Unlike most soil types, gravel soil possesses anion exchange capacity in addition to cation exchange capacity, adding complexity to how nutrient interactions are controlled.
Potential wheat yield on gravel soil in south-western agricultural region of Western Australia
Video
High potential wheat yield based on rainfall corresponds with areas with a high proportion of gravel soil.
Tim Overheu, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, describes a gravelly duplex soil at Kendenup.
Gravel particles contain pores which allows extra space for interactions with water, nutrients and microorganisms within the soil profile – with many questions remaining to be answered.
Gravel soil comprises four million hectares of the arable area used for crop production in south-west Western Australia.
Internal pores in ironstone gravel particles provide additional water storage, new surfaces for nutrient binding and microhabitats for microorganisms.
Nutrient cycling in gravel soil
Fact sheet
In gravel soil, the carbon pool is concentrated compared to a soil without gravel.
