Linkedin Facebook Instagram Vimeo
Find a CPSS
Find a RSP
Join
Suggest a Resource

Biological amendments for the Australian grain industry: summary review and framework (Booklet)

This CSIRO booklet summarises the potential role of research-based biological amendments in Australian broad-acre agriculture. The download link for the published version is at the bottom of the webpage. This report offers a decision framework to choose products based on the main constraint and ‘mode of action’, and sets out a practical pathway for field-scale evaluation and improved, collaborative research and development (including better comparison tools and data sharing). The report found that yield benefits are uncertain and context-dependent and that the most robust evidence exists for rhizobia in legumes. Research in broadacre grains lags horticulture because trials are often short, poorly targeted to known constraints, and rarely test timing, placement, rate and frequency or compatibility with fertilisers and pesticides. Organic amendments can improve soil condition, but effects vary with composition, rate, placement and time. Biochar shows more benefit in acidic soils [30 pages, 7.97 MB]. #

Contents:
Introduction
Potential benefits from the use of biological amendments
Microbial inocula
Biostimulants
Organic amendments
Matrix overview: impact of amendments on mode of action
Field-scale evaluation and monitoring
Research gaps and path forward

  • Audience: RSP, tertiary students, landholders, SFSG, consultants
  • State: ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC, WA
  • Author/Editor: L Macdonald, L Abbott, M Wong , M Webb, S Jenkins, M Farrell
  • Publisher: CSIRO
  • Resource Type: Booklet
  • Copyright Year: 2018
  • ISBN/ISDN: 978-1-4863-1086-9
Resource Link
Resource library feedback
Resource Last Updated: October 4, 2025

Looking for other resources on soil?

Disclaimer:

This is a carefully curated database of important soil resources. The data base is not exhaustive but rather a library of the resources we believe are the most useful for the audience.  Each resource has been added after careful consideration against our selection criteria, including but not limited to its scientific validity, accessibility, and readability. The library generally does not include most academic research papers but may include some open-source papers written in accessible English.
 
SSA reminds users that these resources are a guide only.  Our understanding of soil science is improving continuously so it is important to check the suitability of the information for your purpose with an appropriately qualified professional such as a Registered Soil Professional or a Certified Professional Soil Scientist 
Resource Suggestion
Step 1 of 3

We welcome your suggestions about valuable soil resources that could be included in the Smart Soils Resource Library. Please read this information before proceeding. Please remember, this Resource Library does not include scientific journal articles.

New resources are evaluated by Soil Science Australia’s membership of soil specialists.

Each new library resource is added after careful consideration, it must:
1. demonstrate good quality soil science. The resources must be scientifically valid. Case studies that contribute significantly to the understanding of soil management in Australian regions are also accepted.
2. be relevant to Australian soils, condition, constraints and management practices
3. add value to the Resource Library. If there are multiple resources in the Resource Library on the same topic then the suggested resource must improve on the existing resources that address the topic.
4. be readily available preferably in an electronic version. Some books may be out of print but should be available in libraries or from second-hand booksellers. The file size of resources should enable easy downloading or streaming.
5. be written in language appropriate for the intended audience.

Preferably, the resource should also meet the requirements of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. to make web content more accessible and user friendly for everyone.

If your resource(s) meet the criteria, please complete the soil resource submission form

By completing this form, you acknowledge that Soil Science Australia may store your email address for future correspondence, in accordance with their privacy policy.
Resource Feedback

Your feedback on the usefulness and useability of this website is valuable to improve the user experience.