Biological Indicators and Potential Amendments to Improve Soil Health, Crop Productivity and Profitability for Cropping Soils in Central West NSW Australia

Abstract

The no-till revolution has created many opportunities for farmers throughout the world to at least maintain and even improve the productivity of dryland crops, while at the same time addressing many soil degradation problems. While it is important to acknowledge the great achievements in terms of reduced erosion and improved productivity, it is also imperative that researchers and farmers are proactive in the assessment of possible biological changes to soil health due to land management practices. The influence of no-till on the soil biological properties is one area that has received some research but little in the Central West region of NSW, Australia (CW NSW). This study was undertaken to firstly understand the effects of no-till agriculture, as it is currently being practised in CW NSW, on physical, chemical and biological properties of both high and low productive no-till cropping soil when compared to adjacent uncultivated natural grassland soil.