January 2023: It’s the season……….for Soil Sampling.

Soil sampling has been in full swing in December and January as part of the Nutrient Management program (Healthy Estuaries WA).  We have 29 participating farmers this year!

About half of those opted for the DIY option and the rest were sampled by the DPIRD team.  Those choosing the DIY carry out their own sampling after being provided with training and equipment.  One of the unique aspects of the nutrient management program is the number of cores taken (at least 30) per paddock to create a representative sample. 

It is much easier than using the old pogo stick now that we have a drill auger sampler that attaches to an 18v battery drill.  As well as delivering equipment and picking up samples, Bruce has been busy completing the preliminary surveys which include a fertiliser audit for each farm.  All the samples head off to the Labs and results and mapping reports are presented at an upcoming workshop in Late Feb/Early March.  

Well done to all those that completed the sampling including the DPIRD team.