Hydrophobic, or water-repellent soils are soils coated in organic compounds, which prevent water from properly infiltrating the soil. Usually affecting sandy soils, these compounds can come from plant wax and oils, or microorganisms in the soil, causing patchy and staggered crop establishment for grain growers.

In this podcast, Dr Stephen Davies from WA’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development talks to Lucinda Jose about outcomes from the Soil Constraints West project that can help growers better manage water-repellent soils.

Further information:

Dr Stephen Davies

Soil Constraints West Initiative

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

20 Gregory St., Geraldton WA 6530

m: 0408 439 497

email: [email protected]

Resources:

AGRIC Managing soils > ROSA: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/managing-soils/ranking-options-soil-amendments-tool

AGRIC Managing soils > water repellence: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/soil-constraints/water-repellence

AGRIC Managing soils > soil compaction: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils/soil-compaction

AGRIC Managing soils > soil acidity: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils/soil-acidity

GRDC Initiatives > Non-wetting soils: https://grdc.com.au/research/trials,-programs-and-initiatives/non-wetting-soils

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