News Article
» Back
A subsoil experience!
Extremely hot, dry and dusty conditions didn’t stop farmers coming out to have a subsoil experience last week with the Profitable Subsoils Group (PSG), which consists of BCG and the Victorian DPI. Two half-day sessions in the paddock last week looked at how EM38 maps, soil tests, soil pits and crop diagnostics can be used to better understand variation in subsoils and the implication of such variation on crop production across paddocks.
The first workshop was held at Russell Dunlop’s at Rupanyup on Thursday 13 March and the second was held at Max Golders at Brim on Friday 14.
Mark Imoff (DPI) discussing soil characterisation in the soil pit.
Recognising toxicities such as boron, sodicity and salinty in plant symptoms was a highlight of these workshops as various crops had been grown in specially prepared visual cases, that showcased what happens to various crops when grown in different subsoil conditions. Also discussed was how different subsoil characteristics impact upon the various crops' abilities to extract water from the root zone.
Guest presenters included Brooke White (Cropfacts), Mark Imhoff, James Nuttall and John McIntyre. This interactive day involved getting down in soil pits, interpreting soil tests as well as discussing trial results from subsoils constraint amelioration work that has been happening across the region.
The workshops were facilitated by Fiona Best who said "The opportunity to get such a close look at various subsoils and discuss their implications for our farming systems was fantastic. Despite the trying weather conditions, all participants would have walked away with some valuable information."