28 February 2022
Reading Time: 4 minutesThe Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection (ICP) project works with growers to put soil management and plant health research into practice. To kick off 2022, […]
28 February 2022
Reading Time: 4 minutesEarly summer is always a busy time for the vegetable industry in Tasmania. This year was no different, with VegNET – Tasmania hosting a number of […]
22 February 2022
Reading Time: < 1 minuteAndrew and Zurri Braham have grown capsicums under protected cropping in Virginia, South Australia, since 2006. The Soil Wealth ICP team has been working with Braham […]
14 February 2022
Reading Time: < 1 minuteOne of the best ways to learn is by looking over the fence at what other growers are doing on their properties. The Soil Wealth ICP […]
7 February 2022
Reading Time: < 1 minuteThe commercial nitrogen fertiliser market has been very volatile the past seven months. Supply issues from China, Russia, as well as Europe, have caused shipping issues […]
17 January 2022
Reading Time: < 1 minuteDay 2 of the Soil Biology Masterclass provided an opportunity for grower Andrew Braham, to share his story of boosting soil biology and developing healthy soils […]
11 January 2022
Reading Time: < 1 minuteIn the Soil Biology Masterclass 2021 webinar recording below Dr Shane Powell from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture joins the Soil Wealth ICP team to share […]
10 January 2022
Reading Time: < 1 minuteIf you’re looking for a suitable break crop this summer that can provide added soil health benefits, consider sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), sudangrass (Sorghum sudanense) and their […]
13 December 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteWhen you think about precision agriculture technology, it’s important not to underestimate how practical farming approaches can be used alongside cutting-edge equipment in the field. In […]
13 December 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteApplied Horticultural Research has two webinar recordings available to potato growers as part of the Hort Innovation-funded PotatoLink project: Webinar recording: Soil Biology in Potato Production […]
6 December 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteIn the webinar recording below, Dr. Calum Wilson explains about the good, the bad and ugly ones in the soil and how they interact, and what […]
6 December 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteIn the webinar recording below, Soil Wealth ICP team member Pieter van Nieuwenhuyse delves into the use of biological products in Australian vegetable production. Related […]
26 November 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteHave you heard of biochar? This solid charcoal-like material is made by heating organic materials (biomass) in a low oxygen environment, through a process called pyrolysis. […]
26 November 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteFarming in the Northern Territory is notoriously challenging: it takes resilience and perseverance to battle the weather and soils. The Soil Wealth ICP team is working […]
25 November 2021
Reading Time: 5 minutesThe Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection (ICP) project works with growers to put soil management and plant health research into practice. In this column, we […]
24 November 2021
Reading Time: 3 minutesIn this column, VegNET – New South Wales Regional Development Officer Sylvia Jelinek introduces readers to the Greater Sydney Demonstration Farm, located on the Richmond Lowlands. […]
24 November 2021
Reading Time: 5 minutesYou’ve nailed single species cover crops use on your farm and are now considering the next step. If you jump on the web, mixed-species mixed cover […]
24 November 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteIn the webinar recording below, Soil Wealth ICP team member Doris Blaesing discusses soil biology and its links to soil structure in vegetable crops. Soil Biology […]
23 November 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteSoil health is closely linked to soil microbiology. This fact sheet from the Soil Wealth ICP project outlines information on a broad group of soil microbes […]
17 November 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteUsing water efficiently means applying just enough water to meet the needs of a crop. A soil in good condition consists of around 50% solid matter; […]
16 November 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteThis fact sheet from the Soil Wealth ICP project outlines the importance of healthy soil and its characteristics, how growers can develop healthy soils, as well […]
15 November 2021
Reading Time: 3 minutesA group of growers in Gippsland have identified a need to better demonstrate their efforts to minimise the impact of the industry on the surrounding environment. […]
9 November 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteWatch this webinar presented by Frank Mulcahy to learn how soil mapping (EM38) can assist potato growers with better yields: Click here for the webinar slides. […]
9 November 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteThe Soil Wealth ICP team has developed a seven-part video series from its Soil Biology in Vegetable Production Masterclass. Additional presentations from the Soil Wealth ICP […]
3 November 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteSoil Wealth ICP team member Carl Larsen recently braved the windy weather at the project’s Koo Wee Rup demonstration site in Victoria, to bring growers an […]
