Southern Farming Systems (SFS) have been holding a range of field days on how to best manage soil acidity and the role of soil pH on nutrient availability.

Key topics included lime applications and their response in raising soil pH, as well the role of other soil conditioners, such as gypsum, along with the different ramifications of acid soils in grazing and cropping enterprises.

One of the recent field days was held at the Vallance family farm at Wickliffe, near Lake Bolac, with over 40 in attendance.

Tim Johnston of DPI in his presentation “Soil Acidity: the hidden giant” gave a summary of the causes and problems of soil acidity.

Martin Peters, FarmWorks and Andrew Whitlock, Precision Agriculture looked at modern technology that enables cost effective sampling and mapping of paddocks.

Mr Whitlock raised the possibility of better using technology to identify and rectify strongly acid soils.

He said that by using EM38 conductivity measurements, soil pH can be estimated and a map produced of predicted soil pH.

This is helpful in prescribing the correct rate of lime to bring soils closer to neutral.

Following the map being created, a lime rate prescription can then be developed, and used in conjunction with variable rate spreading equipment, to spread lime at an appropriate rate, and more cost effectively.

Farmers also visited George Burdett’s nearby property to talk with Renick Peries, DPI, who is working on ameliorating hostile sub-soils by slotting chicken manure below the surface.

The aim is to provide a friendlier sub-soil environment, which will allow plants to put down deeper roots.

The field day and soil workshops are funded by the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country, Sustainable Farm Practices initiative and supported by the Glenelg Hopkins CMA.