Australian Farming Systems in a Changing World

Overcoming constraints to crop production in sandy soils: Advances in southern and western Australia

Presenter: Therese McBeath, Agriculture and Food, CSIRO

About the Series:  Hosted by the Systems Program in CSIRO's Agriculture and Food Business Unit, this series explores the overarching theme "Australian Farming Systems in a Changing World". Researchers and international experts will discuss research advances in their implications for the productivity, resilience and sustainability of Australia's agricultural production systems at a time when they face a confluence of environmental and socioeconomic pressures.

Presentation Abstract:There are more than 20 million ha of arable sandy soils in southern and western Australia. An environment that was considered synonymous with dust storms that engulfed the predominantly urban population of Australia in the 1960's-80's, sandy landscapes were the considered the least productive and most vulnerable agricultural landscapes of Australia. As a result of the vast expanse of vulnerable land, the principles of conservation and no-tillage agriculture have been broadly adopted in cropping systems. However, with yield gaps often more than 50% of the yield potential, it has been recognised that there are soil-based constraints to production that need to be addressed to meet the growing demand for food production globally.

The key soil-based constraints to production in sandy landscapes include high soil strength preventing root proliferation, water repellency, acidity and low fertility. To date, the most substantive and consistent crop production responses have been observed with high disturbance tillage techniques (delving, deep ripping, inclusion ripping, ploughing and spading) that break up high soil strength layers and/or mix repellent and acidic layers. The crop yield benefits range in the order of 20-200% and crop yields are achieving recently updated frontiers of production potential in ameliorated sands. Deep tillage techniques are being widely adopted with deep ripping often considered 'entry level'. Once the potential rooting depth has been increased, growers seek other strategies to further ameliorate constraints to production including the incorporation of amendments such as lime, soil mixing techniques and clay delving.

Great opportunity for increased agricultural productivity also presents a responsibility. Ensuring that the right amelioration technique is used for the key constraint to production underpins the stewardship of these techniques.

About the presenter: Dr Therese McBeath is a Principal Research Scientist with CSIRO Agriculture and Food, recognised for her leadership in soil–plant interactions, nutrient management and sustainable cropping systems in constrained soil and rainfall environments. Therese has led major national research programs funded by GRDC and other partners, producing widely adopted guidelines and tools that underpin modern agronomic practice. She has an extensive publication record in leading international journals and is regularly invited to provide expert contributions to industry forums, advisory panels and technical working groups concerned with soil fertility and sustainable productivity. Dr McBeath is recognised for her collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach and for her commitment to translating scientific knowledge into practice through engagement with growers, agronomists, and industry partners.

This webinar series is moderated by Frank Sperling, Senior Principal Research Scientist, A&F, CSIRO.

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Next Presentation:

December:
Evolving Insurance Mechanisms for Farmers: Coping with Weather Variability and Reducing the Environmental Footprint of Crops
Dr. Peter Thorburn, CSIRO

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