PROJECTS

Innovative Soil Technologies to Foster Resilience and Climate Smart Crop Production in Australia

This project will develop and test innovative soil technologies (ISTs) to overcome major soil constraints in broadacre systems.

Tackling soil acidity, sodicity, compaction, and water repellence to improve water-use efficiency

Grower group trials target priority regional constraints

ISTs deliver improved water capture, retention and water-use efficiency

National comparisons available for common treatments and region-specific options

Grower-led extension, interactive maps and online reporting

Activities

Grower group engagement

Co-designing trials with grower groups to ensure ISTs are based on the most limiting constraint at each site and match logistics and available machinery.

Improved performance and delivery

Pairing each constraint with the most relevant improvement strategy or technology, including micronised formulations, innovative deep ripping, spading, inclusion or liquid application techniques.

Consistent monitoring

Using instruments such as soil-moisture probes and weather stations to capture accurate and consistent trial site data, and incorporating measurements of plant water-use efficiency to enhance the understanding of crop performance under varying conditions.

Research support

Validating and refining treatments with targeted lab and glasshouse experiments.

Forecasting adoption

Embedding economics, agronomics and soil-related assessment and extension to judge cost-effectiveness and support future adoption by growers.

project team

Collaboration lead: Associate Professor Luke Mosley (Adelaide University)
Project lead (WA component): Richard Bell (Murdoch University)

FUNDING PARTNER

The project is funded by the Commonwealth Government under its Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.

COLLABORATING PARTNERS

Adelaide University
Murdoch University
Ag Excellence Alliance Inc
Western Australian No-Tillage Farmers Association (WANTFA)
Birchip Cropping Group (BCG)
Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA)/South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI)
Nutrien Ag Solutions Limited