Tactics for conquering hostile soils

CSIRO researchers, in collaboration with the NSW and Victorian Departments of Primary Industries, are evaluating methods for overcoming the limitations of problem soils, often with dramatic results. 

Research so far has found that changes to management can often improve cropping productivity and reliability in difficult soils. These soils often hold back agricultural production in Australia's southeast, despite good rainfall and the right soil nutrients.

As an example, soil compaction can severely limit the ability of crop roots to penetrate subsoils.

Deep ripping to 20-25 centimetres has been shown to alleviate subsurface hardpans and lift crop yields by as much as 15-20 per cent. Controlled traffic systems can reduce soil compaction.

Chemical, physical and biological methods under evaluation include gypsum application, raised beds to avoid waterlogging and the use of primer crops such as lucerne.

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