Soil acidity affects approximately two million hectares of soil under agricultural production in South Australia and Rural Solutions SA is at the cutting edge of addressing the situation.

A project titled “Taking action on soil acidity in South Australia” is currently underway to investigate the negative impacts of soil acidity on agricultural production and degradation of natural resources.

Funded jointly by the Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation and a “Caring for Our Country” grant provided through the Advisory Board of Agriculture, the project aims to:

• Increase the knowledge and awareness of landholders and natural resource managers in the identification and management of soil acidity;
• Investigate the extent, implications and treatment options for lesser known issues such as sub-soil acidity and stratification that may be occurring in no-till farming systems.

While liming can address surface soil acidity, recent studies indicate the amount of lime being applied is not adequate to prevent further degradation.

As part of the Rural Solutions SA project, a monitoring program has been established in a number of regions to monitor changes in soil pH.  Recent information indicates that in the Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management region, a greater number of test sites have an issue with subsurface acidity, compared with surface acidity.

Caption: Incorporating clay and lime with a Soil Spader

To gain an understanding of the treatment options available to deal with subsoil acidity, two trials have now been established in the Southern Fleurieu area.  These trials investigate a number of different methods of incorporating lime into subsoils, with the aim of determining which method achieves improved subsoil pH levels in a cost effective manner.

For further information contact Amanda Schapel. 

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