Leschenault Catchment Council to host fertiliser workshops in Wokalup and wider South West throughout June

Fertilser has become the focus of the Leschenault Catchment Council throughout June, with the group set to host management and spreading programs across the South West. Operating under the State Government’s Healthy Estuaries WA initiative, LCC will have a range of fertiliser based workshops designed to better equip farmers when spreading and testing fertiliser and soil. Wokalup will see the first of the programs, with demonstrations taking place on June 8 from national Accu-spread specialist Russell Nichol. The free workshop will discuss how to test and calibrate fertiliser spreading equipment to increase productivity and reduce nutrient loss in waterways, with up to six attendees able to test their own fertiliser. On June 18, expressions of interest to take part in LCC’s 2022-23 Fertilser Management Program are set to close. The program boasts the opportunity to obtain expert advice in fertiliser management as well as free property-wide soil testing, with previous participants reporting up to $10,000 in savings through “cost-effective fertiliser strategies”. Sustainable Agriculture Project Coordinator with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation Dr Deborah Holtham said the fertiliser management program’s are not just about improving the health of the waterways but also about improving profitability. “Farmers understand their paddocks better than anyone. They know where stock like to gather, and can plan sampling to make sure the results are as accurate as possible,” she said. “By collecting their own soil samples, previous participants have appreciated learning about how soil types change across their properties.” Property owners interested in taking part in any of the June programs can find more information on the Healthy Estuaries WA website.