Grassroots Grants are having an impact

LAND managers across the Limestone Coast have been reaping the benefits from a Grassroots Grants project funded in 2025 aimed at strengthening nutrient management practices and improving long-term productivity and environmental outcomes.

The Limestone Coast Landscape Board funded the project, which was delivered by Turner Agriservices and Soil Function Consulting through their partnership with the Soil Sunlight Strategists.

The initiative supported local land managers to better understand soil nutrients, optimise fertiliser use, and make informed, data driven decisions tailored to their enterprises.

Through a series of practical workshops, the project strengthened farmers’ and advisors’ confidence in soil sampling and soil test interpretation.

Participants used practical tools – including a training video and soil testing kits – ensuring they worked with consistent, real-world data.

Mrs. Felicity Turner from Turner Agriservices said the Grassroots Grants funding has enabled us to respond directly to the needs of Limestone Coast land managers who are navigating input costs and increasing expectations around sustainable land management.

“Good nutrient management on farm starts with accurate soil information and turns it into practical, paddock-ready decisions that optimise fertiliser investment, improve crop performance and manage environmental risks for the long term,” Mrs Turner said.

The Grassroots Grants funding supported workshops where landholders created farm-specific nutrient management plans.

These plans help optimise fertiliser use, address soil issues like pH, sodicity, and salinity, and improve both productivity and environmental outcomes — with practical actions that can be applied immediately on the farm.

Encouraging peer to peer learning and knowledge sharing within the region.

The next round of Limestone Coast Grassroots Grants funding will open on March 2 and for more information visit lc.landscape.sa.gov.au