Spring Crop Success Starts Now
Early Planning
Preparing paddocks well in advance allows time for essential tasks such as soil pH correction and weed control. Regardless of the crop, yield is heavily influenced by soil pH and fertility. This is especially critical for lucerne and fodder beet, which are both sensitive to acidic soils.
These crops require a soil pH of at least 6.0, with an ideal range of 6.3–6.5, to ensure optimal growth. Acidic conditions can limit the availability of key nutrients. For lucerne, nutrients such as phosphorus, molybdenum, calcium, and potassium are vital for strong growth. For fodder beet, potassium and micronutrients like boron are particularly important.
In lucerne, low soil pH not only restricts nutrient uptake but also hinders nodulation by beneficial bacteria and increases the risk of aluminium toxicity, all of which can significantly reduce plant health and productivity. Maintaining optimal soil pH supports plant vigour, pest and disease resistance, and ultimately, higher yields.
Managing Soil pH for Fodder Beet and Lucerne
- Soil Testing
Regular soil testing is essential to assess pH and nutrient levels. Because both lucerne and fodder beet are deep-rooted, testing should be done at a depth of 15 cm. Soil pH should be around 6.5 at sowing. - Lime Application
If the pH is below 6.0, lime should be applied well in advance, ideally 6 months before sowing, if incorporated into the soil. For no-till systems, allow up to 12 months for lime to take effect. In some cases, particularly when the starting pH is around 5.8, large applications (3–5 tonnes/ha) may be required. Avoid paddocks with highly acidic subsoils. - Lime Type
Fine lime can be used closer to planting due to its quicker reactivity, but it’s more expensive and its effect is shorter lived compared to coarse lime. - Paddock Selection
Choosing paddocks that naturally have a higher pH (around 6.2) can reduce the need for liming and avoid the associated delays.

Weed Control
Effective weed management is critical to the performance of both lucerne and fodder beet. Ideally, begin paddock preparation 1-2 years in advance to eliminate weeds. Rhizomatous species like couch, Californian thistle, and yarrow often require multiple sprays for control. All perennial and annual weeds should be prevented from seeding, and their germination should be encouraged for effective spraying before planting. Take care to avoid herbicides with residual effects that may impact the following crop.