The Schreurs family have been farming on the Koo Wee Rup swamps in Gippsland, Victoria since 1963. After noticing a decline in soil condition, resulting in waterlogging and an increase in weed and disease pressure, the Schreurs partnered with the Soil Wealth and ICP team to trial a range of different cover crops to improve the overall quality and productivity of the farm.
The Schreurs and the Soil Wealth and ICP team trialled Caliente Mustard, rye corn and sorghum as summer cover crops in the farm rotation to act as soil conditioners. These crops were compared with a fallow period (control) to observe differences in production quality. Crops were sown in early summer and then macerated and incorporated into the soil at maturity.

A new case study from the Soil Wealth and ICP projects, which are strategic levy investments under the Hort Innovation Vegetable Fund, presents insights and lessons from these cover crop trials, including a decrease in disease prevalence and increase in vegetable size. See the case study on the Soil Wealth website.