More than 5000 hectares of farmland has seen the benefit to soil testing in the South West

More than 5000 hectares of farmland has seen the benefit to soil testing across the Geographe region.

Geographe farmers joined together earlier this month to participate in practical lessons as part of GeoCatch’s do-it-yourself Soil Testing Program running through this year’s summer.

The program aims to give farmers the best preparation for dealing with the summer, teaching them how to test their soil before applying fertiliser and helping make sure the fertiliser used is targeted, efficient and environmentally responsible.

Nutrient management has been highlighted as something critical to manage the health of the iconic Geographe Bay according to GeoCatch who have been working with farmers across the region since 2009.

This year’s program is expected to see farmers testing their soils across more than 5500 hectares of land.

GeoCatche’s program will give farmers the tools to collect their own soil samples with the results reviewed next year with experts from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

GeoCatch project officer Jenelle Schult said the program helped farmers gain a clearer picture of the nutrient levels already present in their soils and identify deficiencies which could impact pasture growth.

It also raises awareness of the financial and environmental costs associated with over-applying fertilisers, she said.

“Soil testing is a evidence-based approach that allows farmers to make informed fertiliser decisions,” Ms Schult said.

“It’s the first critical step in managing nutrients on farm. With the right information, farmers can fine-tune their fertiliser applications, enhancing productivity and profitability while also reducing nutrient loss to waterways.”