscape Board through funding from the Australian Governments National Landcare Program, Coorong and Tatiara District Councils.
Coomandook Ag Bureau Sticky Beak Tour - 15th September 2021
On Wednesday the 15th of September the annual Coomandook Sticky Beak Tour was undertaken in partnership with the Coomandook Ag Bureau.
Between 48 – 53 attended the different sessions at Coomandook and Malinong across the day which included;
- Soil pit, limitations identified vs soil amendment techniques, Meat & Livestock Australia Sandy Soils Project
- National Crop Variety Trial Site – Cooke Plains
- Telemetry for weather, ground water, soil moisture, soil salinity
- Commodus Clear Field Barley demonstration site
- Canola variety demonstration site
Funding support for the event was provided by Meat and Livestock Australia, Murraylands and Riverland Landscapes Board, the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, Coorong Platinum Ag, and GRDC.
To access the Coomandook Sticky Beak Tour Farm Walk Booklet please click here
To access the Coorong Platinum Ag Malinong GM Canola and Technology Trial Site Booklet please click here
To access the Meat and Livestock Australia - Improved Grazing Production on Non Wetting Sandy Soils survey results click here
Above: Dr Jack Desboilles - Uni SA discusses his display of soil amelioration equipment and inclusion rippers - Coomandook
Meningie East - Field Healthy Soils Farm Walk - 23rd September 2021
On Thursday the 23rd of September a Meningie East Field Healthy Soils Farm Walk was held.
24 producers attended this event which covered the following components;
- Improving Grazing Production on Non Wetting Sands Project, Meat & Livestock Australia Project
- Dr Mel Fraser of PIRSA led the group through an in field discussion of three soil pits across the landscape at Field identifying soil chemical and physical limitations to plant growth, and encouraged the group to consider what amelioration techniques they would like to try during the roll out of the MLA Improving Grazing Production on Non Wetting Sands Project
- Revegetation to reclaim saline areas
- Telemetry for weather, ground water, soil moisture, soil salinity
Funding support for the event was provided by Meat and Livestock Australia, Limestone Coast Landscapes Board, and the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.
To access the Meningie East Field Healthy Soils Farm Walk Booklet please click here
To access the Meat and Livestock Australia - Improved Grazing Production on Non Wetting Sandy Soils survey results click here
Meningie East Healthy Soils Farm Walk - 4th March 2021
This event was held on Cold and Wet Road at Field, generously hosted by Jo and Nigel Williams with 29 people in attendance. This event was held with funding support from Meat and Livestock Australia, the Limestone Coast Landscapes Board, Coorong District Council, and the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, through funding from Australian Government's National Landcare Program.
Key speakers at this event were;
- Amanda Schapel - Senior Soils Consultant with PIRSA Rural Solutions, covering soil carbon in our landscape and interpreting soil carbon tests, and
- Dr Melissa Fraser - Senior Soils Consultant with PIRSA Rural Solutions, introducing the Meat and LIvestock Australia funded Improved Grazing Production on Non Wetting Sandy Soils. Mel encouraged the group to start considering the types of soil amendments they are interested in exploring to improved feed production and plant water use on sandy soils.
Above: Dr Mel Fraser looking at Soil Profiles with the Meningie East Healthy Soils Group 04.03.2021
Please find below a copy of the hand outs and presentations from this event;
Meningie East Healthy Soils Farm Walk Handout
SOIL CARBON - Amanda Schapel - Senior Soils Consultant with PIRSA Rural Solutions
Handout - Soil Health Check Up Fact Sheet
Meat and LIvestock Australia funded IMPROVED GRAZING PRODUCTION ON NON WETTING SANDY SOILS PROJECT
Dr Melissa Fraser - Senior Soils Consultant with PIRSA Rural Solutions
MLA Improved Grazing Production on Non Wetting Sandy Soils Project Overview
LANDCARE AUSTRALIA - NBN SUSTAINABLE AG REMOTE MONITORING
Salinity Update – Use of automated monitoring equipment;
depth to water table, soil moisture & soil soil salinity levels
What saltland management questions should we be looking at next?
- Felicity Turner, Turner Agri
Link to local automated monitoring equipment; including weather stations
depth to water table, soil moisture & soil soil salinity levels
Ag Production Update - Coomandook Ag Bureau - 3rd March 2021
This update workshop was held on Wednesday 3rd of September with around 22 people in attendance. This event was held with funding support from Meat and Livestock Australia, the Murraylands and Riverland Landscapes Board, Coorong District Council, and the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, through funding from Australian Government's National Landcare Program.
Expert speakers in attendance and topics covered are shown in the table below.
Presentations and further information can be accessed by clicking on the links provided.
