Facey Group is partnering in a national project investigating innovative soil technologies to improve soil health, crop productivity and farming system resilience. A demonstration trial near Wickepin is comparing lime and gypsum products and application methods to determine their effectiveness in managing soil acidity and improving crop performance under local farming conditions.

This GRDC-supported project is investigating how Variable Rate Technology (VRT) can improve nutrient use efficiency and farm profitability by matching fertiliser applications to the productivity and nutrient requirements of different areas within a paddock. Working with growers across Australia, the project will generate practical, regionally relevant insights to support the adoption of variable rate fertiliser strategies in broadacre farming systems.

This project tracks a Wickepin grower to evaluate the cost of removing tagasaste and returning land to cropping. It compares removal costs with local land values to assess whether this is a viable pathway for expanding arable area.

Facey Group, Murdoch University and the Soil CRC are investigating how perennial legumes, companion cropping and soil amelioration can improve soil function, nutrient cycling and crop productivity on low fertility sandy soils in the WA Wheatbelt. The project explores practical farming systems that can build resilience, increase groundcover and support long-term soil health.