Acidic Soils

The Problem:
Acid soils have often been described as a ticking time bomb. There are widespread areas of acidic soil in Australia leading to lost production. To rectify this problem Calcium Carbonate(Lime) is applied, but in many cases this is proving to be uneconomic because of the cost associated with transport and application. While the benefits may last several years the cost is encountered in the first year.

The Solution:
By applying a lesser amount of fine Lime annually these problems can be alleviated and land returned to economic production.

The suspension fertiliser application system that Rural Air Work provides can address the immediate needs for plant health in the first year of application at the same time incorporating Reactive Phosphate Rock, Elemental Sulphur and a rate of trace elements as required. The one pass system provides an economical way of addressing Calcium deficiencies in acid soils and providing a total nutrient package.

By applying annually it means cash flow considerations have been addressed for that year and a major capital expenditure has not been incurred as with capital Liming (2.5 t/ha) which have to be paid off, even over drought years.

The system also allows for 100% of the area to be treated, bringing all the land area back into production thus improving economic returns. Other advantages include no soil compaction, quick returns on the money invested, the ability to cover steep hill country, an even application, a total nutrient package can be provided and this solution is affordable.

Application Rates:
A comprehensive soil test is advised before any attention is given to application rates. Consideration also needs to be given as to whether a total nutrient application is required or lime alone. When this system was first developed a lot of work went into lime requirements given different circumstances. Theses factors in the main were: exchange capacity of the soil, soil PH, the neutralising value of the limestone and the economic returns expected - whether cropping or grazing.

Suspension System Benefits:

• Quick application.
• High quality product used.
• 150 kg/ha per year of lime may be sufficient.
• Ability to incorporate a total nutrient package.
• Seed can be included.
• 100% of application area is covered with an even spread.
• No soil compaction.
• Reduced run off.
• Prescription mixing on site, field by field.
• Economic return on application in first year.