23 November 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteApplied Horticultural Research has made the following webinar recording available to potato growers as part of the Hort Innovation-funded PotatoLink project. In this recording, Dr Kelvin […]
17 November 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteIn the webinar recording below, Soil Wealth ICP team member Doris Blaesing discusses soil biology and its links to soil structure in vegetable crops. Soil Biology […]
3 November 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteApplied Horticultural Research has made the following resources available to potato growers as part of the Hort Innovation-funded PotatoLink project: Webinar recording: The role of biologics […]
26 October 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minutePlant nutrition must be tailored to each vegetable crop and growing conditions to ensure plants are healthy, productive and profitable. The Soil Wealth ICP team has […]
26 October 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteFertilisers are an important but costly input in vegetable production. However, there are simple tests you can do to better manage your inputs, such as leaf […]
19 October 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteDo you know your macronutrients from your micronutrients? Plant nutrients are commonly split into two categories: Major elements (macronutrients) that are required in relatively large quantities […]
19 October 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteManaging plant nutrition is integral to producing a healthy, profitable vegetable crop. The Soil Wealth ICP team has collated a range of informative resources to help […]
19 October 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteSouth Australian potato growers can watch this webinar recording, where Dom Cavallaro (Stoller), Ian Simpson (Mitolo), Nigel Crump (AuSPICA), and Peter Philp (PotatoLink), discuss seed management, and […]
12 October 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteCatch up on the Soil Biology Masterclass 2021 by watching the following recordings: 1. Soil Biology Masterclass 2021 – Basic principles: Soil Wealth/ICP team member, Kelvin […]
12 October 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteA soil test, combined with a visual soil assessment and knowledge about paddock history and production plans, provides a sound basis for a nutrition program. A […]
5 October 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteIrrigation is a major cost in potato production and has a big impact on potato yield and quality. Watch this webinar recording to help get all […]
5 October 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteWatch the next-generation microwave technology at work during this virtual field walk recording in Cowra, New South Wales. Liam Hescock and the team from Growave showcase […]
14 September 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteThere are several important advancements and lessons from Europe implementing a mandatory Integrated Crop Protection (ICP) approach in vegetable production systems. The need to use ICP in […]
14 September 2021
Reading Time: 3 minutesAcross two days, Hort Connections 2021 delegates were invited to participate in thought-provoking and interactive speaker sessions. One of these was hosted by Mark Turner (pictured […]
14 September 2021
Reading Time: 5 minutesThe Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection (ICP) project works with growers nationally to put soil management and plant health research into practice. In this column, […]
14 September 2021
Reading Time: 7 minutesThe team from the Hort Innovation-funded project A strategic approach to weed management for the Australian vegetable industry visited Schreurs & Sons in Clyde, Victoria in […]
7 September 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteIntegrated weed management (IWM) is vital for getting on top of weed problems in vegetable production, or for keeping the farm relatively weed-free. IWM involves combining […]
31 August 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteA three-year trial examining the impact of compost as an organic soil amendment has just wrapped up at the Soil Wealth ICP demonstration site in Richmond, […]
31 August 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteWatch this masterclass recording to indulge in the complex world of soil biology and how it relates to healthy and profitable vegetable production. Basic principles are […]
24 August 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteIn recent years, the team from Victorian vegetable growing operation Schreurs & Sons has used weed management methods that reduce reliance on herbicides in vegetable crops. This decision […]
16 August 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteIntegrated weed management (IWM) is vital for getting on top of weed problems in vegetable production. It involves combining all appropriate weed control options in a […]
10 August 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteNutgrass (Cyperus rotundus), also known as purple nutsedge, Java grass, coco-grass and red nutsedge, is a major problem for the Australian vegetable industry. It is extremely […]
3 August 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteThe growth of weeds in vegetable production systems is enhanced by soil disturbance, irrigation and the application of fertilisers. This fact sheet provides growers and advisors […]
3 August 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteTune into this webinar recording to hear about the principles of integrated weed management (IWM) and how they apply to Australian vegetable growers. The discussion covers […]
