Comparing Cover Crops

Join us at Xavier Toohey's farm in Springbank (near Ballarat) for a field walk through his cover crop demonstration.

This site is comparing two different cover crop mixes and their effect on soil health and structure.  Xavier is currently growing a grass/cereal mix, alongside a more diverse multi-species mix which also includes tillage radish and crimson clover.

Stuart Grigg and Stephanie Tabone will lead the field walk, providing insights into soil health indicators, and a visual comparison between the two mixes.In addition, Professor Calum Wilson of TIA and the National Integrated Disease Management program will advise on the latest research about managing disease risk while incorporating cover crops into the potato rotation.

Topics include:

• Cover crop fundamentals

• Species selection: the varied benefits of grasses and cereals, legumes, tillage radish and when to choose them

• Soil health indicators: a visual comparison of the soil structure under each cover crop and respective soil test results 

• Management of disease risk: what needs to be considered when integrating cover crops into a potato growing rotation to manage the risk of disease

Event schedule 

1. Cover crop fundamentals and overview of demonstration

2. Field walk to see cover crop mixes side-by-side

3. Discussion of soil structure and test results

4. Disease risk management strategies

5. Lunch

Lunch will be provided at the end of the field walk, before heading to the R&D Forum at the nearby Bungaree Recreation Reserve. In the event of bad weather, the discussion will instead be held over lunch in Bungaree.

Biosecurity matters. Please come in clean clothes and footwear, with a clean vehicle — come clean, go clean.

Registrations are essential for catering purposes. Please note that registrations will close on Monday 13th July 2026 at 11:55pm.

For more information, please contact: Bonnie Dawson | 0466 465 896 | bonnie.dawson@ahr.com.au