Inert mineral mulches provide an additional grain yield on alkaline-sodic-saline soils of the eastern wheatbelt of Western Australia

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-2024

Conference Title

Adaptive Agronomy for a Resilient Future: 21st Australian Society of Agronomy Conference

Place of Publication

Albany

Keywords

evaporation, gravel stone, gypsum, deep ripping

Disciplines

Agricultural Science | Agronomy and Crop Sciences | Soil Science

Abstract

Poor water relations reduce crops grown on alkaline-sodic-saline soils in low rainfall environments of the eastern wheatbelt of Western Australia (< 350mm, annual rainfall). The poor water relation is due to the high sodium content, which results in soil dispersion and low water infiltration, and the saline conditions associated with transient salinity, which result in osmotic stresses that reduce water availability. We investigated the impact on grain yield using novel soil amelioration systems, which include gypsum applied at a low rate (G0.1, 0.1 t ha-1), in-furrow compared to a high rate (G3.0, 3.0 t ha-1), gravel mulch (GM) (2–4 cm) thick applied to the soil surface and deep tillage using a Paraplow (PP) to 35 cm at three sites in the shires of Mullewa (Devils Creek), Merredin (Moorine Rock) and Esperance (Grass Patch) in 2022 and 2023. The GM treatment increased the average yield by 0.53 t ha-1 (0–1.24 t ha-1) across all sites and years, representing a mean percent yield increase of 54% (0–164%). The G0.1, G3.0, and PP treatment's main effects were insignificant. Physical constraints are not the greatest constraint in these soils so investment in deep ripping can be ruled out until chemical constraints are managed. The only site to respond to gypsum was sodic with low EC in the topsoil. Mulching, through inert mineral mulch, can provide yield stability during drier seasons.

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