Videos and apps

In this short video, Soil Wealth ICP cover crop expert Dr Kelvin Montagu shares five tips for working with cover crops following a trial in Victoria.

Ahead of Hort Connections 2023, Australian vegetable growers heard how their peers have worked with the Soil Wealth ICP project to improve their productivity, profitability and sustainability in field trials to boost soil and plant health at the Annual Vegetable Industry Seminar (AVIS) in Adelaide on Monday 5 June.

RMCG and AHR have delivered the Soil Wealth ICP project to the Australian vegetable industry on behalf of Hort Innovation. Phase 2 of the project (2017-2022) has now been completed.

Watch this video to find out the highlights from Phase 2 including grower engagement, training and events, demonstration sites, communication products and resources, and progress towards industry outcomes.

In this episode of InfoVeg TV, produced by AUSVEG, project leads Carl Larsen from RMCG and Gordon Rogers from Applied Horticultural Research provide an overview of Soil Wealth ICP Phase 2 and what it aims to achieve for the Australian vegetable industry.

A finger weeder is a tool that allows growers to deal with weeds in the areas of the inter-row where other cultivation and sprays might miss them. It uses hard or soft rubber “fingers” that can be adjusted depending on the size of weeds and conditions.

The Annual Vegetable Industry Seminar, held ahead of Hort Connections 2022 in Brisbane, attracted a room full of growers on Monday 6 June.

Presentations included a grower panel from the Soil Wealth ICP project which discussed the cutting-edge practices and technologies that are key to improving productivity, profitability and sustainability in the Australian vegetable industry.

While checking on the precision agriculture trial at our Koo Wee Rup demonstration site, team member Carl Larsen recorded a short video to share how a remote weather station and attached soil moisture probe are providing practical insights to Inform irrigation scheduling decisions.

In this short video update, Soil Wealth ICP team member Carl Larsen explains how practical approaches such as cover crops and reduced tillage is complementing precision agriculture trials at our demonstration site in Koo Wee Rup, Victoria.

While taking soil samples at our Koo Wee Rup demonstration site in Victoria recently, Soil Wealth ICP team member Carl Larsen recorded a short video about the key things to keep in mind to ensure you collect a quality soil sample for testing.

Soil Wealth ICP team member Carl Larsen braved the windy weather at our Koo Wee Rup demonstration site in Victoria to bring growers a short update on how things were progressing at the site.

Kelvin Montagu visits the John Deere booth at Hort Connections 2021 in Brisbane to find out new innovations in precision agriculture.

Pieter Van Nieuwenhuyse speaks to Growave at Hort Connections 2021 in Brisbane to find out more about an innovative weed management solution using microwave technology.

A video on how FOGO compost is made and why it is beneficial and safe to use in horticulture

Missed our virtual farm walk via Facebook Live in May 2021? Not to worry, you can catch up on the latest updates from our Werribee South VIC demonstration site here.

Missed our virtual farm walk via Facebook Live in April 2021? Not to worry, you can catch up on the latest updates from our Koo Wee Rup VIC demonstration site here.

Now in the third year of trials, the benefit of variable rate lime and fertiliser application is starting to pay big dividends at our Koo Wee Rup demonstration site in Victoria.

The 2020 class of Agriculture Science Honours students at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture recently presented the findings from their final projects, many of which were relevant to growers in the vegetable industry.

There have been noticeable benefits to soil structure from the precision ag trial focusing on variable rate nutrition over the past 2.5 years at our Koo Wee Rup demo site in Victoria. Check out a short video and some photos from our latest visit to the site.

In 2018 and 2019, the University of New England worked with Ivankovich Farms in Myalup and David Grays Aglink in Perth, Western Australia, on a two-season trial to explore the effects of different winter cover crop varieties in suppressing weeds in vegetable production.

The Loose Leaf Lettuce Company in Gingin, Western Australia, has been successful in reducing their weed burden to a minimal level after several years of diligently using a simple but very effective integrated approach.

Diego Galindo from Wavertree Farms, Somersby NSW discusses his experiences using compost made from recycled organics.

Recycled organics compost was applied 10 tonnes per hectare to increase water infiltration to the soil and reduce radish size variability. Diego was impressed with the results and has added compost made from recycled organics to his cropping inputs.

James Fagan from Mulyan Farms, Cowra NSW discusses his experiences using compost made from recycled organics.

Recycled organics compost was applied 10 and 17 tonnes per hectare to a corn crop. James realised a very impressive yield response to his corn crop.

Dr Kelvin Montagu (AHR) outlines some reasons why a grower might consider incorporating recycled organics into their farming such as low soil organic matter, high intensity cropping schedule or low water retention in the soil.

