Sandy soil amelioration: managing soil constraints to increase production – GRDC – SA, VIC, TAS (Video)

In this Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) video, Therese McBeath and Melissa Fraser outline key findings from a six-year research project into managing sandy soils in low- to medium-rainfall zones in southern Australia. They discuss how identifying and addressing soil constraints, such as compaction, acidity, water repellence and poor drainage, can improve crop performance. The video explains how to diagnose constraints using tools like yield maps, pH kits and penetrometers, and how to select suitable machinery (such as deep rippers, inclusion plates or spaders) based on constraint type and depth. Grower, Will Long, shares his positive experiences with deep ripping and delving, which reduced waterlogging and improved yields. While this research was conducted in the southern region, the information may apply to other regions with similar conditions [8:16]. #

Resource Last Updated: August 14, 2025

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