The Australian melon industry joined the Soil Wealth ICP project in 2023.
Soil Wealth ICP is currently focusing on three priority areas identified by the melon industry:
- Soil health
- Cover crops, rotations and minimum till
- Consumer education
- Biology and microbiome
- Composting and soil
- Crop health
- Integrated pest, disease and weed management
- Genetics and new varieties
- Optimising inputs
- Reducing plastic use
- Building soil organic matter
- Nutrient use efficiency
- Waste
- Fuel
- Irrigation
Melon resources
New melon demonstration site in central Australia
A new melon demonstration site in Ali Curung in central Australia is exploring how cover crops can be used alongside melons to build healthier soils, protect crops from wind damage, and make more efficient use...
Evaluating cover crops and biostimulants for healthier melon soils in Ayr, north Queensland
A new Soil Wealth ICP demonstration site at the Department of Primary Industries’ Ayr Research Facility in north Queensland is exploring how cover crops and biostimulants can work together to enhance soil health, resilience and...
New melon demonstration site tests cover crops and biodegradable mulches
Melon growers often rely on black plastic mulch to suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture. A new trial is underway in Lakeland, Far North Queensland to explore whether cover crops and biodegradable mulches can provide...
Exploring practical alternatives to plastic mulch: lessons from the Dawson demonstration trials
At Dawson Melon Co. in Red Cliffs, Victoria, a series of demonstration trials led by the Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection (Soil Wealth ICP) project has provided valuable insights into alternative ground cover strategies...
Melon demo sites
Recent melon news
Losing less, using less: Practical nutrient management with Joel Williams
An industry event, delivered in collaboration between the Soil Wealth ICP project and VegNET Tasmania, brought growers and industry together...
Cover crops for optimising nitrogen in sweet corn
Timing nitrogen release from cover crop residues is a key challenge for vegetable growers looking to reduce fertiliser inputs while...
