Soils

Western Australia’s agriculture sector needs access to quality soil that can sustain long-term productivity and growth. The department is leading the way in developing management practices to maximise soil productivity and minimise land degradation. The department also provides technical information on managing soil constraints, including acidity, water repellence, subsoil compaction, erosion along with nutrient management. We also support agriculture through soil and land condition monitoring, condition assessment and providing management strategies and tools to improve soil condition.

Articles

Soil Water and Nutrition (SWAN) Strategic Collaboration

6 August 2024

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) have entered into a 5-year strategic research collaboration with the
Western Australian Agriculture Climate Resilience Fund

27 May 2021

The WA Government is investing $15 million into an Agriculture Climate Resilience Fund to help WA farmers and industry to respond to the challenges of climate change.
Managing stubble for wind erosion control in Western Australia

24 November 2020

This page provides photo-standards for cereal and lupin stubble cover for different levels of wind erosion control in the South West Western Australian agricultural area.
$Plough pan is blocky and fractured with a distinct upper and lower layer.$

Diagnosing hostile clay loam to clay subsoil

27 November 2013

Many Western Australian soils have cemented, dense or poorly structured clay subsoils or hardpans that restrict root growth..
Wind erosion control after fire in Western Australia

12 February 2015

Wind and water erosion risk is increased where fire removes groundcover and some seed reserves.
Wind erosion after fire in Western Australia - frequently asked questions (FAQs)

20 November 2015

These are some common questions after serious fires in the agricultural areas of south-west Western Australia.
Managing erosion on your small property

29 November 2013

Soil erosion looks unsightly and greatly compromises the sustainability and profitability of your farm. Managing soil to minimise erosion is essential.
Water erosion control after fire – Western Australia

12 February 2015

Fire removes organic ground cover, and the risk of water erosion is greatly increased.
Boosting Grains Research and Development - Royalties for Regions

20 August 2014

Through targeted grains research and development (R&D), the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's (DPIRD) Boosting Grains Research and Development project aims to increase
Carbon farming: liming and carbon sequestration

18 October 2013

Acid soils cause significant losses in production and biomass, which restricts the ability to sequester carbon.