Measuring and assessing soils

Soil health is largely determined by the soils physical, chemical and biological characteristics, along with assumptions around the productivity, or lack thereof, of plants and animals. A significant proportion of the Western Australian grain crop is grown on soils that have physical or chemical limitations that require management to minimise their effect on plant growth and potential yield. To better understand the potential productivity of soil, it is important to examine key soil characteristics and indicators. The department provides technical advice to assist landholders to determine their soil’s productive capacity and to implement management strategies to maintain and improve the quality of their soils which promotes productivity and profitability. Maintaining soil health is one of the keys to a sustainable and profitable agricultural industry in WA.