PDS: Fixing our soils

Summary

The Fixing Our Soils Producer Demonstration Site (PDS) is tackling a challenge faced by many mixed farmers across central west and northern NSW: poor legume performance in tropical grass pastures. Legumes are vital for biological nitrogen fixation, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilisers and improving soil health. However, widespread issues such as low phosphorus, sulphur, and acidic soils have limited their growth, leaving producers frustrated and uncertain about how to interpret soil tests.

This project, led by AgSTAR Projects in partnership with local farmers, aims to change that. Through three large-scale demonstration sites in the Warrumbungle region, we’ll show how targeted soil testing and corrective treatments—like lime and fertiliser—can unlock the potential of legumes in tropical pastures. By improving soil fertility, we expect to lift legume groundcover from less than 5% to over 30%, boost total pasture growth by at least 2 tonnes per hectare, and build producer confidence in making informed soil management decisions.

The benefits go beyond productivity. Healthier soils and thriving legumes mean more sustainable feedbases, reduced input costs, and stronger resilience for farming businesses. Producers will gain hands-on experience through workshops, field days, and peer learning, supported by practical tools like cost-benefit analyses and extension resources.

By the end of the project, the project aims for widespread adoption of soil fertility strategies that improve legume performance, enhance pasture systems, and deliver long-term gains for livestock enterprises. Together, we’re fixing our soils for a more profitable and sustainable future.

Objectives

By June 2029, across the Warrumbungle Shire, the project will establish 3 demonstration sites and directly engage 11 core producers and a minimum of 50 observer producers to:

1. Demonstrate the impact of addressing soil constraints (phosphorus, sulphur and pH) on legume production and total pasture growth
  a. Increase legume groundcover in tropical grass paddocks from <5% to >30% at each demonstration site
  b. Lift total herbage mass at demonstration sites by at least 2 t/ha through targeted fertiliser and/or lime applications

2. Build knowledge and confidence in interpreting and acting on soil test results
  a. Deliver one soil test interpretation workshop with at least 90% of participating producers reporting increased confidence 

3. Support producers to implement cost-effective strategies to improve legume performance
  a. Conduct a basic cost-benefit analysis at each demonstration site, comparing fertiliser/lime investment with increased herbage mass
  b. Share results through case studies and a field day with producers across the region

4. Increase adoption of informed soil fertility management in tropical pasture systems
  a. By project end, at least 7 of the 11 core producers will have adopted targeted fertiliser or lime strategies on their own paddocks
  b. At least 50% of observer producers will report intent to adopt within 12 months

5. Facilitate peer learning and regional extension
  a. Host an annual field day at demonstration sites, with a combined attendance of at least 60 producers across the project
  b. Develop an extension factsheet summarising key lessons and practical recommendations
  c. Develop three media releases to be shared with local rural media  
  d. Develop 6 social media posts to raise awareness of the project activities and results activities