The On-Farm Soil Monitoring project introduced landholders to the diversity of soil organisms on their properties and to using on-farm soil monitoring methods.

Soil fauna such as mites and springtails have important roles in the chemical, physical and biological aspects of soil health. They play a key role in breaking down organic matter into the soil. Mycorrhizal fungi live inside roots of crop, pasture and many native plants. They help with nutrient uptake, improving soil structure and access to soil moisture, and cycling carbon through the soil.

The On-Farm Soil Monitoring Handbook was developed as part of this project. You can assess the soil fauna on your farm with simple methods and equipment. The handbook includes information on how to:

• sample soil and roots
•  extract and count the dominant soil mesofauna (mites and springtails)
•  identify mycorrhizal fungi in samples

Soil organisms are sensitive to land management practices. The handbook suggests on-farm activities you can complete, such as looking at how different management affects soil fauna numbers and diversity and the presence of mycorrhizal fungi. On-farm monitoring of soil organisms adds local knowledge on how agricultural practices affect soil conditions within and between seasons. By completing these activities, you can increase your understanding of factors affecting your farm’s soil health.

The On-Farm Soil Monitoring project was a joint project led by Wheatbelt NRM, the South West Catchments Council and The University of Western Australia. 

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