Liam Southam-Rogers (AHR) runs through the economic outcomes of two demonstration trails established for the project. Mulyan Farms at Cowra, NSW realised a strong economic payoff for using compost made from recycled organics. Wavertree Farms at Somersby, NSW also showed a profitable return with the use of recycled organics.

The Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) has produced a series of videos focusing on precision agriculture in vegetable production.

There is increasing interest in the use of different cover crop species and mixes of cover crops to improve soil health and productivity in the Australian vegetable industry.

In this video, Dr Kelvin Montagu will provide some guidance on sowing, management, and how best to terminate the cover crop.

In this two part video series, the University of New England presents the results from a recent trial which explored the effects of diferent cover crops in suppressing weeds in vegetable production at Greater Sydney Local Land Services' Demonstration Farm in the Richmond Lowlands, New South Wales.

Tasmanian vegetable and potato grower Yuri Wolfert provides an update on his cover crop, which was planted five weeks ago to prepare the soil for next season's potato crop.

The Soil Wealth ICP team was pleased to support the 2020 East Gippsland Vegetable Innovation Days (EGVID), which were held from 5-7 May in Lindenow.

Spanning over two hectares, the EGVID demonstration site offered countless rows of more than 20 vegetable crop types and around 2000 different varieties in total, ranging from lettuce and baby leaf varieties to broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and more – all growing strongly (thanks to some recent rainfall) and ready for data capture and dissemination.

During the week, the Soil Wealth ICP team organised live streams of the agri-chemical and seed trials at the site alongside event organisers and agronomists Stuart Grigg and Noel Jansz.

Join Dr Kelvin Montagu (AHR, Soil Wealth ICP team), John Duff (Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries) and Carl Larsen (RMCG, Soil Wealth ICP team) as they discuss the results of a cover crop trial at the East Gippsland Vegetable Innovation Days.

The team will discuss the different cover crop species used in the trial, their benefits and best options for use, as well as any drawbacks around terminations.

The VG15070 “A strategic approach to weed management for the Australian Vegetable Industry” project team recently spoke to Director of Field Operations Adam Schreurs and VegNET Victoria Industry Development Officer Carl Larsen, also part of the Soil Wealth ICP team, about the farm's integrated weed management (IWM) approach. Watch this series of two videos to learn more.

NRM North Tasmania Agriculture Landcare Facilitator, Adrian James, visited M.G Farm to film the healthy soil resulting from green manure. See and hear some of the benefits for yourself.

The series, produced by Greater Sydney Local Land Services, Applied Horticultural Research and VegNET NSW helps growers explore how to implement protected cropping on their growing operations.

Lyndon Orpwood from Simplot Australia (Bathurst, NSW) explains how strip-tillage has improved moisture retention and field productivity. The benefits include stubble retention, greater efficiency and reduced diesel usage.

Ed Fagan (Cowra, NSW) explains how strip-tillage and cover cropping compliment each other for a successful cucumber crop.

Dr Kelvin Montagu demonstrates the erosion control benefits of strip-tillage in vegetable production.

Jeff McSpedden from Bathurst explains how strip tillage has improved the productivity of sweet corn on hist farm.

Strip-till is a system of cultivation that works strips of soil where the crop will be planted or sown and leaves most of the soil covered and undisturbed.

Watch this video to find out more about the benefits and challenges of using strip tillage in vegetable production systems, as well as testimonials from growers.

As part of its levy-funded project navigating the wealth of soil health information available to growers, the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture has undertaken a series of interviews with growers from around Australia to provide insights into what they're doing to manage the most valuable resource on their farms: their soil.

In this video, Tasmanian grower James Addison discusses the value of cover cropping in maintaining soil health and increasing productivity in potato production.

A short video presented by Dr Len Tesoriero on the identification, causes and management of summer root rot.

A short video presented by Dr Len Tesoriero on the identification, causes and management of club root.

A short video presented by Dr Len Tesoriero on the identification, causes and management of bottom rot.

A short video presented by Dr Len Tesoriero on the identification, causes and management of black rot.

A short video presented by Dr Len Tesoriero on the identification, causes and management of big vein.

A short video presented by Dr Len Tesoriero on the identification, causes and management of basal plate rot.

Some of the advantages of buckwheat include rapid growth, strong weed suppression and quick breakdown of residues, allowing it to fit into tight rotations and certain crops like baby leaf.

Watch this video to find out more.

The Soil Wealth ICP team sat down with InfoVeg TV to chat about the project and its aim to communicate information about soil management and plant health to Australian vegetable growers to help the industry grow sustainably using healthy soils.

