Comparing the influence of organic matter and fertiliser inputs on soil organic carbon and grain production

2013
CC BY 4.0

Research organisatons
Funding sources

Trial details

Researcher(s) Natalie Hogg (DAFWA)
Frances Hoyle (DAFWA)
Felicity Taylor (Facey Group)
Year(s) 2013
Contributor Facey Group
Trial location(s) Tincurrin, WA
Comparing the influence of organic matter and fertiliser inputs on soil organic carbon and grain production locations
Aims

To identify on-farm management strategies to increase soil organic carbon (SOC) and quantify any associated risks and benefits in a grain production system. In this trial the NSPNR wanted to detrmine whether: Altering inputs to increase plant biomass would subsequently increase soil carbon, and amending soils with compost would increase soil carbon storage or provide agronomic benefits.

Key messages
  • In 2013 there was no evidence of changes in soil condition or organic carbon associated with the application of compost at up to 3 t/ha in 2012. Potential changes in soil organic carbon and other soil properties will be determined in February 2014.
  • This trial will be continued in 2014 to assess changes in soil condition and future production.
Lead research organisation Department of Agriculture and Food WA
Host research organisation Facey Group
Trial funding source GRDC
Trial funding source Australian Government
Related program N/A
Acknowledgments

This project is led by the Department of Agriculture & Food WA in collaboration with the FACEY Group and is supported by funding from the Australian Government.Thanks to the FACEY group and their growers, in particular Wade Hinkley and the FACEY staff for their continued interest and support for this project and management of the trial site.


Other trial partners Not specified
Download the trial report to view additional trial information

Method

Crop type None: No crop specified
Treatment type(s)
  • Fertiliser: Rate
  • Fertiliser: Type
Trial type Experimental
Trial design Replicated

Tincurrin 2013

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size 140m x 10m
Plot replication 4
Fertiliser

100KG/ha Super and Potash 2:1

Download the trial report to view additional method/treatment information

Download results

Trial results Table 1

# Treatment 1
Soil organic carbon (10 - 20cm) (%) Soil organic carbon (0 - 10cm) (%) Soil organic carbon (20 - 30cm) (%)
1 Nil compost (control) 0.54 1.45 0.39
2 Compost 1 t/ha 0.66 1.42 0.34
3 Compost 2 t/ha 0.54 1.3 0.35
4 Compost 3 t/ha 0.49 1.15 0.39

Soil organic carbon (0 - 10cm) %


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Soil organic carbon (10 - 20cm) %


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Soil organic carbon (20 - 30cm) %


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Observed trial site soil information
Trial site soil testing
Site Depth Type pH EC P K N A OC CAT
Tincurrin, WA 0 - 10cm 4.70 0.09 26.00 44.00
Tincurrin, WA 10 - 20cm 4.50 0.03 17.00 31.00
Tincurrin, WA 20 - 30cm 4.60 0.03 12.00 38.00
Soil conditions
Trial site Soil texture
Tincurrin, WA Grey calcareous sandy loam
Derived trial site soil information
Australian Soil Classification Source: ASRIS
Trial site Soil order
Tincurrin, WA Kandosol
Soil Moisture Source: BOM/ANU
Average amount of water stored in the soil profile during the year, estimated by the OzWALD model-data fusion system.
Year Tincurrin WA
2013 312.2mm
2012 332.4mm
2011 289.9mm
2010 262.6mm
2009 299.7mm
2008 294.0mm
2007 277.1mm
2006 315.7mm
2005 295.6mm
2004 271.9mm
2003 302.9mm
2002 281.7mm
2001 295.7mm
2000 364.3mm
National soil grid Source: CSIRO/TERN
NOTE: National Soil Grid data is aggregated information for background information on the wider area
Actual soil values can vary significantly in a small area and the trial soil tests are the most relevant data where available

Soil properties

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Climate

Derived climate information

No observed climate data available for this trial.
Derived climate data is determined from trial site location and national weather sources.

Tincurrin WA

NOTE: Exact trial site locality unknown - Climate data may not be accurate
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Some data on this site is sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology

SILO weather estimates sourced from https://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/silo/
Jeffrey, S.J., Carter, J.O., Moodie, K.B. and Beswick, A.R. (2001). Using spatial interpolation to construct a comprehensive archive of Australian climate data , Environmental Modelling and Software, Vol 16/4, pp 309-330. DOI: 10.1016/S1364-8152(01)00008-1.

Trial report and links

2013 trial report



Trial last modified: 18-05-2023 10:28am AEST