The publication summarises the results from the Increased soil carbon by accelerated humus formation from crop residues project (2012-2015) which evaluated the potential for soil carbon to be increased by adding stubble residues and nutrients to soils during the summer fallow period.

The publication includes farmer case studies and soil science to help farmers better understand their soil resource.

Riverine Plains Inc Research and Extension Officer, Dr Cassandra Schefe, compiled the report and said broadacre cropping is incredibly complex, and soil resources are a fundamental component of these production systems, though they are often one of the least well understood.

“In order to address significant knowledge gaps around soil carbon, Riverine Plains Inc managed the Increased soil carbon by accelerated humus formation from crop residues project between 2012-2015, which aimed to evaluate the potential for soil carbon to be increased by adding stubble residues and nutrients to soils during the summer fallow period,” Dr Schefe explained. 

“While the final results from the research trials conducted at Rutherglen, Tocumwal and Culcairn were largely inconclusive when it came to building soil carbon levels from stubble (due to the short-term nature of the project), we did learn many other important practical, scientific and economic lessons along the way and we felt it was important to share these learnings with grain growers,” she added.

“We also hope the Soil Carbon in Cropping Systems publication broadens the appreciation that growers have for the intricate complexity of the soil environment.”

Soil Carbon in Cropping Systems details the results from the completed Riverine Plains Inc project Increased soil carbon by accelerated humus formation from crop residues project (2012-2015), which was funded through the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture Action on the Ground program with support from project partners: Murray Local Land Services, the North East Catchment Management Authority and the Victorian Irrigated Cropping Council. 

More details HERE.