The farm walk on cover crops by Kelvin Montagu was streamed by Good Fruit and Vegetables and can be viewied here.

Hear from Rob Hinrichsen of Kalfresh in QLD about using controlled traffic in commercial vegetable production systems.

This video captures Rob's experiences with the technology achieving 'growing zones' and 'driving zones', the benefits of reduced tillage down from 11-12 passes to 2-3 passes, the costs of transitioning the cultivation system, as well as how the business piloted the technology before making the big change.

Hear from Rob Hinrichsen of Kalfresh in QLD about using cover crops, or 'green carbon', in commercial vegetable production systems.

This video captures Rob's experiences in using different types of cover crops such as tillage raddish and sun hemp to achieve different objectives, some of the benefits of using cover crops such as increased soil carbon and crop resilience, as well as providing advice to those starting out.

Hear from Rob Hinrichsen of Kalfresh in QLD about using compost in commercial vegetable production systems. This video captures Rob's experiences in soil biology, short and long-term compost, the financial implications of using compost, and advice for starting out.

The Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection projects provide R&D extension services, products and communication on improved soil management and plant health to the Australian vegetable industry.

From 2014 to 2017, RMCG and AHR have delivered the projects for Horticulture Innovation Australia. Phase 1 of the projects have now been completed. So, what’s been achieved?

Crop sensing is allowing the adoption of variable rate management to address yield variability, improve management of inputs and maximise productivity.

Dale Gies outlines the importance of correct establishment and water and nutrient requirements of biofumigant crops.

Check out how precision farming techniques are being adapted to vegetable production.

Hear from Tasmanian lettuce grower Colin Houston about the exciting demonstrations being run on his new farm aimed at improving profitability and sustainability.

Vegetable growers and advisors discuss how attending a master class has changed the way they manage soilborne diseases and influenced their business.

Vegetable growers and advisors talk about how implementing integrated crop protection and new soil management practices has changed their business.

This 5 minute video clip describes how nitrous oxide emissions from soils and nitrogen fertiliser can be managed using right source (product), rate, time and place principles.

A seven minute overview of soil carbon in agriculture.

A two minute summary of Dr Doris Blaesing's presentation "Understanding Manures & Composts".

Part 2 of 5 of a Green Crops and Biofumigation seminar presented by Dale Gies from High Performance Seeds Inc, Washington, USA. Seminar hosted by Serve-Ag Tasmania, February 2015 and broadcast by Soil Wealth.

A summary of the importance of soil, soil science and good soil management from a Victorian perspective.

Missed the Bulmer Farm Walk on 21 May 2015? Catch up on reduced tillage options in vegetables in this video from Jeanette Servers of Good Fruit & Vegetable.

This video documentary showcases grower practices used to better manage sweetpotato pests in their Australian sweetpotato production systems. It was produced as a result of project VG09052 'Integration of crop and soil insect management in sweetpotato', which was undertaken by the Australian Sweetpotato Growers Association (ASPG inc).

Part 1 of 5 of a Green Crops and Biofumigation seminar presented by Dale Gies from High Performance Seeds Inc, Washington, USA. Seminar hosted by Serve-Ag Tasmania, February 2015 and broadcast by Soil Wealth.

Veg Pest ID helps farmers and agricultural professionals identify pests on Australian vegetable crops. Even tricky insects, diseases and disorders can be found with a few taps or keyword search.

Identify Pests Quickly: Identify thousands of different pests on your crops quickly and easily.
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This in depth educational video examines the different species of cover crops on the market today. Learn the characteristics and benefits of planting legumes, grasses, cereals, and more. If you're new to cover crops, this is the video you must see.

Ed Windley and Ben Moore are vegetable growers from Kalbar, Queensland. In conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Ed and Ben are trialling new practices such as controlled traffic and variable rate applications to maximise efficiency on their farms.

This ABC Landline story which aired on the 3/04/2011 shows how other producers have implemented an ICP approach on their property. Discussions about vegetable ICP begin about 4 minutes into the video.

A reduced till system on this Cowra vegetable farm delivered soil, cost and crop benefits.

NSW farmers, Ed and James Fagan explain how they developed a reduced tillage vegetable farming operation in Cowra, NSW.

Vegetable grower Peter Schreurs talks about how he controls insect pests using natural predators.

Vegetable grower Paul Gazzola talks about how he controls insect pests using natural predators.

Fresh Select vegetable grower Stuart Grigg talks about how he controls insect pests using natural predators.

Want to get an good overview of soil biology, then this video is a good place to start.