Soil modification

Soils in the Murraylands and Riverland landscape management region are as diverse as they are challenging. In some cases the high non wetting nature or inherently low fertility of the soil types leads land managers to physically alter the structure and chemical nature of the soil.

In an effort to increase natural resources and production outcomes, The Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board is supporting farming and industry groups to trial methods of soil modification. Aiming to assess the economic viability and the long term sustainability of soil modification practices the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board works to highlight the reciprocal benefits of better production outcomes and better land management. For example the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board has investigated the role of incorporating organic matter, biochar and deep placement of fertilisers into soils.

For more information refer to the links below for reports and fact sheets on soil modification in the Murraylands and Riverland region.

Publications

• Coomandook Sandy Soil Improvement Trials (Report)
• Coomandook Sandy Soil Improvement Trial (Fact Sheet)
• Coomandook Soil Pit Field Day (Report)
• Current and Recent Broad Acre Sandy Soils Projects in the South Australian Mallee (Report)
• GRDC clay spreading and delving (Fact Sheet)
• Improved soil protection by clay spreading/delving sands in the Northern and Yorke region (report)
• Lowbank Agricultural Bureau Sandy Soil Improvement Trials (Report)
• Lowbank Agricultural Bureau Sandy Soil Improvement Trials (Fact Sheet)
• On Farm Production of Biochar for Improved Soil Health (Fact Sheet)
• Point Pass Agricultural Bureau - Soil Smart Book
• Spread, delve, spade, invert: a best practice guide to the addition of clay to sandy soils