Acid Soils in the Upper South East

It's time to lime!  Results from a recently completed project have shown acidity to be prevalent on sandy soils in the Upper South East, particularly those used for regular cropping. The objective of the project was to work with 10 landholders in the region to increase their soil management capacity and develop a snapshot of the extent of acidity on their properties.

Key messages:
• Acidity was found to be more widespread in the USE than expected, with 15 of the 18 paddocks examined containing zones of soil with pH below 5.5

• Sandy loam and clay soils used for cropping were acidic in the top 10 cm

• Clay spread shallow sandy soils used for cropping were acidic in the top 20 cm

• Clay spread deep sandy soils used for grazing were acidic in the top 30 cm

• Lime is an essential soil amendment required on many soil types in the South East.

Please see the full report or contact Mel Fraser for more details; melissa.fraser@sa.gov.au.

Churchill Fellowships - Applications Open

Do you know of anyone who could benefit from being funded up to $25,000 to travel overseas to investigate their passion? This year the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust will fund over 100 people to do exactly that. People from all walks of life with interests in all sorts of areas, including agriculture, are eligible to apply. Applications close Friday 27 April 2018.

To find out more or apply visit the Churchill Trust website.

Nuffield Scholarships - Applications Open

Nuffield Australia has been supporting innovative and progressive Australian farmers for 65 years.  Scholarships are available to primary producers aged between 28 – 45 to support overseas travel and study.  Nuffield Scholars have been pivotal in influencing the development of new and emerging industries and are recognised as leaders across the Australia agricultural sector.  Applications close Friday 15 June.

To find out more or apply visit the Nuffield Australia website.

Soil CRC Survey

The recently formed Soil Co-operative Research Centre (CRC) invites you to to participate in an online survey looking at soil constraints across Australia.  The survey gives you the opportunity to provide valuable farmer input and feedback of the biggest soil issues in your region.  Allow 20 - 25 minutes to complete the survey.

Get involved! Communicate your latest Sustainable Ag news and events here.

AgConnect aims to promote the latest sustainable agricultural news and events across the South East and surrounding regions.  If you have an upcoming event or agricultural news you would like to share contact:

Natural Resources South East Regional Landcare Facilitators

Caroline Menzel caroline.menzel@sa.gov.au or 0409 675 573
Matthew Honner matthew.honner@sa.gov.au or 0439 346 025
Jon Forrest jon.forrest@sa.gov.au or 0427 808 204