Thursday 5 December 2019

Start Date

5-12-2019 11:15 AM

End Date

5-12-2019 11:30 AM

Session

Soil R&D Outcomes WA & Beyond

Session Chair

Assoc Prof. Louise Barton

Description

Around 3.8 M ha of gravelly soil contributes to crop production in south west WA. Soil analysis and glasshouse experiments routinely take place in the absence of the ≥2 mm fraction. Typical processes include sample collection, air drying, and sieving (<2 mm) prior to experimentation or analysis. The ≥2 mm fraction is discarded as it is often considered inert, acting as a soil volume diluent, and problematic for routine chemical analysis when intact because of size and representativeness. However, the literature cites that the ≥2 mm fraction may contribute positively to soil chemical, physical and biological properties.

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Soil Science Commons

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Dec 5th, 11:15 AM Dec 5th, 11:30 AM

Gravel is soil is gravel

Around 3.8 M ha of gravelly soil contributes to crop production in south west WA. Soil analysis and glasshouse experiments routinely take place in the absence of the ≥2 mm fraction. Typical processes include sample collection, air drying, and sieving (<2 >mm) prior to experimentation or analysis. The ≥2 mm fraction is discarded as it is often considered inert, acting as a soil volume diluent, and problematic for routine chemical analysis when intact because of size and representativeness. However, the literature cites that the ≥2 mm fraction may contribute positively to soil chemical, physical and biological properties.