Mind the gap: targeting profile amelioration in Southern region sandy soils
Date
2019
Authors
Macdonald, L.M.
McBeath, T.
Fraser, M.
Wilhelm, N.
Davenport, D.
Trengove, S.
Moodie, M.
Whitworth, R.
Haskins, B.
Desbiolles, J.
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Conference paper
Citation
Proceedings of the 19th Australian Agronomy Conference: Cells to Satellites, 2019, pp.1-4
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19th Australian Society of Agronomy Conference: 2019 Cells to Satellites (25 Aug 2019 - 29 Aug 2019 : NSW, Australia)
Abstract
Soil profile amelioration practices are gaining momentum to improve productivity on sandy soils in the Southern region. Diagnosing the underlying soil constraints and understanding the yield gap are important factors in supporting cost-effective management decisions. Drawing on findings from nine multi-year trials,we present the impact of different deep tillage practice (ripping, topsoil slotting, spading) with/without amendments on crop production in a range of sandy soils with different soil constraints. In sands with physical and nutritional constraints, yield responses to ripping alone ranged from nil responses in very dry seasons (decile 1) to 1.1 t/ha (average ~0.5 t/ha). Further yield gains, of 0.5 t/ha or more over-and-above the ripped treatment were commonly achieved through the addition of chicken manure, and sometimes with fertilisers. In water repellent sands, spading led to annual gains of between nil and 1.4 t/ha. However nil responses are also observed on acidic sands and/or under dry seasonal conditions. In water repellent sands, additional gains achieved from incorporation of N-rich hays lead to further gains, largely in the first 2-3 years, with 5-year cumulative gains of around 2.3 t/ha. Further trials will be undertaken to optimise the timing of nutrient release through managing the form of nutrition and the depth of placement, and to improve the understanding of thetiming of nutrient availability, mineralisation/immobilisation dynamics and the contribution of micronutrients.
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Copyright 2020 Agronomy Australia Proceedings