To evaluate the effects of soil amelioration in a high magnesic soil.

Management of hard setting soils is a relatively common issue in the northern grains region. Hard setting soils can be caused by a range of factors including sodicity, low organic matter, higher clay content and where exchangeable magnesium is high. Issues noticed in field are poor infiltration of rainfall, soils become boggy very quickly and the surface becomes very hard as it dries out. Trial programs are challenging as the site needs to be managed for multiple seasons to evaluate real benefits. Application of gypsum is the most likely effective amelioration but a range of other potential treatments were included in this trial including shallow or deep phosphorus application.