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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 45(3)

Persistent improvements in the structure and hydraulic conductivity of a Ferrosol due to liming

J. M. Kirkham A B , B. A. Rowe A and R. B. Doyle A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A School of Agricultural Science & Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 98, Hobart, Tas. 7005, Australia.

B Corresponding author. Email: james.kirkham@utas.edu.au

Australian Journal of Soil Research 45(3) 218-223 https://doi.org/10.1071/SR06169
Submitted: 30 November 2006  Accepted: 23 March 2007   Published: 18 May 2007

Abstract

Changes in the soil structure and hydraulic conductivity of an Acidic Red Ferrosol were measured in a long-term (1968–2003) fertiliser experiment on pasture in north-western Tasmania, Australia. Studies were initiated following observations of both softer soil surface and cracking on plots that had received 15 t/ha of ground agricultural limestone. Liming decreased penetration resistance and increased hydraulic conductivity. These structural improvements were associated with increased mean dry aggregate size, a small increase in wet aggregate stability, higher exchangeable calcium levels, and increased plant growth, but a 9% decrease in total soil organic carbon in the surface 50 mm. This decrease in organic carbon was not associated with deterioration in soil structure, as may have been anticipated. This was probably because total organic C was still 82 g/kg on unlimed plots. Decreases in soil penetration resistance due to liming increased the likelihood of pugging from livestock but may improve ease of tillage.

This research demonstrates that liming can improve the structure of a well-aggregated Ferrosol as well as its previously reported effects of increasing soil pH and yields of pasture and barley despite decreasing organic C.

Additional keywords: lime, calcium, soil structure, aggregation, porosity, organic C.


Acknowledgments

This long-term experiment was made possible by the ongoing interest and cooperation of the managers and staff of the Elliott Research and Demonstration Station and the professional and technical commitment of Mr D. E. Johnson and Mr D. Butler of the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industry and Water during the last 30 years. The Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research funded summer studentships for Mr R. Baker, Dr R. Rawnsley, and Mr M. Robinson who measured hydraulic conductivity in 1995, penetration resistance in 1999, and wet aggregate stability in 2002, respectively. Dr G. Jock Churchman from the University of Adelaide provided advice on clay mineralogy. Exchangeable calcium in 1984 was determined by the Chemistry Branch, Biological and Chemical Research Institute, Rydalmere, New South Wales. Total C and total N in were determined in 2003 by the Queensland Department of Primary Industry. The soil and clay mineralogy were conducted in 2006 by Mr R. Botrill, Mineral Resources, Tasmania.


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