Soil acidity

Soil acidity is a major constraint to farming in Western Australia. Extensive surveys of soil pH profiles across the south-west show that more than 70% of surface soils and almost half of subsurface soils are below appropriate pH levels. The majority of growers now place soil acidity in their top three management priorities. Managing soil acidity is both achievable and profitable.

The department supports landholders in reducing the impact of soil acidity by providing technical information on diagnosis and management options and is currently researching innovative approaches to managing subsoil acidity in collaboration with the University of Western Australia and the Grains Research and Development Corporation.