Increasing knowledge and profitability of cropping on Ironstone gravel soils

The term ironstone gravel is loosely defined, as it covers a broad range of gravel soils which are located predominantly within the medium to high rainfall zones of the western region and on Kangaroo Island in the southern region. It is estimated that more than 2 million hectares of these soils are used for agricultural production in both regions. The properties of these soils are poorly understood but have been associated with low plant available water and extremely high phosphorus (P) fixation. This investment will characterise the chemical properties, iron content, particle size and topography of these soils and investigate tools, methods and technologies to increase P and moisture availability to canola and wheat crops. The use of innovative techniques and approaches, using technology from mining and other non-traditional service suppliers, will potentially provide growers with transformational tools to increase profitability on these soils