Host: GGA Grains Research, Development and Extension Communications Manager, Amber Atkinson
Guest Speaker: DPIRD Research Scientist, Tom Edwards

In this episode DPIRD Research Scientist Tom Edwards explains the research he is undertaking in soil management to boost grains productivity.

Tom is assisting with a series of trials to help growers manage soil constraints like acidity, compaction, water repellence and herbicide-resistant weeds. 

His focus is on mechanical soil amelioration, which includes common techniques include soil mixing, (e.g. ripping and spading), soil inversion (e.g. mouldboarding or one-way plough) and deep ripping, all of which lead to various degrees of soil mixing, creating a changed soil profile.

Tom explains some of the main barriers to adoption and what he is aiming to achieve in his trials. 

Episode Links:

https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/water-repellence/soil-water-repellence-overview

https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/water-repellence/rotary-spading-and-deep-cultivation-ameliorate-soil-water-repellence

https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/soil-carbon/managing-soil-organic-carbon-western-australian-farms

https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/soil-carbon/soil-organic-matter-frequently-asked-questions-faqs