Monitoring Plant & Soil Health with Testing

At Southern Mallee Lucerne, we believe the key to producing premium hay starts with healthy soil and strong plants. That’s why we rely on both soil testing and plant tissue testing throughout the growing season to understand exactly what’s happening below and above the ground.

Soil Testing

Our soil is the foundation of everything we grow. Through detailed soil testing, we measure:

• Nutrient availability – making sure essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are in balance.
• pH levels – ensuring optimal growing conditions for lucerne.
• Organic matter and structure – helping us maintain soil health for sustainable production.

These tests allow us to apply fertilisers precisely where they’re needed, avoiding waste and protecting the environment.

Tissue Testing

While soil testing shows us what’s available, tissue testing tells us what the plant is actually taking up. By sampling lucerne leaves and stems during growth, we can track:

• Nutrient uptake efficiency
• Signs of deficiencies before they impact yield
• Plant response to soil conditions and fertiliser applications

This ensures our lucerne is always receiving the right nutrients at the right time, leading to strong growth, improved quality, and consistent nutrition in every bale.

Data-Driven Crop Management

By combining soil and tissue testing with our other precision agriculture tools—such as drones, NDVI mapping, and automated irrigation systems—we create a clear picture of crop health. This allows us to respond quickly to changing conditions, deliver high-quality hay, and keep our practices sustainable for the long term.