Soil chemical attributes Archives - WA Soil Knowledge Base

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Soil attributes
Explore an underground world

Learn about what’s going in soil and why.
Understand soil properties and processes

The Soil attributes section contains information on different topics within soil biology, physics or chemistry. Pages within these topics present an overview of the current state of knowledge, explain the principles and properties of different soil attributes, and highlight insights from research and resources like case studies. Resources are suggested throughout these Pages.
- View all soil attributes
Soil management
Looking after soil for long-term sustainability

Protecting and conserving a critical resource.
Discover and apply best practice soil management

Soil management focuses on practical advice and guidelines to improve soil management. This information discusses how soil management integrates into different farming systems and considers different options that may be available to improve soil quality. Resources are linked throughout Soil Management pages.
- View all Soil management
- Controlled traffic farming
- Strategic tillage
- Soil amendments
- Agricultural lime
- Fertiliser
Soil analysis & testing
Dig deeper with analytical insights and data

Support better decision making and create value with soil monitoring and testing.
Learn how soil testing and monitoring can unlock potential

Soil analysis & testing provides information on how soil attributes and properties are measured and tested, as well as guidance on how to analyse and interpret soil test results and set up soil sampling and monitoring.
- View all Soil analysis and testing
- Soil sampling
- Soil groups
- Testing soil colour
- Testing soil texture
- Testing soil structure
- Testing soil nutrients
- Identifying soil constraints
- Measuring soil organic carbon
- Understanding trial results and on-farm experimentation
Resources
Curated collection of high-quality, evidence-based soil information

The knowledge you need, all in one place.
Explore our collection of videos, case studies, fact sheets, tools, journal articles, links and more.

The Resources section lets user explore and access a curated selection of additional resources for soil information and management. These Resources can be searched, and filtered by topic(s), format, date, and organisation so you can find what you’re looking for, or discover something new.
- Videos
- Case studies
- Fact sheets
- Reports
- Journal articles
- Tools
- External links
- Books
- Courses
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Courses

Amelioration fallow lifts subsoil pH and yields on acidic, compacted soils

Soil amelioration

This soil amelioration case study takes us to Tony Murfit's property at South Burracoppin, Western Australia.

Topsoil inclusion lifts water use efficiency and yield in compacted sands

Soil amelioration

This soil amelioration case study takes us to Brad and Narelle Smith's property at Geraldton, Western Australia.

Identify toxic subsoils before embarking on clay delving

Soil amelioration

This soil amelioration case study takes us to Mic and Marnie Fels' property at Wittenoom Hills, 50 km north...

Addressing soil acidity, water repellence, and compaction with liming and clay delving

Soil amelioration

This soil amelioration case study takes us to Trevor and Renae Syme's property at Bolgart, north of Toodyay, Western...

Sample content from the Soil Attributes lesson of Fundamental Soil and Plant Nutrition

Course

Soil Quality Courses: Fundamental Soil and Plant Nutrition

The first course of this free online learning platform is designed to build your understanding of the essential relationship...

Report or other publication

Estimating maintenance lime rates

Soil management

Research summary developed from Gaus Azam and Chris Gazey, DPIRD (2023)

Report or other publication

Benefits of improved crop root development in ameliorated soils

Soil management

Research summary developed from Gaus Azam, Kanch Wickramarachchi, Craig Scanlan (DPIRD) and Yinglong Chen (UWA) (2025)

Report or other publication

Shallow incorporation of lime in the low rainfall region

Soil management

Research summary developed from Gaus Azam and Chris Gazey, DPIRD (2023)

Physical and chemical properties of soil types used for crop production in the south-west of Western Australia

Soil analysis and testing

Understanding how physical and chemical soil properties vary at depth in different soil types can inform management decisions.