Soils

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Pip Grant

WHY WE ARE TACKLING SOIL CHALLENGES ACROSS THE RIVERINE PLAINS

Soils are the key to productive, profitable and sustainable farming systems. Farmers recognise the importance of maintaining and improving their soil resources for long-term sustainability.

Soils in the Riverine Plains vary from sands to loams and heavy clays and everything in between. They support winter cereals, canola, pulses and grass and legume-based pastures, as well as irrigated summer crops such as maize. Maximising crop and pastures production from our variable soil types relies on managing soil constraints, protecting soils from damage and improving soil fertility and health.

Poorly structured soils and constraints such as soil acidity and sodicity occur frequently in the Riverine Plains region. These can cause sensitive crops to yield poorly, with weeds and other pests and diseases becoming problematic in untreated paddocks. Understanding and managing these issues at a paddock and whole-farm level is key to overcoming soil issues and improving soil health in the long term.

Riverine Plains has been involved in soil-based projects that focus on improving soil health and farmers’ understanding of how they can better manage and maintain their soils. These projects aim to promote good soil structure and water holding capacity, as well as healthy populations of soil biota for nutrient cycling. Having healthy, resilient soils is also key to managing extreme conditions, such as drought and extended wet periods.

Building soil resilience and carbon by increasing crop diversity

We are identifying ways to build resilient soils and enhance carbon stocks in cropping systems, using a range of species in cover cropping and companion crop plantings.

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Building Soil Resilience & Carbon through Plant Diversity - Teaser-1

OUR SOIL RESEARCH

Our project work is helping to advance solutions to complex soils-related issues and address the challenges that farmers currently face.

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Carbon farming outreach program

This project is part of the National Industry-Led Carbon Farming Outreach Program which is supporting farmers and land managers to reduce emissions and explore carbon farming opportunities.
Building soil carbon through land management strategies

This project supports NSW farmers in the Riverine Plains to explore their soil carbon potential and showcases eligible land management practices best suited for potential soil carbon projects.
Diagnosis frameworks for multiple and complex soil constraints

This project will help Australian farmers identify and ameliorate constrained soils, helping to improve soil health and productivity.
Link between cereal stubble, subsurface acidity and crown rot

Good seasons, stubble retention and tight cereal rotations have favoured a build-up of Fusarium crown rot in the Riverine Plains. Crown rot can cause significant yield loss, and we are investigating the potential link between it, subsurface acidity and different stubble management techniques.
Machine learning for managing soil constraints

This project aims to develop a computer-based technology to help farmers find tailored solutions when managing multiple soil constraints like sodicity, acidity, and salinity. The aim is to increase productivity and profitability using precise, data-driven strategies.
Building soil resilience & carbon through plant diversity

This project is identifying ways to build resilient soils and enhance carbon stocks in cropping systems, using a range of species in cover cropping and companion crop plantings.
Visualising Australasia’s soils

This project is increasing the knowledge and understanding of local soils, helping researchers to develop ideas to improve the sustainability of farms in the Riverine Plains.
Assessing soil water storage

The project will assist farmers in improving water and resource use in crops grown on soils with constraints.
Optimising soils and available water to improve drought resilience

This project aims to show how farmers can use legumes, early sowing and nitrogen banking to safeguard the natural capital of soils for environmental and economic sustainability.
Rewarding soil stewardship

This project is connecting soil scientists, farmers and the finance sector to review the benefits, costs and uncertainties related to different soil stewardship practices, as well as the available returns from different markets and sources.