New organic amendments for retaining soil moisture

Persistent drought has been a feature of the agricultural landscape across Australia. Water stress has short- and long-term effects on soil health and therefore productivity. Retaining moisture in these environments is a high priority.

Drought reduces soil water availability and crop nutrient uptake, increases fracturing, crusting and deterioration of soil structure, and causes soil erosion therefore decreasing crop yield. Currently commercially available water retention materials include surfactants which help reduce soil water repellence and improve soil wetting processes. However, the effectiveness and environmental risk of some of these materials has yet to be assessed.

This project will develop novel, highly efficient and environmentally friendly moisture retention materials through evaluating, modifying and activating naturally occurring, locally available organic- and clay-based materials to provide cost-effective practical solutions.

These will enhance soil moisture capture and retention, improve seed germination, crop establishment and farming activity under dry conditions.

By developing cost-effective, environmentally friendly moisture retention materials, farmers will be able to increase the productivity of their soils and therefore their profitability, especially in dry conditions.