Examine Regional Data by
Soil Texture
Rainfall Bands
  • Low (< 325mm)
  • Medium (324 - 450mm)
  • High (450 - 600)
  • Very High (> 650mm)

Background


The Great-Southern Agricultural Region is largely dominated by the dryland agricultural production of grain, and livestock in the form of sheep and cattle. The region extends along the Albany highway north of Williams south to the coast, and from Ongerup in the east to west of Frankland.


Higher rainfall areas in the southern areas of the region and close to the coast have allowed the development of permanent pasture farms grazing cattle. The northern area of the Great Southern Region is predominantly mixed cropping of grain and livestock production. More recently, tree farming and wine production have becoming viable alternatives to traditional agricultural production in the region.


Soils of the central part of the region are dominated by duplex soils containing large gravel fractions in some places. In higher rainfall areas, these texture contrasts create waterlogging problems in low lying parts. Salinity from rising water tables, compaction and subsoil acidity are all constraints to production in the Great Southern Agricultural Region.


Annual rainfall in the region varies from 497 mm in Narrogin, to 928 in Albany and down to 386 in Ongerup.