Water repellence

Water repellence is a widespread problem mostly affecting soils with low clay content or high organic matter levels in the topsoil, in the medium to high rainfall zones. The expression of water repellence appears to be increasing due to an increase in cropping frequency, drier and earlier sowing, minimum tillage and reduced break of season rainfall. The department can provide technical information on a range of management options and new techniques to assist landholders reduce water repellence impacts.