November 11, 2020
Western Australian growers will have access to streamlined soil nutrient and soil pathogen testing services thanks to a new distribution arrangement between Australian Precision Ag Laboratory (APAL) and the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI)*.
From the 2020-21 summer, APAL will be acting as the logistics coordinator for PREDICTA® B samples coming from Western Australia, which will enable more access to the soil-borne disease pathogen testing service for growers and advisers in WA and faster turnaround times for results.
Growers and advisers will be able to order PREDICTA® B sampling bags through APAL, with the reply-paid address being APAL’s WA office at Belmont. APAL will then send samples to SARDI in Adelaide via its regular overnight freight providers.
APAL Co-Managing Director Sam Bald said this arrangement is a positive step forward in expanding PREDICTA® B commercially.
“This will enable growers and advisers to have a consolidated freight service for their soil nutrient and PREDICTA® B samples,” he said.
“There is also potential in the future to look at interpretations between nutrients and diseases on different soil types.”
SARDI Leader of Soil Biology and Molecular Diagnostics group Dr Alan McKay said while the arrangement was purely focused on logistics for now, it was a positive step forward for growers.
“We have been in discussions with APAL for some time as it is an independent laboratory with a considerable footprint across Australia,” he said.
“There is no change to the PREDICTA® B sampling protocol and soil monitoring.
“However, it does encourage bilateral thinking with both nutrition and disease.
“Growers still need to ensure they have an accredited agronomist to deliver the PREDICTA® B results.”
For more information, contact Sam Bald on 08 8332 0199.
*The South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) is the research division of the South Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regions.
About APAL
APAL is a family-owned Australian business with an approachable, friendly and knowledgeable team which prides itself on strong client relationships. APAL’s analysis and advice is completely independent, focused on reliable, consistent services. Its independent service extends beyond the lab, ensuring the best advice and decisions are made to maximise productivity, profitability and future sustainability of your land and the environment.
About PREDICTA® B
PREDICTA® B is a DNA-based soil testing service that helps grain and pulse producers identify which soil-borne pathogens pose a significant risk to their crops before seeding so steps can be taken to minimise risk of yield loss.
SARDI Leader of Soil Biology and Molecular Diagnostics Group Dr Alan McKay and APAL Co-Managing Director Sam Bald.
Share
