Reme Soilmaster Copyright 1996 -Reme Soilmaster(TM)

POKING ABOUT IN THE DIRT with ROB CUMMING. (Soils Consultant)

---

INTRODUCTION:

  

Rob Cumming has been working with soils for 20 years, in a wide variety of areas throughout NSW and Victoria.  Since 1978, he has worked extensively throughout the Tablelands, Slopes and Plains.    Soils are a many splendoured thing; like a rainbow,or a new hatched chick.  They leave people wondering if they can understand what appears to be a rather complex thing.  We end up marveling that anyone can come to terms with it!  Or should we just ignore soil problems and they will go away?  We shouldn't and they won't!  Why should we bother?  Of course we can't ignore soil problems.  They, like the death and taxes, are always with us.  Soil forms the basic fabric of life.  It plays a part so important, that it cannot be put on a shelf for another day (or year, or lifetime).  It is used throughout our lives to produce food and fibre crops, supporting all forms of life, which in turn support us.  So what are we doing to protect this valuable asset? We are making you aware (if you were not already so!) of the wonderful resource at your disposal, to introduce you to the intricacies of soils and the many interesting things that soils influence.    In the past twenty years, we have seen a large change in soils and how we use them.  Perhaps the most obvious things we can all see, are the changes wrought by salinity and acidity.  Both these changes to soils have caused losses in the amount of production we can get from an area or a farm, because they affect the necessary nutrients for plant growth.  Salinity (or salting) certainly has seen a major effort being made in both its recognition and treatment by Government agencies and individuals, over a long period of time.  A good example is the effort of the community groups in the Yass Valley area.  Here, there has been a concerted attempt to come to terms with the problem of treating salt areas.  This was facing a large number of people, and in some places had reduced the earning capacity  of farms and reduced the viable area.

Acidity is likewise having attention paid to it, where it is found to be adversely affecting the soil and crop production.  What can you do?  Look after your soil!  After all, it has been looking after you for years and with a little careful management, will continue to do so, for many years to come.  The first step in soil management is to have it tested. A simple soil test will reveal any deficiencies or toxicities that may be present. Once identified, these are reasonably simple to correct. However, the traditional "feel for the land" approach doesn't really apply these days, where a 1% improvement in yield can be a major bonus. Testing is a simple and very cost effective process. Your sample (made from 10-15 sub-samples taken at random) should be sent to a reputable (and preferably independent)laboratory. The Lab should take around a week to test your soil and present your results. Consult with your fertiliser agent or agronomist if you are unsure of what to do.   The key to soil management is achieving the correct nutrient balances. Once achieved, these balanced nutrient levels will improve any soil's productive capacity. Soils research is now at a stage where technology is required to gain the best results. This technology is here to stay, so there is no point in trying to dodge the issues. In order to be competetive and profitable, the modern farmer needs to test his soil. By identifying problems and areearly, long term profitability is assured.