subsoil constraints: understanding and management
Commencement date
July 2014
Completion date
June 2019
Aim
To determine the most effective and economical method of ameliorating subsoil acidity.
Funding Provider
GRDC
Project lead organisation
GRDC
Collaborators
Liebe Group and CSIRO
Project background
Subsoil constraints including acidity, nutrient disorders (deficiencies and toxicities), compaction, sodicity/waterlogging, and transient salinity have estimated to cost Western Australian (WA) growers approximately $600 million per annum in lost production.
These constraints retard root growth and function which limits water and nutrient uptake, causing insufficient levels for production at or near the rainfall limited yield potential. Current diagnostic practices often do not provide sufficient information for growers to confidently identify and manage such constraints.
This project has been designed to increase profitability through efficiency and production gains associated with improved subsoil management.
This trial aims to manage subsoil constraints and maximise returns through the following identified strategies:
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Improve subsoil pH to 5.5 at a depth of 30cm.
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Use appropriate ameliorant: Lime or dolomite.
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Use of the appropriate incorporation method: Tiny Grizzly disc plough and spader.
The broader outcome of the trial aims to deliver the following outputs:
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Improved knowledge and resolution of the extent and distribution of soils in WA with subsoil constraints.
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Better understanding of how different crop species and varieties respond to various subsoil constraints so that production and financial risks associated with each constraint can be more accurately assessed, and the appropriateness of specific crops which can be better matched to soil type.
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Improved tools for grower use such as Yield prophet and Lime calculator; soil water monitoring tools, and; soil mapping tools, such as EM, Gamma and NDVI.
Results and Reports
This project was funded by GRDC