Coomandook Ag Production Update Workshop Handout
Pulse Check Update & Report - Brendan Wallis, Pinion Advisory | Salinity Update – Use of automated monitoring equipment; depth to water table, soil moisture & soil soil salinity levels What saltland management questions should we be looking at next? - Felicity Turner, Turner Agri Link to local automated monitoring equipment; including weather stations depth to water table, soil moisture & soil soil salinity levels - Shane Oster, Alpha Group Consulting |
Results update from Simmons and Lucas soil amendment and salinity sites - Brian Hughes, Principal Soils Consultant PIRSA Rural Solutions | Improved Grazing Production on Non Wetting Sands Project introduction What soil amelioration techniques do you want to try out? - Dr Melissa Fraser, Senior Soils Consultant - PIRSA Rural Solutions MLA Improved Grazing Production on Non Wetting Sandy Soils Project Overview |
2020 Soil Events and Farm Walks
Colebatch Farm Walk - 22nd September 2020
This event was held on a wet and windy day on Tuesday 22nd of September from 10am - 3.30pm visiting properties around the Colebatch and Woods Well area. Around 30 - 37 people attended a range of sites. This event was held with funding support from the Limestone Coast Landscapes Board, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, Coorong District Council, and the Primary Industries and Resources SA Regional Growth Fund .
Topics covered included;
-Forage Brassica & Sorghum/Sudan | -Soil cores, pH & salinity testing across a range of sites to identify constraints |
-Visiting two Lined Catchment | -Managing & reclaiming saline sites |
-Managing heavily clay spread ground |
To access the full farm walk booklet please click here
Below: Forage Brassica Above right: Colebatch Soil Cores
Below: Lined Catchment Tour
Coomandook Agriculture Bureau Sticky Beak Tour - September 2020
This event was held on Wednesday 16th of September from 10am - 5.30pm followed by BBQ tea visiting sites around the Yumali, Cooke Plains, and Coomandook area. This event was held with funding support from the Murraylands and Riverland Landscapes Board, Coorong District Council, and the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, through funding from Australian Government's National Landcare Program.
Sites and topics covered on the tour included;
pH & acidity trial, Veris Mapping | Plozza Ploughing and Delving |
Pulse Check Legume Trial | Sheep feedlot & containment area |
Bednar Terraland deep ripper / delver / incorporator - with crumbling roller | Inspection of established Kikuyu |
Fodder Beet and Kikuyu demo on saline ground | Increasing production and plant water use through soil amendment |
To access the full farm walk booklet please click here
Bednar Terraland
Examining the results of Plozza Ploughing
Recent events
2020 Soil Events and Farm Walks
Western Flat Farm Walk
34 people attended the Western Flat Farm Walk held on Wednesday 9th of September 2020.
Support for this day was provided by Landscapes SA Limestone Coast, Tatiara District Council, and the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, through funding from Australian Government's National Landcare Program.
The group examine the soil profile on Verco's
The key speakers at this event were;
- Dr Melissa Fraser - Senior Consultant (soil & land management), PIRSA Rural Solutions
- Felicity Turner - Independent Advisor
- Shane Oster - Alpha Consulting
- Nathan Tink
- and the hosting landholders; Greg Funke, Hamish Verco and Martin Harvey
Key features of the day were;
- Irrigation induced sodicity and salinity
- Cover cropping on sandy soils to increase production and plant water use
- Soil constraints and soil amendments to increase production and plant water use
- On farm weather stations and soil probes, how to maximise their use
- Discussion of the Smart Farms Salinity Projects outcomes and local application
The Farm Walk Booklet can be accessed by clicking here
Left: Hamish Verco discussing soil amendments Right: Shane Oster - Alpha Consulting explaining the on farm weather station & soil probe
Meningie East Healthy Soils Farm Walk
35 people attended a Meningie East Healthy Soils Farm Walk held on Wednesday 5th of August 2020.
Support for this day was provided by Meat and Livestock Australia and the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, through funding from Australian Government's National Landcare Program.
Felicity Turner presents to the group at Menalpyn
The key speakers at this event were;
- Brian Hughes - Principal Consultant (soil & land management), PIRSA Rural Solutions
- Felicity Turner - Independent Advisor
Key features of the day were;
- Visits on to soil pits on second year salt tolerant Lucerne and Messina, deep sandy flat and a limestone ridge
- Soil test analysis interpretation and discussion
- Discussion of soil constraints, physical & chemical features, water holding capacity, optimum management to increase production and plant water use
- Soil Acidity Demonstration Site, Veris & EM Mapping
- Discussion of the Saltland Pasture Redemption Project outcomes and local application
Brian Hughes pointing out features of the soil pit Soil pH test results
Brian Hughes in the Green Plains limestone ridge soil pit
Farm Walk Resources
To access the full handout booklet from this day which includes;
- Soil profile descriptions, data sheet, and soil tests and interpretations for three different Meningie East soil types
- Saltland Pasture Redemption - tips and tools for identifying and dealing with saline soils report
- Neptune Messina Fact sheet
- Veris Mapping
- Information on the Meningie East Liming Demonstration site
To access this booklet please click here
To access the Understanding your Soils Manual compiled for use on this farm walk please click here
Conclusions and what next....
At the conclusion of the day participants expressed interest in looking at or learning more about the following at future events or other opportunities;
- Revisit the soil pH and soil acidification trial
- Testing soil carbon in paddocks vs under native vegetation
- How could you go about finding your own liming material
- We need a regional response to dryland salinity, perhaps through on ground works incentives
- A fresh look at revegetation on and around small saline areas
- Matching water use across the landscape
- Aqua till tillage equipment