Damien and Vanessa Leeson’s farm in Goomalling, WA needed help with its sandy, water repellent soils which were reducing their crop production.
These soils are common in the Wheatbelt and are a major concern for many growers in the region.
Wheatbelt NRM helped the Leesons by funding a trial to investigate a number of mechanical, biological and chemical methods to address the issue. They also provided expert technical support.
The Leesons' trial found that mechanical methods of inverting of topsoil with a mouldboard plough were the most effective, almost doubling the yield on these water repellent soils.
“A crop’s water use efficiency is significantly reduced as a result of exacerbated evaporation and runoff,” said Damien Leeson. The trial clearly demonstrated that relatively unproductive water repellent land could be turned around with the correct management.
Wheatbelt NRM supported the Leesons through its ‘Soil Conservation Incentive’ program with funding from the Australian Government.
