April Smart Soils Resource of the Month

Unpacking compaction in clay soils.

Each month we review a resource from the Smart Soils Resource Library. This month’s resource is brought to you by Smart Soils Community of Practice member Cameron Leckie – Regional Soil Coordinator for Southern Queensland and Northern NSW

Sometimes trafficking wet paddocks is unavoidable. What can be done to minimise and remediate compaction? 

This factsheet outlines short-, medium- and long-term options to manage compaction in clay soils with a focus on cotton production systems. It is, however, of relevance to all broadacre cropping industries. 

“The resource is particularly useful for growers interested in implementing practices to minimise and reverse compaction damage in order to the effects of wet picking compaction”, said Cameron Leckie. 

“The factsheet is a credible resource developed by Blake Palmer, Soil Health Technical Lead for Cotton Info, who published this resource to address wet picking induced compaction”, Cameron said. 

Soil compaction caused by traffic, affecting soil health and plant growth.
Assessing compaction – the boot method (image taken from the fact sheet).

FIND OUT MORE

Factsheet: Wet Picking and Soil Compaction 
Author: Blake Palmer (SSA Member) 
Publisher: CottonInfo
Smart Soils Resource Library category: Soil Constraints 
Check out the resource here 

Each resource in the curated Smart Soils Resource Library is evaluated by soil specialists to ensure it demonstrates high-quality science to help users make informed decisions regarding soil management and productivity. 

The Smart Soils Resource Library is part of the Smart Soils project, managed by Soil Science Australia, and supported by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry through funding from the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust.