The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will contribute to conferences on soil health by highlighting research undertaken on a range of practices to overcome soil constraints
Department of Agriculture and Food soil experts are hosting a tour for growers next month to showcase soil management research being undertaken across the southern part of the state.
One-off soil inversion results in the complete burial of the water repellent topsoil in a layer typically at a depth of 15 to 35 cm, and brings to the surface a layer of wettable subsoil.
Water repellence develops when there is an accumulation of hydrophobic organic substances in a susceptible soil. Hydrophobic compounds are derived from plant and microbial sources.
Water repellence results in uneven wetting of soil in autumn which can result in patchy and staggered crop and pasture emergence. Sandy soils are particularly susceptible.
