Researcher and the Farmer – From Small Plot Research to Farm Scale Adoption - Increasing Yields, Profitability and Positive Environmental Outcomes
Tracks
| Wednesday, July 23, 2025 |
| 4:02 PM - 4:14 PM |
Overview
Speaker
Mr Bob Nixon
Owner/Director
Soil and Land Conservation Council
Researcher and the Farmer – From Small Plot Research to Farm Scale Adoption - Increasing Yields, Profitability and Positive Environmental Outcomes
Abstract
Bob Nixon1 and Gaus Azam2
1 Bunketch Ag, Kalannie, Western Australia
2 DPIRD, Northam, Western Australia
Soil constraints such as acidity and compaction significantly limit crop productivity in dryland farming systems globally and in Western Australia. Addressing these issues through soil amelioration can enhance crop yield potential and improve long-term soil health. In this study, we explored a pathway from small-scale experimentation to large-scale implementation of soil amelioration strategies.
The study began with a graveyard trial to assess the effectiveness of different amelioration techniques, including strategic tillage, lime incorporation, and deep soil mixing. Results demonstrated significant improvements in root architecture, water and nutrient uptakes, and crop performance. The research expanded to on-farm trials at a commercial scale, where the best bet soil management strategies were applied to address subsoil acidity and compaction in broadacre cropping systems.
At the farm scale, the implementation of deep ripping, spading and ploughing combined with lime application and other soil amendments resulted in enhanced root growth, improved soil structure, and increased water use by crops. Yield monitoring and soil analyses showed consistent improvements in crop productivity and sustainability.
This study highlights the effectiveness of transitioning from a small plot trial to field-scale applications, demonstrating the role of collaborative research in addressing soil constraints and optimising productivity. The findings ensure long-term benefits for both agricultural sustainability and environmental resilience.
The practise change has positive whole of catchment impact by increasing plant access to water and reducing recharge into the rising groundwater system post clearing. Increasing grain yield results from increasing biomass that also leads to increases in soil cover, below ground root bulk and soil organic matter.
Sandy soils are becoming increasingly important in a wheatbelt cropping system as they take less moisture to germinate and grow a crop in our variable and drying climate.
1 Bunketch Ag, Kalannie, Western Australia
2 DPIRD, Northam, Western Australia
Soil constraints such as acidity and compaction significantly limit crop productivity in dryland farming systems globally and in Western Australia. Addressing these issues through soil amelioration can enhance crop yield potential and improve long-term soil health. In this study, we explored a pathway from small-scale experimentation to large-scale implementation of soil amelioration strategies.
The study began with a graveyard trial to assess the effectiveness of different amelioration techniques, including strategic tillage, lime incorporation, and deep soil mixing. Results demonstrated significant improvements in root architecture, water and nutrient uptakes, and crop performance. The research expanded to on-farm trials at a commercial scale, where the best bet soil management strategies were applied to address subsoil acidity and compaction in broadacre cropping systems.
At the farm scale, the implementation of deep ripping, spading and ploughing combined with lime application and other soil amendments resulted in enhanced root growth, improved soil structure, and increased water use by crops. Yield monitoring and soil analyses showed consistent improvements in crop productivity and sustainability.
This study highlights the effectiveness of transitioning from a small plot trial to field-scale applications, demonstrating the role of collaborative research in addressing soil constraints and optimising productivity. The findings ensure long-term benefits for both agricultural sustainability and environmental resilience.
The practise change has positive whole of catchment impact by increasing plant access to water and reducing recharge into the rising groundwater system post clearing. Increasing grain yield results from increasing biomass that also leads to increases in soil cover, below ground root bulk and soil organic matter.
Sandy soils are becoming increasingly important in a wheatbelt cropping system as they take less moisture to germinate and grow a crop in our variable and drying climate.
Biography
Bob farms in the North-eastern wheatbelt of Western Australia. The family grow wheat, barley, canola, lupins and chick peas. He has a strong interest in crop agronomy, soil health, whole of landscape management and resilient farming systems.
Bob's a past member of the GRDC Soils Constraints West steering committee and currently sits on the GRDC board and WA Soil and Land Conservation Council.
He completed a Nuffield Scholarship in 2014 looking into ‘Mitigating Risk in a Dry and Variable Climate’ in response to the drying out and increase in seasonal variability. Bob was awarded the GRDC Seed of Light in 2019 for his work in managing soil constraints.
