Plant diversity plays a critical role in supporting healthy, resilient soils, yet many Australian grain and sugarcane production systems rely on a limited range of crop species. Finding economically viable ways to increase the diversity of plants in the farming system is a challenge, given that the cash crops grown in the existing rotations are generally the most profitable and low-risk options.
In this webinar, Soil CRC researchers Professor Terry Rose (Southern Cross University) and Dr Alice Melland (University of Southern Queensland) discussed the opportunities and trade-offs of using cover crops, including their potential to build more resilient soils and their impacts on soil water availability compared with conventional management.
Professor Rose shared regionally specific insights into how practices such as cereal-legume intercropping and cover cropping can improve soil performance while maintaining productivity. This included where and when to get the best bang for your buck with the potential risks and rewards.
Dr Melland presented research exploring how soil properties and management practices influence crop water availability and yield across key grain-growing regions, and how better understanding of soil water storage can support more informed decisions about soil management, crop selection and water use.
The presentations were followed by a Q&A session.
You can find related project resources on our Knowledge Hub:
- Research findings fact sheet – Plant-based solutions to improve soil performance
- Research findings fact sheet – Soil water storage: increased access and tools for assessment
This webinar was recorded on 9 October 2026.