SOIL scientists, agronomists and grain growers from across Australia have come together in Adelaide for an important National Soil Acidity Workshop.
The workshop was a chance for the 62 attendees to share experiences and learnings and to discuss strategies for addressing soil acidity at a national, state and regional level.
GRDC southern region sustainable cropping systems manager Dr Giacomo Betti said soil acidification is a serious issue in every cropping area of Australia.
“However, different regions are at different stages of addressing soil acidity as a constraint on production,” he explained.
In addition to reviewing research projects underway in Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Western Australia, presenters also explored strategies for applying and incorporating lime with a particular focus on no-till cropping systems.
“We heard compelling evidence from researchers that strategic lime applications could significantly increase yields, particularly in valuable and acid sensitive break crops, such as lentils and faba beans,” Dr Betti said.
Delegates were also given insights into innovative projects to improve acid soil management, from a more visible pH testing powder developed at the University of Adelaide, to experiments in using spectroscopy to measure lime penetration through the soil profile.
Key industry researchers from a range of state-based research agencies and government agriculture departments also gathered to review their acid soil management learnings and identify gaps in their knowledge and research areas.
These discussions helped identify and prioritise areas of future research, development and extension investment, considering where transformational gains could be made in identifying, preventing and better managing acid soils across Australia.
Dr Betti said the meeting confirmed significant work is being done to address soil acidification, but research efforts appear to be fragmented across the different regions.
“The workshop was very useful for all involved, with key researchers in this critical area valuing the opportunity to sit down and identify important trends, opportunities and research actions,” he said.
“GRDC is confident this more collaborative approach will encourage further co-operation between the state-based researchers, to deliver improved findings and on-farm strategies that help ensure healthy soils and consistent yields for Australian grain growers.”
