Looking below the surface: What it means for you

Abstract

In this feature article, soil scientist Dr Oliver Knox of the University of New England takes us below the surface using research supported by CRDC to help understand our most valuable asset. Recently there have been many questions from growers and consultants at industry trial events and field days relating not so much specifically to cotton, but to the biology in the soil. These questions have ranged in topic from 'how do I increase my soil biology?', 'what benefits does it deliver? right through to 'how do I best control this pathogen?' and all sorts of issues in between. The reason for the breadth of questions is that soil biology is incredibly diverse both in species and types of organisms present. However, the biggest challenge is that soil biology is incredibly difficult to manage largely because it is incredibly difficult to see. In this article we are highlighting this diversity and outlining some of the latest findings relating to soil biology. This is by no means a complete coverage of all the CRDC and other work being undertaken, but if you are interested in any of these areas then get in touch with the researchers or ask your local CottonInfo regional extension officer if they can help organise an event in your area to address specific issues.