Managing Acid Soils in the Mallee

Learn how acid soils impact Mallee farms, the role of lime and gypsum, and practical strategies for long-term soil health and productivity.

  • Early Intervention is Crucial

    Addressing soil acidity early with lime application and clay spreading can help stabilise pH levels and prevent long-term productivity loss.

  • Lime vs. Gypsum

    Lime is essential for raising soil pH, while gypsum helps improve soil structure but does not alter pH. Understanding their roles is key to effective soil management.

  • Economic Considerations

    Rising input costs make soil treatments a significant investment, but long-term trials show that proper pH management can improve yields and financial returns over time.

Project Overview

Strategies for Managing Acid Soils: Practical Solutions for Mallee Farmers

In this episode of the MSF FarmTalk Podcast, host Kylie Matthewson speaks with soil consultant David Woodard from Primary Industries and Regions SA about the challenges of acid soils in the Mallee. They explore how soil acidity affects farm productivity, the role of lime and gypsum in soil management, and the long-term insights gained from soil trials at Lameroo.

David highlights the importance of early intervention, explains how higher lime rates and clay spreading can effectively stabilise soil pH, and discusses the economic factors farmers need to consider when planning soil treatments. With rising input costs and dry seasons adding pressure, this episode offers valuable insights into practical solutions for managing acid soils.

For more detailed information, check out the Acid Soils SA website and GRDC resources, including fact sheets and trial data. These resources provide practical strategies to close the economic yield gap and maximise farming system benefits for grain legume production in South Australia.

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