Soil Testing Program
The soil testing program aims to support farmers to make informed fertiliser decisions to ensure nutrients stay on the farm and out of waterways and estuaries.
Expressions of interest now open for the 2025/26 Soil Testing Program
Test your soils, refine your fertiliser program and increase productivity! Get over $5000 of testing and support for only $300 for farmers new to the program.
Join over 2000 farmers improving the health of our waterways by only applying the fertiliser that your paddocks need!
What’s included?
Soil testing, advice and support valued at over $5000
Soil sampling and chemical analysis of all eligible paddocks
Results and advice at a local workshop
One-to-one agronomic advice
Plant tissue testing
Can I apply?
The program is open to beef, dairy and sheep grazing enterprises that are over 40ha of arable land in the Leschenault Catchment.
This activity is a part of Healthy Estuaries WA, a State Government program; and Soils - New Horizons, a bilateral partnership agreement between the Australian Government and the State Government of WA (DPIRD).
Did you know?
Testing of over 300 000 hectares of farm land since 2009 shows that:
Over 70% of paddocks have phosphorus levels higher than needed for desired pasture growth.
Over 80% of paddocks have acidic soils where the pH is limiting productivity.
Previous participants saved an average of $12,000 per year on phosphorus fertiliser when following soil test recommendations.
Services and Equipment available
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Forage tests detail key nutritional factors so producers can assess how well the livestock eating are likely to perform. Small numeric differences in nutritional values can have a big impact on stock performances.
The LCC currently have hay and silage corers available for free loan. Get in touch with Project Officer Tony Battersby if you would like to borrow one.
Have a look at this instructional video for more information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyKaOSD5_7A
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Understand your soil’s chemical and physical properties and make informed decisions on how to custom treat your soil for healthy plant growth.
Get in touch with tony.battersby@leschenaultcc.org.au today to organise a time to borrow the tester.
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The LCC now have a microscope on-hand and can assist landholders with assessing the health and activity of your soil, including the types and ratios of micro-organisms present, and provide insights into your soil health.
Get in touch with tony.battersby@leschenaultcc.org.au today to find out more and book a time to bring in your soil sample.
The Soil Testing Program is part of Healthy Estuaries WA, a State Government program, and Soils - New Horizons, a bilateral partnership agreement between the Australian Government and the State Government of WA (DPIRD).
