Extending results from the Soil CRC Plant Diversity project

WHY THIS PROJECT IS NEEDED

This project builds upon the Building Resilient Soils and Enhancing Carbon Stocks in Cropping Systems through Plant Diversity initiative by Soil CRC. 

It aims to support farmers in adopting land management practices that protect soils and enhance soil moisture retention, to improve overall resilience to drought. 

By providing local insights into cover cropping and intercropping, the project is supporting farmers to make informed decisions about their role in the Riverine Plains, based on both scientific trial results and practical, real-world considerations. 

This project is looking at the benefits and challenges of cover and companion cropping to increase diversity, improve soil health and ultimately improve drought resilience in the Riverine Plains.

Project focus

This project will deliver:

• An evaluation of the benefits, challenges, and economic feasibility of cover cropping under different seasonal conditions (e.g., poor, average, and good summer rainfall years).
• Workshops, case studies and other resources, equipping farmers with the skills necessary to navigate drought conditions and climate variability.
• Interactive workshop sessions and surveys, with farmer feedback ensuring that the knowledge shared is directly applicable to regional conditions and real-world farming needs.

The project is supporting a balanced assessment of cover and companion cropping in the region, allowing farmers to implement strategies suited to their specific regional and economic contexts.