The trials and demonstrations project will help establish high-quality large and small scale demonstration sites across the Avon River Basin. The project will look at innovative practices within cropping management, sustainable grazing, agroforestry, and soil management systems. It will also encourage landholders to adopt innovative practices into farming systems, based on the success of the trials and demonstrations. 

This project works with the farming community to trial and demonstrate innovative practices that protect our natural resources and support sustainability and resilience. 

Trials include small- and large-scale sites using methods that can be adopted across the region. Trialled practices fall into four themes:

• improved cropping management
• sustainable grazing systems
• agroforestry
• soil management

Activity types are directed by community needs and interests, supported by current scientific knowledge. 

This project supports the farm practice change model by using trials and demonstrations to show new practices and directly share knowledge and experience. An extension program supports the project, including field days, workshops, training opportunities, technical advice, and electronic and printed publications/media. 

This project will:

• Promote the adoption of sustainable land management practices throughout the Avon River Basin
• Encourage farms/landholders to conduct innovative trials in cropping management, sustainable grazing systems, agroforestry and soil management
• Provide extension and technical advice to help landholders improve their knowledge and skills in managing soil health, cropping practices and impacts of climate change
• Encourage regional groups, communities and individuals to engage in specific NRM activities relating to improved cropping management, sustainable grazing systems, agroforestry, and soil management 

More information can be found in our Knowledge Hub.

The Soil Quality website has several tools to help you learn more about your property’s soil quality:

• Enter your soil test results and see how they compare to others in the Central region or around Australia.
• Want to learn more about soil testing and what your results mean? Look through the factsheets to find out about biological, chemical and physical indicators.
• Use the calculators to work out everything from your simple gross margin to the effects of retaining stubble or adding lime.
• View videos on topics such as nitrogen transformation in soils, soil carbon, and how microbiology can help prevent disease in grain crops