Soil Quality ebook series
The Soil Quality ebook series is a pioneering project that presents current knowledge and information on the management of Western Australian agricultural soil using the latest in multimedia technology.
The series, available for free from Apple Books, is published by SoilsWest - an alliance between the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and Western Australian universities.
Murdoch University is the headquarters of SoilsWest, which was previously at the University of Western Australia.
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is supporting the Soil Quality ebook project, which will comprise 10 books. To date, seven of the 10 publications have been published.
Experts from a range of organisations, and farmers, contributed their knowledge, best practice techniques and stories to the ebooks. The publications bring together soil science and its practical application, harnessing years of soil research, as well as first-hand accounts from landholders about their experience with soil management in Western Australia.
The Soil Quality ebook series of digital publications is available for free by downloading on iPad, iPhone, or Mac computer from Apple Books.
Soil Quality: 1 Constraints to Plant Production
This first book provides an overview of soil constraints to plant production through an interactive learning experience, primarily via video, case studies, diagrams, and maps as well as text.
In the subsequent parts of the Soil Quality series, each of the major soil constraints are explored in detail. Industry perspectives set the priorities for content and are a feature of the series.
Example content
The Soil Quality ebook series of digital publications is available for free by downloading on iPad, iPhone, or Mac computer from Apple Books.
Soil Quality: 2 Integrated Soil Management
The publication Integrated Soil Management is a practical manual for farmers wanting to integrate the management of multiple soil constraints into their farming system. Information moves through identifying and prioritising soil constraints, and options for managing multiple constraints to detailed discussions on managing typical soil types and their common constraints.
Example content
The Soil Quality ebook series of digital publications is available for free by downloading on iPad, iPhone, or Mac computer from Apple Books.
Soil Quality: 3 Soil Organic Matter
The publication Soil Organic Matter provides a detailed understanding of the role and functioning of soil organic matter in farming systems, including the implications of a wide range of agricultural management practices.
Example content
The Soil Quality ebook series of digital publications is available for free by downloading on iPad, iPhone, or Mac computer from Apple Books.
Soil Quality: 4 Soil Acidity
The publication Soil Acidity explains the causes and implications of soil acidity in broadacre agriculture. Diagnosis and management guidelines are supported by current research results and farmer case studies.
Example content
The Soil Quality ebook series of digital publications is available for free by downloading on iPad, iPhone, or Mac computer from Apple Books.
Soil Quality: 5 Soil Biology
The publication Soil Biology provides a detailed understanding of the multifunctional role of soil and its inhabitants – including beneficial and disease-causing organisms. This book explores the three-dimensional structure of soil as a habitat for the survival of soil biota, biological functions that benefit plant growth, detrimental soilborne diseases and nematode pests, and how climate and management practice influence soil biota and their functions.
Example content
The Soil Quality ebook series of digital publications is available for free by downloading on iPad, iPhone, or Mac computer from Apple Books.
Soil Quality: 6 Soil Compaction
The publication Soil Compaction explains the causes, effects, diagnosis, and management of compaction in agricultural soil, supported by evidence-based case studies and farmer experiences.
Example content
The Soil Quality ebook series of digital publications is available for free by downloading on iPad, iPhone, or Mac computer from Apple Books.
Soil Quality: 7 Soil Water Repellence
The publication Soil Water Repellence explains the impact, expression, diagnosis and management of water repellence in agricultural soil, supported by evidence-based case studies and farmer experiences.
Example content
The Soil Quality ebook series of digital publications is available for free by downloading on iPad, iPhone, or Mac computer from Apple Books.
Soil Quality: 8 Sodic and Alkaline Soil
The publication Sodic and Alkaline Soil explains the causes, implications and impact of sodicity and alkalinity on soil structure and stability – including transient salinity and waterlogging.
Example content
The Soil Quality ebook series of digital publications is available for free by downloading on iPad, iPhone, or Mac computer from Apple Books.
Soil Quality: 9 Gravel Soil
The publication Gravel Soil is a synthesis of the latest science and best practice guidance for gravel soil. Gravel soil makes up 24 per cent of land used for crop production in southern Western Australia, with further major production regions in South Australia and Victoria, but until recently these unique soils have received less attention in comparison to other soil types.
Example content
The Soil Quality ebook series of digital publications is available for free by downloading on iPad, iPhone, or Mac computer from Apple Books.