Investment

Previous work funded by the South Australian Grain Industry Trust (SAGIT) and conducted by Trengove Consulting has demonstrated the applicability of the phosphorus (P) sufficiency index (pH and NDVI data layers) to predict P response and manage fertiliser inputs in soils of the Mid North and Yorke Peninsula of South Australia. This project builds on this previous work to increase the profitability of P fertiliser applications through improving P management in two key areas: improving applications in variable paddocks/landscapes and refining long-term P management strategies on highly P responsive soils.

This project will work with growers and consultants to demonstrate and extend new P management tools and strategies to other regions of South Australia including the Eyre Peninsula and Mallee and address knowledge gaps in vertosols where the prediction has been less reliable. It will also continue long-term P management trials in the Mid North and on the Eyre Peninsula to determine residual value of high P application rates and their effect on crop response and soil available P levels. This will help refine P management strategies to ensure soil P levels are being maintained rather than mined in these areas.

Project outcomes will be delivered to growers through the development of 2 podcasts focussing on:
1) how to use the P sufficiency index to manage spatial variability, and
2) can P be managed with long-term strategies.

The planned outcome of this investment is that by June 2027, growers and consultants in South Australia will have the tools and knowledge on how to use the phosphorus (P) sufficiency index (pH and NDVI data layers) and in which soils it can be used to manage spatial P variability. Growers will also have an increased understanding on whether phosphorous in their soils can be managed with long-term strategies.

This is a co-investment with SAGIT delivered with Trengove Consulting.