Improving grain yield by ameliorating sodic subsoil, Rand NSW

Abstract

Key findings • Deep placement of organic and inorganic amendments increased grain yield by 20–40% for three successive years on a sodic subsoil at Rand. • Deep placement of organic and inorganic amendments increased root growth and soil water use from the deeper clay layers during the grain filling-stage. • Improvements in grain yield with deep placement of organic and inorganic amendments were associated with reduced subsoil pH and exchangeable sodium percentage, and increased microbial activity.