2 August 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteWatch this recorded webinar to learn all you need to know about the legal requirements for drone operators and how drones can help you manage daily […]
27 July 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteMost good crop management practices begin with the soil. Enhancing natural populations of beneficial soil organisms can help the growth and establishment of crops, as well […]
27 July 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteAre you curious about soil amendment options to help increase potato production in saline environments? Watch this webinar discussion, which covers a range of topics including […]
13 July 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteThe Soil Wealth ICP demonstration site in Richmond, southern Tasmania, is hosted by Harvest Farms. In 2018, a trial was established to examine the costs and […]
6 July 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteSoil biology is a complex, dynamic and broad field. This 30-minute Soundcloud podcast from the Soil Wealth ICP project will introduce you to the concept of […]
29 June 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteHeadquartered in Melbourne’s Werribee South region, Fresh Select is one of the largest lettuce and brassica growers in Australia. As a leader in innovation, sustainable farming […]
22 June 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteIt’s rare to come across someone who is as passionate about soil health as Peter Wadewitz. The founder and Managing Director of Peats Soil & Garden […]
15 June 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteMost technology for controlling weeds will be a positive step forward for soil health and the environment, and will play an important role in our fight […]
1 June 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteRecently, Applied Horticultural Research’s Marc Hinderager and Ian Packer from Soilpack Services teamed up to deliver a webinar on soil organic matter, soil biology and the […]
25 May 2021
Reading Time: 3 minutesThe Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection (ICP) project works with growers nationally to put soil management and plant health research into practice. The project team […]
24 May 2021
Reading Time: 5 minutesIn September 2020, the Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection (ICP) project team produced a case study that focused on the Three Ryans farm in Western […]
24 May 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteThe main benefits of using compost in vegetable production systems include increased organic matter, adding nutrients to the soil, increased water holding capacity of the soil […]
4 May 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteOrganic amendments are mostly applied pre-planting of cash or cover crops, and always contain carbon and all major nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur and potassium. In […]
20 April 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteStrip-till is a system of cultivation that works strips of soil where a crop will be planted or sown, and leaves most of the soil covered […]
20 April 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteReduced tillage can produce similar or better yields than more aggressive conventional tillage. While reduced tillage has a range of key benefits including improving long-term soil […]
6 April 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteIn the late 1990s a small number of progressive growers in Australia started experimenting with reduced till (or minimum till) for vegetable production. Reduced till is […]
6 April 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteStrip-tillage combines the best of no-till and conventional tillage in the one operation. Steve Peterson is a fourth generation farmer in the United States and a […]
30 March 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteVegetable growers who have trialled cover crops may be wondering about the cost effectiveness of this approach. While the overall benefits will depend on each farm […]
23 March 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteCover crops are great tools for soil management. Their benefits can include improving soil structure and health, reducing erosion and weeds, adding nitrogen and contributing to […]
16 March 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteDid you know that cover cropping is one of the most useful tools for managing intensive vegetable growing soils? The Hort Innovation-funded project Optimising cover cropping for […]
16 March 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteCover crops, also referred to as green manure crops, are planted as a break between commercial crops. They are grown and incorporated back into the soil […]
16 March 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteFor many years, Queensland vegetable grower Rob Hinrichsen from Kalfresh has taken advantage of the benefits that cover crops can provide to vegetable production systems. In […]
9 March 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteAs we approach the cooler months, many vegetable growers will be considering cover crops to help manage their soils over winter. Check out this fact sheet […]
9 March 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteThe addition of organic soil amendments is becoming increasingly popular in vegetable production, as they provide a range of benefits from both a production and economic […]
2 March 2021
Reading Time: 2 minutesA healthy soil is productive, sustainable and profitable. But what exactly does ‘soil health’ mean for vegetable growers? This Soil Wealth ICP fact sheet discusses how […]
