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 until 22 July 2026
Join almost 2300 farmers saving money, increasing farm productivity and improving the health of our waterways!
Can I apply?
Through Healthy Estuaries WA, the program is open to beef, dairy and sheep grazing enterprises that are over 40ha of arable land in one of the funding catchments: Peel-Harvey, Leschenault, Vasse-Wonnerup, Geographe, Hardy Inlet, Wilson Inlet, Torbay Inlet or Oyster Harbour.
The program is open to farmers outside these catchments through the Soils - New Horizons program.
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
Refer a friend and you both get a $100 discount!
*Discount applies to previous participants of Healthy Estuaries WA and a friend who hasn’t taken part before.
This program 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.
Participants are estimated to save an average of $7,400 per year when following fertiliser management recommendations.
Useful documents
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).
