This report has been prepared in good faith on the basis of information available at the date of publication. Readers are responsible for assessing the relevance and accuracy of the content of this publication. PPS will not be liable for any loss, damage, cost or expense inncurred or arising by reason of any person using or relying on the information included in this publication.
Is the variable lime technique applicable/economic in a pasture system or is it more suited to cropping systems?
Is it viable in the smaller size paddocks that are usual in pasture systems?
Can you measure economic gains using the technique in pasture paddocks?
Key messages
The variable lime technology soil pH testing and subsequent variable lime rate applications have the potential to be an efficient method of ensuring that soil pH is in the target range for optimum plant growth.
The variable lime technology has the potential to create savings for farmers addressing soil pH in pasture systems as evidenced in the case study on page 14. It should be noted though, that in some cases the variable lime technology soil measurements may identify a higher requirement for lime than that calculated from conventional testing.
The trial analysis suggested that six out of the seven paddocks in the trial would have potential cost savings if variable or targeted liming was implemented when compared to conventional testing and lime application rates. The seventh paddock had a pH below target levels over the entire area and required a blanket lime application and there would have been no cost saving benefit in this case.
For further key findings please see the attached trial report.
Lead research organisation
Perennial Pasture Systems
Host research organisation
N/A
Trial funding source
Caring for our Country
Trial funding source
Glenelg Hopkins CMA
Trial funding source
Wimmera CMA
Related program
N/A
Acknowledgments
Funding: the Australian Government 'Caring for our Country' through the Glenelg Hopkins and Wimmera Catchment Management Authorities for funding support.
Technical Assistance: Andrew Whitlock, Brendan Torpy, Meera Dawson, Andrew Lay; Precision Agriculture Ballarat, Westlake Fertilisers Lake Bolac, Lisa Warn; Warn Ag Melbourne.
Special thanks to Brendan Torpy from Precision Agriculture for his expertise and patience in constructing the maps and then reconstructing them a few times at the PPS project manager’s request.
Final Report: Wayne Burton; PPS President (2015 – 2017) - assistance final report, Rachael Campbell, Extension Officer; Agriculture Victoria, Ballarat – assistance with report review.
Trial source data and summary not available Check the trial
report PDF for trial results.
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.
Dobie VIC
Joel Hill VIC
Mooneys Gap VIC
Stawell - Barn VIC
Stawell - Napiers VIC
Stawell - west VIC
Warrick Road VIC
Dobie VIC
NOTE: Exact trial site locality unknown - Climate data may not be accurate
Joel Hill VIC
NOTE: Exact trial site locality unknown - Climate data may not be accurate
Mooneys Gap VIC
NOTE: Exact trial site locality unknown - Climate data may not be accurate
Stawell - Barn VIC
NOTE: Exact trial site locality unknown - Climate data may not be accurate
Stawell - Napiers VIC
NOTE: Exact trial site locality unknown - Climate data may not be accurate
Stawell - west VIC
NOTE: Exact trial site locality unknown - Climate data may not be accurate
Warrick Road VIC
NOTE: Exact trial site locality unknown - Climate data may not be accurate
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.
