Central

Background

The Avon Valley between the towns of Beverley and Toodyay represent the first inland farming in Western Australia, being first farmed in 1831. The Central Agricultural Region now extends much further than the Avon Valley itself and covers approximately 8.3m hectares of agricultural land. The majority of regions catchments in the Lockhart and Yilgarn catchments drain through the Avon River Basin.

The majority of primary production in the region is centred on the cropping of cereals, oilseeds and legumes mixed with sheep and cattle farming. Major soil constraints of the central agricultural region include low natural nutrition, production induced subsoil acidity and salinity related to rising water tables.

Annual rainfall in the region varies from approximately 450 mm in the west and south, down to 300 mm in the eastern areas around Southern Cross. In recent times the shift in property ownership has been towards fewer farms but larger landholdings.

Groups in Central

To view data from across the region, choose a Soil Indicator from the selectors on the right hand side.

Otherwise, choose a group from the list below to view data specific to that area.

Soil Indicators

To 'Examine' information about the various Soil Indicators for the Central region, choose an indicator from the drop down boxes below

Biological

Biological indicators relate to organic matter, carbon fractions, microbial community functioning and demonstrate the soils capacity for nutrient cycling.

Chemical

Chemical Indicators provide insight into soil water and nutrient status and give an indication of nutrient requirements for plant and animal production.

Physical

Physical Indicators refer to soil structure, inherent properties and provide a basis for understanding the chemical and biological functioning of the soil.

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