Managing eroded soils: When lack of ground cover and low rainfall combine, wind erosion can occur – Southern region (Factsheet)
This Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) factsheet explains how severe wind erosion affects cropping paddocks in the southern region. Wind erosion removes valuable topsoil that is rich in nutrients and organic matter, reducing soil function and crop performance. Pre-sowing soil testing is critical, as many nutrients can be replaced with fertiliser at seeding. Phosphorus and nitrogen levels in eroded paddocks are often highly variable, reflecting the uneven nature of wind erosion. In severely eroded areas, former subsoil constraints can become surface limitations, changing nutrient availability across production zones. The factsheet outlines how to develop a regular soil testing program and describes management options for eroded soils, including cover crops, stubble retention, stock removal, cultivation, and clay spreading. While the factsheet focuses on cropping on southern sandy soils, the principles may also be relevant to other cropping regions [PDF 2.2 MB, 5 pages].#
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.
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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 ScientistÂ
