The Soil Wealth ICP team was at the Gatton AgTech Showcase from 15-16 October 2025, highlighting the power of cover crops as a form of ‘nature’s technology’ to improve soil health, manage weeds and support sustainable farming systems.
In addition to a stand featuring popular resources and information on soil management and crop health, a key feature of the exhibit was a series of 12 cover crop variations, demonstrating a wide range of options for growers including warm and cool season species, single and multi-species mixes, and various termination methods including mulching, rolling and spraying.
Steph Tabone from the Soil Wealth ICP team led a guided field walk through the cover crop exhibit, sharing practical insights and answering grower questions.
She explained how to approach cover cropping in a way that suits your farm goals and conditions. To get started, Steph emphasised the key considerations a grower should think about.
“To get the best out of your cover crop, think about your primary objective – is it weed suppression, or improving soil structure or adding nitrogen,” Steph said.
“Local climate and timing is also critical, especially timing around termination.”
Strong interest from growers
The demonstration attracted plenty of attention, with growers showing strong interest in how cover crops could fit into their own systems, with many inspired to try cover cropping for the first time or refine their existing approaches.
There was a clear enthusiasm for the practical, hands-on nature of the plots and the flexibility cover cropping offers.
Steph noted in her presentation that although cover crops may appear relatively low-tech compared to many of the extraordinary AI-driven machinery on display at the event, using what nature provides can reduce reliance on inputs and build healthier, more resilient soils.
For more information on cover cropping and to access resources from the Soil Wealth ICP project, visit the Resources page on our website and search ‘cover crops’.
