The right soil for good yields

摘要

Most management practices used to overcome soil type limitations in Australian soils focus on either soil physical or chemical properties. However, it is imperative that biological properties also be considered for optimal yields in the long term. According to Pam Pittaway, Chrysalis Landscape Consultants, who spoke at the Wimmera Conservation Farming Association Conference in Dimboola, producers must understand the impact of their management practices on the biological functions of the soil to maintain good yields. Pittaway highlighted the need to recognise that land management practices could affect plant growth in two ways - directly via the roots or indirectly via interaction with soil processes. Both consequences have important implications in determining the rate of plant growth and, ultimately, crop yield. While acknowledging rainfall was the major constraint to achieving maximum potential grain yield, Pittaway stressed the importance of considering the effect of all land management options employed to improve crop yields.