Removing constraints to productivity in the northern grain region
A GRDC-funded collaboration between the University of New England (UNE), Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), and the University of Queensland (UQ) to investigate the long-term economic viability of improving problem soils in central New South Wales and Queensland.
About the project
Researchers from the UNE, DAF, and UQ are continuing a Grains and Research Development Corporation (GRDC) investment working with producers to amend soil profiles and remove constraints to productivity in the Northern Grain Region until 2025. The approaches investigated vary in cost and inputs and will be monitored over time to determine the economic viability of the various interventions.
The project aims to improve farming system resilience and increase grower production and profits, especially in times of drought.
The research will directly benefit growers living in areas of NSW and QLD grappling with challenging soils. Research is focused on regions where there is the largest gap between expected grain yields based on temperature and rainfall and yields actually recovered from the field. This gap often exists because the crops are unable to make full use of the water in the soil profile because constraints to root growth don’t allow plants access to that water. Once complete, the project will provide cost-effective, long-term solutions to ameliorate the soil and improve yield gaps. Trials have commenced on properties from central NSW to southern Queensland. If you have a property in this region and are interested in participating in the on-farm trials, please get in touch with the research team by emailing Richard Flavel. If you would like to stay up to date with the latest results and growers reports, a bi-annual newsletter is in the works. Register your interest in subscribing by sending an email to Richard Flavel. Field days, soil pits and field walks will be held throughout the year to update growers on progress. It is anticipated the findings will be completed in 2026.Frequently asked questions
The findings so far
Soil Constraints Virtual Discussion - August 2023
In August 2023, UNE and DAF unpacked their findings so far.
Dubbed the 'bible' for grain growers, agronomists, researchers and farm financial advisers, the Dispersive Soil Manual published by the GRDC offers practical ways to diagnose soil constraints, develop amelioration plans to manage problems and assess the potential economic costs and benefits. The manual was created using data from a five-year collaboration involving UNE examining the economics of ameliorating soil constraints in the northern region. Read the manual here. The economics of ameliorating sodicity with gypsum and lime Author: David C McKenzie (Soil Management Designs) Date: 02 Mar 2022 Date: 24 Feb 2021Helpful resources
