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Author: Alisa Bryce, Wayne Pluske

33 results found:
  • Strategy a part of managing snails after liming
    Strategy a part of managing snails after liming
    Author: Alisa Bryce and Wayne Pluske, 2023-09-11T09:00:00+10:00

    Some growers have noticed snail numbers increase after liming. Lime is a source of calcium which increases shell strength and fertility. As a result of this observation, a small research trial was conducted to gauge the impact liming had on snail fertility and shell strength, and whether incorporating lime or using a different type of lime could limit snail population growth.

  • If, and when, to deep rip again
    If, and when, to deep rip again
    Author: Alisa Bryce and Wayne Pluske, 2023-08-17T09:00:00+10:00

    Soil compaction is a complicated problem and, despite many decades of research, there are still a lot of unknowns. De-compaction by deep ripping is a proven and profitable solution on many soil types so it is being widely used, but re-compaction in the years after ripping and knowing if, when and how to deep rip again are emerging issues.

  • Making better use of your lime budget
    Making better use of your lime budget
    Author: Alisa Bryce and Wayne Pluske, 2023-06-23T09:00:00+10:00

    Applying enough lime to manage acidity in a smaller area has advantages over applying low lime rates across more hectares. The longer-term effect from using a higher lime rate as part of a ‘treat it properly’ strategy is higher yields for longer and better cash flow.

  • Topsoil liming can slow subsoil acidification – if done in time
    Topsoil liming can slow subsoil acidification – if done in time
    Author: Alisa Bryce and Wayne Pluske, 2022-12-20T09:00:00+11:00

    Preventive and regular top-dressed lime applications can have an additive effect on subsoil pH. Long-term research is finding that being on the front foot and top-dressing lime now helps slow soil acidification through the profile.

  • Levelling paddocks after mechanical soil amelioration
    Levelling paddocks after mechanical soil amelioration
    Author: Alisa Bryce and Wayne Pluske, 2022-12-12T09:00:00+11:00

    Mechanical soil amelioration can make paddocks uneven and in need of re-levelling for better seeding, more comfortable driving and easier harvesting. There are dedicated paddock levellers or grading machines but other equipment can work too, depending on the paddock condition.

  • How turning over soil organic matter benefits crops
    How turning over soil organic matter benefits crops
    Author: Alisa Bryce, Wayne Pluske, Associate Professor Frances Hoyle, 2022-12-01T09:00:00+11:00

    One critical function soil organisms perform is breaking up and decomposing soil organic matter, which primarily consists of dead and decaying plant and animal residues, as well as the by-products of living soil biota. This organic matter turnover can benefit crops by improving in-season nitrogen availability and building soil carbon, but can have mixed results on water infiltration and the capacity of the soil to store water.

  • Gauging yield uplift critical when contemplating soil amelioration
    Gauging yield uplift critical when contemplating soil amelioration
    Author: Alisa Bryce and Wayne Pluske, 2022-11-29T09:00:00+11:00

    Whether or not soil amelioration will give a good return on investment largely depends on the yield boost. Grain value and amelioration costs are relatively easy to source or calculate. There are several ways growers can gauge yield uplift.

  • Permanent tramlines in CTF systems need maintenance
    Permanent tramlines in CTF systems need maintenance
    Author: Alisa Bryce and Wayne Pluske, 2022-11-26T09:00:00+11:00

    Tramlines need renovating to fill in ruts and to keep the tramlines more even with the rest of the paddock. Various machines exist to do the job. Whatever machine and method are chosen, the tramlines need to be rolled or followed on with a compression wheel to make a firm surface.

  • Mechanical soil amelioration affects pest, weed distribution
    Mechanical soil amelioration affects pest, weed distribution
    Author: Alisa Bryce and Wayne Pluske, 2022-11-22T09:00:00+11:00

    Researchers are investigating how mechanical soil amelioration affects the distribution, populations and long-term survival of nematode pests and fungal pathogens, and how both amelioration and soil-borne pests interact with weeds. Research at sites near Darkan and Yerecoin in Western Australia studied how certain pests and pathogens responded to mechanical soil amelioration.

  • Diagnosing soil dispersion and transient soil salinity
    Diagnosing soil dispersion and transient soil salinity
    Author: Alisa Bryce and Wayne Pluske, 2022-11-17T09:00:00+11:00

    Poorly structured heavy soils are difficult to work and can have multiple constraints to root growth and crop yields. These soils can also suffer from transient salinity, a form of salinity influenced by seasonal rainfall and crop evapotranspiration rather than by groundwater.

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