Ironstone gravels are important cropping soils and a better understanding about the mineralogy and physical characteristics of these soils, especially their soil moisture holding capacity and high rates of phosphorus ‘fixation’ is urgently required. So the GRDC has invested in new research, led by the University of Western Australia, to study and understand these soils to help growers maximise crop productivity from these soils. Contact: Dr Matthias Leopold The University of Western Australia School of Agriculture and EnvironmentAustralia +61-(0)8-6488-2769 matthias.leopold@uwa.edu.au