There are no hard and fast rules for diagnosing soil affected by sodicity in semi-arid and higher-rainfall landscapes.
The premise behind this trial is that for sustained improvement of soil physical properties, such as increased infiltration rate, deep ripping and gypsum should be applied together; gypsum should provide stabilisation of soil aggregates and assist in decreasing dispersion at the soil surface.
Comparing strategic deep tillage treatments for managing soil water repellence, subsoil compaction and subsoil acidity.
Addressing the range of soil constraints present maximises productivity and profitability in the long-term.
It is important to understand the characteristics of the soil profile and have a plan to minimise the risk of soil erosion.
When carried out effectively, soil inversion almost completely eliminates topsoil water repellence, although in cases of complete or poor inversion, soil retains some repellence.
Dry-seeding increases the amount of water repellent soil flowing around knife points into the base of the furrow where the seed is placed.
Deep ripping is used to fracture and loosen hardened soil.
