Australia’s leading soil analysis laboratory, Nutrient Advantage, has launched a new soil health package that will enable farmers to benchmark and improve the health and productivity of their most valuable asset, their soil.
The package provides a snapshot of the key biological, chemical and physical characteristics that determine soil health.
Stephan Titze, president of Incitec Pivot Fertilisers (IPF), which owns the Nutrient Advantage Laboratory, said the company is excited to launch the new test package, which will give farmers a precise objective analysis and the industry leading agronomic advice they need to build healthier soils.
“The package will allow agronomists, farmers and consultants to benchmark their soil and implement practices to create more productive and profitable paddocks that are resilient and perform better, no matter the season,” Mr Titze said.
“Changes to soil health happen gradually and cumulatively, which is why a better understanding of soil health through scientifically verified soil testing is critical to our ability to keep farming well into the future.”
This announcement comes just months after the 2021-22 Federal Budget committed $196.9 million in new funding over four years to implement the National Soil Strategy with the aim of boosting the health and management of Australian soil.
“A key component of the National Soil Strategy is the National Soil Monitoring and Incentives Pilot, designed to ensure farmers have the information they need to manage their soil and improve their productivity and profitability, and this testing package supports that objective,” Mr Titze said.
“Using data to improve soil health and environmental outcomes is a logical and necessary trend that will support a robust agriculture sector well into the future.
“IPF is committed to providing its customers with market leading products and services that improve soil health and lead to better and more sustainable plant nutrition for Australian farmers.”
The soil health package contains four test components: total carbon and nitrogen and C:N ratio; aggregate slaking and dispersion; active (labile) carbon; and microbial respiration (activity estimation).
It is recommended the tests be repeated every two to three years at the same time of year.
For over 50 years, Nutrient Advantage has been widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading nutrient testing laboratories, with the broadest range of National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited nutrient tests in Australia.
To order a soil health package or find out more, visit soilhealthtesting.com.au or call 1800 803 453.
The tests can be ordered as a standalone package using the Health1 code or added to any existing Nutrient Advantage test order.
