Soil Wealth ICP team members Sophia Thach and Umberto Calvo recently visited Daintree Fresh, a rockmelon and watermelon farm in Lakeland, far north Queensland, to establish a new demonstration site.
During their visit, the team worked closely with the grower to set up two on-farm trials aimed at improving soil health and reducing reliance on plastic mulch.
Soil samples were collected for microbiological and nutritional analysis. Key soil health measurements, such as compaction, soil aggregate stability and water infiltration, were also recorded to provide a baseline data.
The first trial will explore the use of different cover crops, including various species and seed mixes, to understand their influence on soil health and the possibility of using them as mulch for the melon crop following termination.
The team prepared the ground with the farm staff, cleared the rocks from the paddock, set up surface drip lines, and sowed the various cover crop treatments.
The second trial explores sustainable alternatives to conventional polyethylene plastic mulch, trialling both a new paper mulch and a biodegradable plastic option. Working together with the farm staff, the team fine-tuned machinery settings to lay these new materials effectively.
“We’re really grateful to the grower Shaun Jackson, who played an active role in shaping the design and implementation of both trials,” Umberto said.
“His involvement means results will be directly relevant to the farm’s production system.”
This new demonstration site will help share practical insights and innovations with other melon growers in the tropical regions of Australia.
Image: A view of the mulch replacement trial, with two rows of paper mulch on the right and two with biodegradable plastic on the left. The adjacent rows on either side of the trial, with traditional polyethylene plastic, the standard practice on the farm, will be used as a control to compare the results.
