Eligible landholders with 10 acres or more in the Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges are encouraged to participate in the soil acidity testing blitz from 15-29 March 2021.

Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator Zoe Starkey said soil acidity is a critical land and soil management issue in the Mount Lofty Ranges, with more than 400,000 Ha of land affected.

“Acidic soils negatively affect pasture and livestock health while increasing the occurrence of weeds and bare soil in your paddock,” she said.

“The soil acidity testing blitz supports landholders to test their paddocks pH levels, provides practical options to remediate soils that may be affected by acidity and to better understand the importance of managing soil acidity.

“Soil acidity can often be an underlying issue decreasing productivity in the higher rainfall zones of the Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges.

“We are focusing on properties of 10 acres or larger in districts stretching from Harrogate through to Mount Compass and Currency Creek.

“Eligible landholders will receive soil pH test kits and information such as videos and fact sheets on how to test their soil.

“Participants will be shown how to report their soil pH results, and the associated site information will be provided on management options.  This will offer benefits for pasture growth, soil health, and overall increased yield.

Ms Starkey said once the landholders know if they have soil acidity on their property they will be able to improve the pH of the soil as required.

“By providing tools and practical information, we are hopeful landholders will become more aware of how remediating soil acidity can also help reduce weeds and increase livestock health.

“It’s important to maintain a good soil pH as it will sustain the health of the soil and the broader landscape,” Ms Starkey said.

To register email; Goolwa to Wellington Local Action Planning Association [email protected] or phone 0400 036 843.

All eligible participants will go into the draw to win a prize valued at $250.

This project is supported by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program and landscape levies.

Properties in the blue shaded area below are eligible to participate in the soil testing blitz

Soil acidity is the process of soils becoming increasingly acidic under agricultural land uses, resulting in reduced profitability of farming enterprises, less pasture production, increased weeds, increased risk of soil erosion, reduced soil health and function, and reduced livestock health.