Soil ecologist’s step into national soil innovation

One example being explored in the Western Australian trials is the use of micronised lime to address soil acidity.

“A farmer may usually apply several tonnes of lime per hectare, so one of the questions we are asking is whether a more finely processed product can improve amendment efficiency and help us achieve comparable benefits with lower application rates,” Dr Jayaramaiah says.

“We are also interested in whether improved amendment properties and delivery may help address acidity more effectively through the soil profile, but that is exactly what this project is designed to test under field conditions.”

Throughout April and May, the project team expects to apply micronised lime, gypsum and other treatments to field trial sites with the Facey Group at Wickepin (215 kilometres south-east of Perth) and with the Mingenew-Irwin Group at Arrino (321 kilometres north), before sowing wheat. Controlled glasshouse studies will run in parallel to further assess treatment responses.

Because the same broad treatment approach is being examined across trial sites in several states, the project will also allow researchers to compare responses across different soils, climates, and farming systems. Soil samples and data will be shared across the collaborating teams to build a stronger national evidence base.