2 March 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minutePotato cultivars can have very different water requirements, and knowing how to best manage water for a particular variety can have large yield benefits for growers. […]
23 February 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteRelated ProjectsSoil wealth and integrated crop protection – phase 2This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the research and development levies listed below and […]
23 February 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteProblem weeds such as oxalis and nutgrass could be a thing of the past for vegetable growers following an Australian-first trial of microwave weed control technology […]
22 February 2021
Reading Time: 3 minutesVegetable growers across the country are turning to cover crops to improve their soil. To help growers, Applied Horticultural Research (AHR) has put together the ‘Cover […]
22 February 2021
Reading Time: 3 minutesThe Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection (ICP) project works with growers nationally to put soil management and plant health research into practice. The project team […]
16 February 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteWatch the final session of a webinar series dedicated to integrated weed management (IWM), an approach that can help growers manage weed problems in their vegetable […]
15 February 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteRelated ProjectsSoil wealth and integrated crop protection – phase 2This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the research and development levies listed below and […]
10 February 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteDo you want to know more about organic soil amendments but don’t know where to start? The Soil Wealth ICP team has done the hard work […]
2 February 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteIn this 10-minute podcast, Harvest Moon Agricultural Director Mark Kable and John McPhee from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, join controlled traffic farming (CTF) researcher and grower, James […]
2 February 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteVictoria’s Werribee South vegetable growing region faces a range of production challenges, particularly when it comes to soil health. Read this case study from a demonstration […]
19 January 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteHave you heard of the ripper mulcher? This unique machine was invented and built in Tasmania by Bill Cotching to control erosion on sloping ground under […]
15 January 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteThe Soil Wealth ICP team have created two A3 posters providing a starting point for helping you choose a cover crop for your farm. Adapt the […]
12 January 2021
Reading Time: < 1 minuteVegNET – New South Wales, in partnership with Simplot, engaged with growers to hold a Farm Technology Field Day in Bathurst and Geurie in September 2018. […]
22 December 2020
Reading Time: < 1 minuteIntegrated weed management (IWM) is vital for getting on top of weed problems in vegetable production. It involves combining all appropriate weed control options in a […]
15 December 2020
Reading Time: < 1 minuteNutgrass (Cyperus rotundus), also known as purple nutsedge, Java grass, coco-grass and red nutsedge, is a major problem for the Australian vegetable industry. It is extremely […]
15 December 2020
Reading Time: < 1 minuteAs part of a recent Hort Innovation-funded research project, south-east Queensland vegetable grower Jack Abbott trialled EM38 soil mapping and Wildeye soil moisture sensors to understand […]
1 December 2020
Reading Time: < 1 minuteIn addition to being a good indicator of soil health, earthworms can play a vital role in improving soil structure and fertility. Earthworms can improve soil […]
24 November 2020
Reading Time: < 1 minuteSoil health is closely linked to soil microbiology. This Soil Wealth ICP fact sheet outlines information on a broad group of soil microbes and how different […]
24 November 2020
Reading Time: < 1 minuteNow in the third year of trials, the benefit of variable rate lime and fertiliser application is starting to pay big dividends at the Soil Wealth […]
17 November 2020
Reading Time: < 1 minuteSunn hemp is a type of cover crop that has a high tolerance of hot summers and can support nitrogen fixation and strong weed suppression in […]
17 November 2020
Reading Time: < 1 minuteA soil in good condition consists of around 50 per cent solid matter – this includes organic matter, which is the main driver of soil health. […]
10 November 2020
Reading Time: < 1 minuteAgricultural practices can contribute to soil acidification, or the drop in soil pH. This can be due to several factors including leaching of nitrate nitrogen, nutrient […]
10 November 2020
Reading Time: < 1 minuteGrower Kim Ngov had a weed problem at his Sydney basin farm. Even though he grows his snow pea crops using plastic mulch, he has had […]
10 November 2020
Reading Time: < 1 minuteA soil in good condition consists of around 50 per cent solid matter – this includes organic matter, which is the main driver of soil health. […]
4 November 2020
Reading Time: < 1 minuteThroughout November, the Soil Wealth ICP project will be sharing news and resources relating to the project’s focus topic of soil biology. Soil biology plays an […]
27 October 2020
Reading Time: < 1 minuteA demonstration trial allowed growers ‘Three Ryans’ in Manjimup, Western Australia, to work through the practical challenges of replacing their usual fallow and conventional cultivation, with a cover crop + strip till […]