Evaluating novel materials for ameliorating Al toxicity in acidic subsoils

Authors

Paul M. Damon, University of Western AustraliaFollow
Zed Rengel, University of Western Australia
Gaus Azam, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western AustraliaFollow
Chris Gazey, Department of Primary Industries and Regional DevelopmentFollow
Craig Scanlan, Department of Primary Industries and Regional DevelopmentFollow
Darin Malinowski, University of Western Australia

Publication Date

27-2-2018

Series Number

DAW00252

Publisher

Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC)

City

Perth

Abstract

• Neutralisation of acidic subsoil is the most effective way to reduce aluminium toxicity to plant roots.
• Root proliferation in the acidic subsoil was increased by soil amendments only where they were incorporated into the subsoil, but not when applied to the topsoil.
• High rates of biochar mixed through the subsoil were effective in neutralising acidity, reducing aluminium toxicity, and increasing root proliferation in the subsoil.
• Liquid limes, prilled limes, and diatomaceous earths demonstrated poor capacity to neutralise soil acidity at the rates assessed in this study, but may be effective at higher rates.
• Banding the amendments with fertiliser had no effect on root growth in the acidic subsoil for any of the materials.

Disciplines

Agronomy and Crop Sciences | Soil Science

Recommended Citation

Damon, P M, Rengel, Z, Azam, G, Gazey, C, Scanlan, C, and Malinowski, D. (2018), Evaluating novel materials for ameliorating Al toxicity in acidic subsoils. Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), Perth. Report DAW00252.
https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/fc_researchrpts/7

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