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Harnessing the benefits of soil biology in conservation agriculture (Booklet)

This booklet (book chapter) discusses the impact of conservation agricultural practices in cropping systems. Adoption of these practices has resulted in significant shifts in soil biodiversity and functions. It has resulted in an increase in biologically available carbon which drives microbial functions including the mineralisation of nutrients (N, P and S), disease suppression in the long term and shifts in microbial communities from bacterial-dominated to fungal-dominated communities, resulting in improved potential for carbon sequestration, improved soil structure and reduced soil erosion. The implementation of precision agriculture in cropping systems has assisted by reducing compaction, conserving soil structure and biological processes. The two key challenges for the ongoing use of conservation agriculture are herbicide resistance in weeds and controlling crop diseases. Strategies to address these challenges are discussed [PDF 1.2 MB, 17 pages]. #

Contents:
Soil biology and ecology in conservation agriculture
Harnessing benefits from micro-organisms – functional perspectives
Harnessing beneficial functions from soil fauna
Evidence for value for beneficial functions
Interventions to maximise biological functions in conservation agriculture
Summary

  • Audience: RSP, tertiary students, landholders, SFSG
  • State: NSW, ACT, VIC, NT, SA, TAS, QLD, WA
  • Author/Editor: V Gupta, M Roper and J Thompson
  • Publisher: CSU
  • Resource Type: Booklet
  • Copyright Year: 2020
  • Not Provided
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Resource Last Updated: August 9, 2023

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