Soil innovation drives increases in crop yield
Project name
Re-engineering soils to improve the access of crop root systems to water and nutrients stored in the subsoil.
GRDC code
DAW1902-003RTX
Researchers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), with support from the Grains Research and Development Corporation, have been working on the project titled Re-engineering soils to improve the access of crop root systems to water and nutrients stored in the subsoil.
The focus of the research is ways to boost crop yields, and one technique gaining traction is deep ripping with topsoil inclusion.
This method involves digging deep into the soil and allowing topsoil to fall in behind the tines improving its quality.
Recent findings from a project case study near Geraldton, conducted over 4 years, reveal the significant benefits of his approach, especially for canola growing in challenging soil conditions.
DPIRD Researcher Bindi Isbister will be discussing this case study during her talk at the Grains Research Updates 2024.
A significant boost to yields
A notable finding includes long-term soil improvement.
The addition of topsoil has improved soil properties over time.
It has enhanced pH levels, reduced soil density, and provided better conditions for root growth.
This has resulted in increased organic matter and improved root access to nutrients and moisture.
This study suggests that further deep ripping with topsoil inclusion down adjacent rows could amplify the benefits.
This approach should remove soil compaction, enhance pH levels, and increase nutrient availability, ultimately boosting yields and prolonging the benefits of deep ripping.
To assess the effectiveness and sustainability of deep ripping with topsoil inclusion, researchers conducted soil assessments across rip lines in various soil types within the study area.
Root abundance was measured, as well as soil properties like soil bulk density and pH, moisture content, and soil nutrition status.
Harvest cuts were also performed to evaluate biomass and grain yield.
Promising results unveiled
DPIRD Research Scientist Bindi Isbister further went on to say yield enhancement was one of the results that came out of the case study.
“Canola yields were consistently higher on rip lines compared to off rip lines across all soil types.
Yield increases ranged from 0.26 to 0.53 tonnes per hectare.
Additionally, rip lines showed significantly higher pH levels and lower bulk density, particularly at deeper soil depths.
This indicates improvements in soil conditions post-ripping, with better root penetration and nutrient access, she said.
While higher organic matter levels in rip lines demonstrated the positive impact of topsoil inclusion on soil health and fertility.
The findings highlight the effectiveness of deep ripping with topsoil inclusion in boosting canola yields and enhancing soil health in challenging agricultural environments.
By facilitating root development, improving soil structure, and enhancing nutrient availability, this practice holds promise for sustainable crop production.
Continued research and implementation of soil enhancement techniques are crucial for supporting agricultural sustainability and ensuring food security.
Funding partners / project collaborators
GRDC
More information
Click here to read Agric’s webpage on Re-engineering soils to improve the access of crop root systems to water and nutrients stored in the subsoil
Click here to read GRDC webpage on Re-engineering soils to improve the access of crop root systems to water and nutrients stored in the subsoil
Contact
Bindi Isbister
DPIRD Research Scientist
E: Bindi.Isbister@dpird.wa.gov.au
M: 08 9956 8532