This project investigated the efficiency and best practices of claying as an amelioration strategy for non-wetting soils in the South Coast region of Western Australia, focusing on sandy and gravelly soil types common in the Albany Port Zone. Conducted between 2022 and 2024, four demonstration trials were established at Kojaneerup South, Scotts Brook (two sites), and Woogenellup. The trials aimed to improve grower knowledge of clay quality, optimise clay application rates, and assess the most effective clay incorporation methods and depths, while exploring the novel application of claying on gravel soils.

Achieving the 5% clay content threshold remains a reliable rule of thumb for sandy soils to overcome non-wetting, and achievement of a higher clay content does not significantly increase yields (to cover cost of higher rate application). In gravelly sandy soils, clay application to achieve 5% final clay content (gravel removed) remains critical. In forest gravels, careful consideration of incorporation depth and equipment is important to ensure effective soil mixing. It is currently unclear if claying is a benefit to production on forest gravels over and above the benefits (albeit not a permanent fix) of strategic tillage. Ongoing monitoring, of claying on these soil types with high organic matter, is necessary to fully understand long-term benefits and refine best practice guidelines.