Summary

This project produced a practical soil knowledge resource for South Australian grain growers, based on the questions they most wanted answered. The publication titled 101 Questions About SA cropping soils you were never game to ask! is available as an e-book and limited printed version and is supported by videos, podcasts and social media content. The questions were developed in consultation with growers and answered by a panel of industry experts using language that is practical and easy for growers to follow. The project improved grower understanding of soil structure, biology and constraints, to support more growers to make more informed and confident soil management decisions on-farm.

Background

Soil structure and soil function play a major role in crop establishment, water use, nutrient availability and yield reliability. However, many growers are uncertain about how soils work and why particular management decisions are recommended. A wealth of soil research is available, but it is often difficult to access or written in technical language that limits the ability of growers to interpret and apply on-farm. This project recognised that improving soil outcomes depends not only on new research, but on communicating existing soils knowledge in a form that growers trust, understand and can apply on-farm.

Research Aims

The core objectives of the project were to:

• Increase grower and adviser confidence in understanding how soils function within South Australian cropping systems
• Improve awareness of soil biological processes and soil limitations across different environments
• Support adoption of soil-related best management practices by explaining the reasons behind recommendations
• Draw together soil research from previous investments into a single, accessible resource tailored to South Australian conditions.

In The Field

Grower and adviser questions about soil structure and function were gathered from growers and advisers through consultation with farming communities and industry networks. A total of 101 questions were selected, covering topics such as soil structure, compaction, water repellence, soil carbon, nutrition, pH, salinity and biological function.

Answers to the 101 selected questions were written with the help of industry experts and reviewed by experienced soil scientists to ensure technical accuracy. The publication used language that is practical and easy for growers to follow and was published as an e-book and supported by a dedicated website as well as short, animated videos, podcasts and regular social media posts. The resource was launched at the Mallee Research Updates in early 2025, with printed copies distributed and digital content promoted throughout the season.

Results

The project successfully delivered a widely used and trusted soil information resource for South Australian grain growers. Key outcomes included:

• Production of the 101 Questions About SA cropping soils you were never game to ask! e-book, which is hosted on the Soils Connect website and available for free download
• Distribution of more than 150 printed copies at grower events
• More than 4,400 visits to the website, resulting in more than 530 active users engaging with the content
• Development of six podcasts and multiple short videos, which have been collectively viewed or downloaded more than 2,000 times.

Growers and advisers reported increased confidence in understanding soil constraints and management options. Importantly, the project clarified in language that growers could understand how and why certain soil practices work, to help them make more informed decisions on-farm rather than simply following recommendations. The approach also strengthened links between researchers and growers which improved trust and knowledge flow.