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Boosting Farm Productivity - By Claying Sandy Soils to Increase Water Availability.

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Sustainable Agriculture

Production on Treor and Renae Syme's farm in Bolgart WA, was suffering from non-wetting soils that become more prevalent during drier years, affecting up to 80% of the land. Wheatbelt NRM helped the Symes by funding a trial to investigate methods of clay spreading and incorporation and providing expert technical support. The trial found that water availability and crp production were best improved by applyin clay to the soil sng a spader or rotary hoe. Farmers facing similar issues also had the opportunity to visit the trial site and discuss non-wetting remediation techniques. "The project has confirmed in my mind, the viability of claying. It has taught me that incorporating it is more important than the actual amount and spreading of the clay", said Trevor Syme.
Wheatbelt NRM supported the Syme family through its 'Soil Conservation Incentive' program with funding from the Australian Government. 

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