The Wimmera has a wide range of soils, ranging from the Kalkee cracking (self mulching) grey clays, through to ‘non wetting’ desert sands.

Soil type can also vary widely at the paddock scale, presenting challenges to farmers in their day to day land management. The region’s soils are generally alkaline to neutral in pH, and often become sodic at depth. Agricultural practices continue to evolve rapidly to manage this variability in a profitable and sustainable way.

View a map of the ‘Soil Groups of the Wimmera Catchment’:  Wimmera Soil Groups Map (1.18 MB)

Threats to our soil’s health

Threats to soil health in the Wimmera include wind and water erosion, compaction and loss of organic matter. More information can be found via the Land Resource Assessment tool avaliable from the Wimmera CMA.

What is Wimmera CMA doing to improve soil health?

Wimmera CMA is working with a range of people to improve the health of the Wimmera’s agricultural soils, and ensure agricultural practices are sustainable.

Partnerships with service providers such as the Department of Primary Industries, farmer industry groups such as Wimmera Conservation Farming Association and Victorian No Till Farming Association are critical to achieving outcomes.

Wimmera CMA supports agricultural practices that maintain and improve soil health, such as retaining stubble or crop residue, maintaining ground cover and reducing soil tillage.

Benefits of healthy soils

Healthy soils will support sustainable and profitable agriculture, as well as a healthy and productive community in the Wimmera.

For more information on soil health contact Wimmera CMA