Looking Over the Fence Podcast Series
Episode Title: Boosting Productivity on AIR EP’s Sandy Soils
Hosts: Tanja Morgan & Nick Paltridge
Supported by: The Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund Extension and Adoption Project

In this episode, Tanja and Nick take us “over the fence” to the Eyre Peninsula to explore how AIR EP is helping farmers tackle tough sandy soils and make break crops like lentils a more viable option. They uncover practical strategies for managing compaction, salinity, and poor water retention using deep ripping, on-row sowing, and smart phosphorus management.

What you’ll hear about:

• Why lentils struggle on sandy soils—and how to manage it

• Key nutrient advice: phosphorus importance, nitrogen exclusion, and copper considerations

• MAP vs. DAP fertiliser decisions in saline environments

• The benefits (and risks) of deep ripping for pulse crops

• How early biomass relates to yield potential

• Practical paddock planning for lentils

• The value of peer-to-peer learning and the need for long-term trials

Full case study available at Soils Connect

Disclaimer: The practices discussed are based on regional trials and may not suit all farms. Please seek independent advice before applying these approaches on your property.

This project is supported by Mallee Sustainable Farming, through funding from the Australian
Government’s Future Drought Fund.