PROJECTS

Soil acidity is limiting grain yield

This project is worked closely with grower groups in coordinating improved management of soil acidity in Western Australia and the GRDC Southern Region.

PROJECT DETAILS

Status

completed

Duration

2015-2019

Collaborators

  • Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
  • Grains Research and Development Corporation

Project team

Chris Gazey

Project overview

While soil acidity is well understood, a disconnect has limited the adoption of appropriate practices, including soil testing to depth to determine pH and management including application of agricultural lime at a suitable rate where soil pH is less than the target pH 5.5 in the surface or pH 4.8 in the sub-surface. In coordinating a national effort to effect a step change in management of soil acidity, a whole of industry approach was taken that drove change through the coordination of education, extension and training of key private and government advisors. The working group comprised representatives from government departments and private enterprise, with experience from the lime pit to the farm including mining and transport of agricultural lime. Working closely with grower groups Liebe, West Midlands and the Moora Miling Pasture Improvement groups, this project also worked to test and improve a range of tools and calculators.

How is the research being used?

  • Education, extension and training of key private and government advisors in soil acidity management
  • Increased adoption of better soil acidity management practices
  • Testing and improvement of tools and calculators