Livestock producers in the Great Southern and South West are reminded to act quickly to take part in a soil testing program to reduce nutrient loss off farm and optimise fertiliser use.
Deadlines for applications to take part in a new nutrient mapping program have been extended to 9 September.
Producers with more than 40 hectares of cleared arable land can apply to take part in the program, led by the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) in conjunction with the Department of Water and local catchment groups.
Participants will receive subsidised soil testing and individualised whole-farm nutrient maps highlighting where nutrient surpluses and deficiencies occur.
Nutrient mapping assists land managers to optimise nutrient use and reduce the movement of nutrients off-farm.
DAFWA development officer Peta Richards said approximately 70 farmers had already taken up the opportunity across parts of the South West but there were still places available.
“We are calling on producers, particularly in the Wilson, Oyster Harbour, Scott River, Lower Blackwood and Leschenault catchments, to get involved in this great opportunity,” Ms Richards said.
The four-year nutrient mapping program is part of the Sustainable Agriculture Strategy of the broader Regional Estuaries Initiative, made possible by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program, aimed at improving water quality in regional estuaries and waterways.
Sampling will run from mid-November to mid-March, with maps provided in a timely manner to support fertiliser decisions for the 2017 growing season.
Soil test results will be converted into a series of coloured maps showing the nutrient status of each paddock on participating farms.
Preference for the 2016 sampling season will be given to farmers who have not previously been involved in similar whole-farm nutrient mapping projects.
The nutrient program is subsidised. Expressions of interest close on 9 September 2016.
Producers can register their interest by emailing nutrientmapping@agric.wa.gov.au or via facebook.com/nutrientmapping or by phoning development officer Peta Richards on +61 (0)8 9777 0144.
Media contacts: Jodie Thomson/Lisa Bertram, media liaison +61 (0)8 9368 3937