Zoning: Using production zones to develop a soil testing strategy – Southern region (Factsheet)
This Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) factsheet explains how soil testing across different production zones can help identify the causes of variable crop performance within a paddock and determine whether variable management is required. Production zoning involves dividing paddocks into sections based on soil type, electromagnetic induction readings, biomass, grain yield, or other performance indicators such as grain quality. Where detailed datasets are not available, growers can use their knowledge of soil types and historical performance to develop indicative zones. Combining multiple data layers to generate a zone map can highlight areas of consistently high yield potential, as well as parts of a paddock affected by soil or other constraints. The factsheet also describes how the collected data can be used in practice, including the application of variable rate technology to improve crop performance. While developed for the Southern Region, the guidance is relevant to other broadacre grain-growing areas [PDF 870 KB, 4 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.
Â
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
