Targeting the theoretical storage of carbon in a WA sandy soil – WA (Webpage)
This Soil Quality Knowledge Base webpage explains the results of an on-farm trial to investigate if the theoretical target storage of soil organic matter could be reached where sufficient material (chaff) is added to sandy soils. The amount of chaff added to the soil is unrealistically high compared with normal stubble loads. The study took place over a 12 year period and found a significant increase in soil organic matter when the chaff was applied. There was also a significant increase in plant available nutrients. The microbial population doubled. The soil organic carbon increases were not ‘permanent’ and declined when the application of chaff was stopped. The average wheat yield increased with the addition of organic matter because of the nitrogen uptake. Few benefits were observed in other rotational crops. Frances Hoyle explain how this trial was conducted in a video, Building soil organic matter: a long term trial [02:46]. The link to this video can be found at the bottom of the webpage. This information was previously published as an ebook, Soil Quality: 3 Soil organic matter. While the content is written for Western Australian sandy soils, it may also apply to other Australian regions.#
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
