Collaborative workshops shape future soil research projects focused on improving water use efficiency
Local growers, advisors and researchers came together to explore opportunities for improving soil management across our farming systems.
A series of interactive workshops brought together local farmers, agronomists, and soil specialists to share seasonal insights and identify key priorities for future soil extension projects.
Workshops were hosted in Wudinna, Cummins, Watervale and Tailem Bend in mid-October, facilitated by Sunlight Soil Strategists, Dr Melissa Fraser (Soil Function Consulting) and Felicity Turner (Turner Agriservices).
The sessions included an exploration of the water cycle, setting the theme of the day and encouraging participants to think about how management decisions influence water capture, storage, and use across the season. Building on this, group discussions focused on what’s currently working well, lessons learned from recent projects, and where knowledge gaps remain within their local farming communities.
Next, key themes were identified, and participants collaborated to scope potential project ideas. Groups discussed their specific needs for project themes, outcomes, activities, and practical details such as who could be involved, where the work could take place, and how long projects might run.
By the end of each workshop, several draft project concepts had been developed, reflecting local needs and opportunities.
Key themes and identified included:
- Training and support for small-group, peer-led learning modules- from soil basics through to advanced management.
- Managing soil constraints, including approaches for heavier soil types and post-amelioration agronomy.
- Improving pastures and mixed-species systems.
- Enhancing crop rotation diversity, with a focus on quantifying soil benefits.
- Conducting cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses for soil management and amelioration practices.
- Nutrient management, including mineralisation across years and seasons.
These workshops have laid the foundation for collaborative, locally relevant projects that will strengthen soil knowledge and practice across the region. This work is now being collated and summarised, and details will be available for Hub partners for further feedback and use in upcoming months.
Thank you to all 60+ participants that contributed their time and knowledge to these workshops.
For further information, please contact the SA Drought Hub Regional Soils Coordinator, Lucy Porter, on lucy.porter@adelaide.edu.au or 0488 551 731.
