From strength to strength
In South Australia alone, there are over two million hectares
of alkaline cropping soils (pH 8.0 plus); of which 1 million
hectares are highly calcareous in the root zone. These soils
predominate on the Yorke Peninsula but are also found in other
key South Australian cropping districts including Eyre Peninsula,
the Upper North, Lower North and South East.

Established in 1999 by farmers and consultants the YP Alkaline
Soils Group aims to identify, research, demonstrate and promote
best practice farming systems in medium rainfall areas with alkaline
soils.

The Group is run by a voluntary committee of farmers and agronomists
and has two part time staff. Research and communication activities
are sub-contracted to specialists.

Topics for research, demonstrations and workshops are based on members’
requirements and their opinions are regularly canvassed by the Group.
There are currently 215 members, the majority of these are farmers,
and membership has grown annually.

The YP Alkaline Soils Group:

• Two major trial sites plus satellite sites located on different soil types across YP
• Conducts over 25 trials plus on-farm demonstrations on topics including - pasture and crop varieties, soil and seeding issues, nutrition, weed, pests and diseases
• Organises field days, workshops and training initiatives.

The YP Alkaline Soils Group objectives are to:

• Initiate cutting edge research in this region • Become a recognised point of contact for the latest practical information
• Develop and promote best practice farming techniques
• Generate strong links with government, academic and commercial sectors
• Empower our community to manage change
• Raise awareness of agricultural career opportunities
• Build sustainable profit from agriculture.

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