Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
How do I improve soil fertility on my farm?
There are a number of management practices that help improve and maintain soil
fertility.
Keep the pH in the ideal range
On soils that are normally acid, keep the pH in the ideal range of between 6 and 7
by regular liming. In cropping systems pH(w) can fall to 5.5 before crops are
affected greatly, but at this level the soil is not at its optimum. On very alkaline
soils such as the Darling Downs region of Queensland, and the Mallee regions of
Victoria and South Australia, it is not economically viable to try to acidify these
soils and choosing plant species adapted to this pH range is the best option.
Regular soil testing
Regular soil testing to monitor pH and nutrient changes allows timely and
appropriate action to be taken to correct any nutrient problems that may arise.
Having the soil pH near neutral and the range of soil nutrients in adequate supply
will encourage soil macro- and micro-organisms and plant growth.
Encouraging soil macro- and micro-organisms
Encouraging soil macro- and micro-organisms is an excellent way to maintain or
improve soil fertility. The soil organisms prefer conditions that plants prefer, so by
making conditions suitable for plants, the organisms are also encouraged.
Ideal conditions are: pH(w) in the 6 to 7 range; good soil structure with plenty
of air voids present; adequate soil moisture present; adequate soil nutrients present
and in balance.
Direct drilling and stubble retention
In cropping systems, direct drilling of crops and stubble retention will help
maintain soil structure and encourage the soil organisms. This in turn will
produce better crops, and help keep the farm sustainable.
Nutrient budgeting
Use the management technique of nutrient budgeting to monitor nutrient
movements off the farm in produce, and back onto the farm in fertilisers. This
technique is a very useful tool to help maintain soil fertility by maintaining
adequate nutrient levels for subsequent crops.
Note . Nutrients applied as fertilisers should always be based on soil tests, and
not nutrient budgeting alone.
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