Soils New Horizons

Soil testing to support better fertiliser decisions
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​Period: 2023 – 2028 
Funding Body: WICC and The Australian Government and the State Government of WA (DPIRD) as a key component of
the National Soil Action Plan
Project Officer: Kylie Cook

DPIRD’s Soils – New Horizons program is a Whole Farm Nutrient Mapping (WFNM) initiative that supports evidence-based fertiliser decision-making in high-rainfall pasture systems. This program is the latest evolution of DPIRD’s WFNM efforts, building on over 15 years of experience.

It expands the approach across the entire >550 mm annual rainfall zone, excluding areas within the Healthy Estuaries WA catchments. WFNM aligns fertiliser use with pasture growth targets by using soil test data to optimise nutrient application. This improves nutrient efficiency, supports profitable and sustainable pasture production and reduces nutrient loss to waterways.