WA Farm Data Sharing

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Harnessing Data for Smarter Soil Health Management

The WA Farm Data Sharing project is dedicated to empowering Western Australian farmers with accessible, data-driven tools that enhance on-farm decision-making.

The article below written by Alice Butler on precision liming provides an in-depth look at how integrating paddock soil type maps, crop yield data, and tools like iLime can guide smarter, targeted liming applications that keep soil pH at optimal levels for crop productivity.

Alice Butler

Alice Butler

Research Scientist DPIRD

Alice Butler is a soil science expert with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the article dives into the practical aspects of maintaining soil pH through liming and how using data in soil health management can unlock better returns on your investment aligned with the WA Data Exchange’s mission of a data-informed agricultural landscape across Western Australia.

With a focus on tools like iLime and spatial data-driven insights such as yield maps, Alice explains how growers can tailor liming strategies to specific paddock soil types. By examining two soil types, the article highlights the importance of routine soil testing and understanding your paddock’s unique requirements to maximize productivity and get the best return on liming investments.

Explore the article for practical strategies to ensure long-term soil health and support sustainable productivity in Western Australian agriculture.

This work was undertaken with investment from DWER, GRDC and DPIRD.