Perceptions of grain growers towards their soils in the high rainfall zone of Southern Australia

摘要

Dryland cropping in the high rainfall zone (HRZ) of southern Australia has the potential to produce high yields of cereals, canola and pulses. However, actual yields often fall well short of the estimated potential. A survey of grain growers in the HRZ was conducted to gain a greater understanding of the factors which may prevent growers from achieving potential yields. The survey was developed in consultation with growers, soil scientists and agronomists and distributed nationally through an industry magazine. The survey captured grower perceptions of soil and crop management using multiple choice questions and free comment sections. This paper documents the section of the survey pertaining to soils. In this survey, growers throughout the HRZ provided common responses regarding their use of some forms of tillage, trafficking, chemical soil amelioration techniques and physical soil engineering techniques. Different responses were evident depending upon region and farm size for issues such as the use of conventional tillage, raised beds and lime. The perceived success of various types of soil management options is also discussed. This information is valuable for those who wish to identify which regions or grower audiences should be targeted for research and extension in soil management.