Making informed fertiliser decisions
Geographe Soil Testing Program
Geographe Soil Testing Program
The Geographe Soil Testing Program aims to support farmers to make informed fertiliser decisions to ensure nutrients stay on the farm and out of waterways and estuaries.
Soil testing has given hundreds of Geographe farmers the confidence to target their fertiliser applications and work towards improving farm productivity, cut unnecessary fertiliser inputs as well as reducing excess entering waterways.
Soil testing reveals the nutrient composition of the soil, how well it retains and impacts nutrient availability, and identifies if deficiencies are present. Testing for phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), potassium (K), pH, sulphur (S) and phosphorus buffering index (PBI) allows farmers to adapt their fertiliser application, increase efficiency and grow better pastures.
Expressions of Interest are for the 2025/26 Geographe Soil Testing Program are now closed.
Supporting best practice
Why apply?
What will I get?
- Soil and plant tissue sampling of all paddocks on your farm (Do-It-Yourself (DIY) or use a DPIRD contractor)
- Independent lab analysis of soil and plant tissue samples
- Colour-coded whole farm nutrient maps
- One-on-one advice and a customised fertiliser plan from your choice of accedited agronomists
- Invitations to workshops and special events
- An opportunity to join a network of ‘Geographe Farmers Protecting Geographe Bay’
- Support from the GeoCatch Sustainable Agriculture team
- Soil testing, advice and support valued at almost $5000.
“What we are doing now is really targeting specific paddocks, so the paddock actually gets
what the paddock needs. It’s very expensive to put the wrong fertiliser in the wrong place.”
Elaine, Yoongarillup
“I was actually quite surprised to see how much residual fertiliser was in the property from previous
practices where we just threw out super every year, like we’ve been doing forever…
Every decision now is based on science and results.”
Ross, Chapman Hill
How much does it cost?
Farmer contribution is $300 per farm for farmers new to the program.
For returning farmers costs are:
$25 per paddock (as a DIY farmer) with minimum spend $300 or $50 per paddocks (using contractor) with a minimum spend $500 & maximum cost $3000
*New Soil Mates Program!* If you’ve previously participated in the Geographe Soil Testing Program, you can refer a friend who hasn’t taken part before – and you’ll both receive a $100 discount!
Who can apply?
- Beef, dairy or sheep grazing enterprises
- With over 40ha of arable land
I live outside the Geographe Catchment – can I still apply?
Yes! This year farmers outside the Geographe Catchment can apply and receive all the same benefits through the ‘Soils-New Horizons’ program! Simply complete the registration below.
Beyond soil testing
Ten case study farmers were supported, as part of the Fertiliser Best Practice project from 2017 to 2019, to change their fertiliser practices following whole-farm soil testing of their property.
These farmers received additional soil and tissue testing, as well as one-on-one advice from a Fertcare Accredited Agronomist, which included the development of an annual fertiliser plan. They have shared their stories of change to support other farmers and practitioners working with the farming sector.
