Soil Health & Conservation
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Item 6.10 Compaction(SASRI, Feb 2022)This paper discusses the effects of compaction on sugarcane production in South Africa. It explores how infield haulage vehicles and tillage implements compress soils, reducing pore size and increasing bulk density. These changes limit water and airflow, leading to more frequent periods of water stress and reduced yield. The paper also highlights other effects of compaction, such as reduced water infiltration, increased surface run-off potential, slower oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange, and increased waterlogging. It emphasizes the importance of managing soil compaction for sustainable sugarcane cultivation.Item 6.14 Subsoiling / ripping(SASRI, July 2022)Subsoiling and ripping, also known as deep tillage, is a practice used to break up compacted sub-surface soil layers to improve water and airflow and alleviate root limiting layers. This paper discusses the benefits of subsoiling and ripping in sugarcane production, highlighting the importance of eliminating confounding factors before embarking on the tillage operation. The paper provides examples of the factors that should be considered before and during the subsoiling operation.Item 6.5 Liming materials and their use(SASRI, July 2022)Liming materials are products that can neutralise soil acidity (See Information Sheet 6.4: Managing soil acidity). These products work by reducing the amount of hydrogen (H) ions in the soil thus lowering the pH. This reduces the amounts of toxic elements like aluminium (Al) and manganese (Mn), while improving the availability of several plant nutrients and stimulating root growth and soil biological activity. In this information sheet, the key benefits of liming are highlighted, some best practices for the use of lime are outlined and various aspects of lime quality are considered. Advantages of liming of acid soils: Increases soil pH, Lowers toxic levels of Al and Mn, Increases availability of phosphorus (and most other nutrients) for crop uptake, Adds calcium (Ca) (and sometimes magnesium (Mg)) to the soil, Improves nitrogen mineralisation and availability, Improves soil biological function, Enhances soil aggregation, Increases soil cation exchange capacity. Risk of overliming ("limeshock"): May cause an excessive increase in soil pH, Leads to