Tip #1

Farming Secrets are proud to bring to you the 1st Instalment in the 7 Hottest Tips series by the experts.

Gerhard Grasser Agrisolutions

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The 1st Hottest Tip For Healthy and Profitable Farming

PROBLEM Soil has become lifeless and plants wont grow to their capacity. Most agricultural soils are being demanded upon like never before with mechanical impacts such as high stock numbers or machinery (including cultivation), chemically based compactions due to salt based fertilizer reactions and soil depletion induced by drought conditions making soil recovery very difficult. Even in the middle of winter, many soils can be found to have only the first few centimeters containing moisture, and much of the soil below this is as dry as chips. Plants have little chance to establish root systems when the soil is in this condition and will not grow well into the dry period of the season. WHAT WE DID When the symptoms of soil compaction get to this stage, the only short term remedy is to mechanically aerate the soil. Aerator styles such as the Aerway or Groundhog, or the Rehabilitator from Fix Engineering are two types to consider using. For long term remediation, active and highly diverse soil biology is the answer to soil structure and water holding capacity provided the production system includes soil recovery time and the soil organisms are well fed. To determine whether aeration is necessary, use a penetrometer to measure the compression and depth of the layer(s) of compaction locating where to direct the mechanical opening of the soil profile. A piece of wire such as a coat hanger or piece of fencing wire pushed end on into the soil is a good method if a penetrometer is not available. If the wire bends before reaching a depth of about 450mm (18), then it is too compact at that depth and aeration is highly advised. Using this method, take numerous probes in the soil to see the pattern that emerges across a good representative area of the paddock. Select the most suitable equipment based on these results and aerate the soil according to soil moisture and contour. RESULTS The soil was able to more readily accept water into its profile allowing plant roots to become better established further down in the soil profile. Having paths for air ingress also helped the soil biology to consolidate in a shorter time. Improvement in soil pH is another measurable that can be attributed to aeration. Soil life was enhanced by this management practice resulting in a longer growing period with better overall plant health and production. HOT TIP: Use aeration as an opportunity to apply small amounts of lime and or mineral fertilizer or compost to help build and feed the soil. The open soil will allow these materials to fall into the profile accelerating their incorporation into the root zone. Aeration can be performed even in dry conditions so that any rainfall can be captured and directed into the soil depths rather than run off.

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