12 Jun How to optimise the soil during drought conditions
The ongoing drought in southern and western Australia has presented serious challenges for farmers. This is particularly true for those who rely on the land for crop production and pasture for livestock feed.
As the dry conditions persist, maximising the available soil moisture and ensuring that nutrients are readily accessible is critical.
Fortunately, there are sustainable ways to support both crops and pastures during these challenging times.
Understanding the role of soil moisture during Drought
The key to optimising growth under drought conditions lies in retaining and managing the moisture that remains in the soil. Moisture retention and utilisation not only sustain plant growth but also ensure that soil microbes, essential for nutrient cycling, stay active.
Farmers can use a combination of soil management practices, including the use of fertilisers, to help balance mineral levels and stimulate microbial activity in the soil. This approach ensures that even with limited rainfall, soil health is maintained, supporting sustainable crop and pasture growth.
Use Nitrogen Fertilisers wisely
Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients for plants, particularly during early growth stages.
However, nitrogen can be lost to the atmosphere through volatilisation, especially in dry conditions. To maximise the benefits of fertilisers, we’ve seen the positive results of combining different nitrogen sources. For example, using a 60% urea: 40% Sulphate of Ammonia (SOA) blend.
Ammonium sulphate acts as a soil conditioner that helps warm up the soil, allowing for better microbial activity. When microbes are active, they can break down organic matter more efficiently. This makes nutrients, especially nitrogen, more accessible to crops and pastures.
By ensuring a steady supply of nitrogen, you’re giving plants the nutrition they need to thrive, even when rain is scarce.
Feed your soil with Bio-Hum and Bio-Hum Soil Drench
To further optimise soil conditions and encourage healthy plant growth, consider using Biolink’s Bio-Hum and Bio-Hum Soil Drench products. These products are rich in organic humates and soil microbes. They work together to enhance soil structure, improve nutrient retention, and stimulate plant growth.
Bio-Hum is a soil conditioner that helps restore and maintain a healthy microbial environment, even in drought conditions. When used in conjunction with nitrogen fertilisers, Bio-Hum supports the development of strong root systems, which are vital for accessing water and nutrients in dry soils.
Bio-Hum Soil Drench is a liquid solution that can be applied directly to the soil to stimulate microbial activity. It reactivates beneficial microorganisms that improve soil health and nutrient uptake, supporting crops and pastures during periods of stress.
Our Bio-Hum application recommendations are:
- Apply 80kg of nitrogen fertiliser (Urea/SOA Blend) + 2kg Bio-Hum every fertiliser round, using 2kg/ha per application.
- When using Bio-Hum Soil Drench, apply 1 kg per hectare at every liquid fertiliser application.
Timing is key – Apply fertilisers at the right time
In drought conditions, timing is crucial.
To take advantage of rain when it does fall – and give crops and pastures the boost they need – apply fertilisers and soil conditioners. This will also provide them with the opportunity to develop strong root systems.
Timely application helps maximise the use of moisture when it is available. This ensures crops are better prepared to handle the stresses of drier-than-normal starts and cool conditions.
Monitor the soil and adjust as needed
It’s essential to regularly monitor the soil’s moisture and nutrient levels throughout the growing season. As conditions change, adjust your fertilisation and soil management practices accordingly to ensure you’re getting the best results.
Keeping track of soil health will enable you to make informed decisions about future applications of Biolink products, ensuring continued success.
Drought conditions are a harsh reality for many farmers. Still, with the right approach to soil management, you can optimise the moisture and nutrients that are available, ensuring that crops and pastures continue to grow.
By using a combination of nitrogen fertilisers, ammonium sulphate, and Biolink products like Bio-Hum and Bio-Hum Soil Drench, you can optimise the soil even in challenging drought conditions. As well as supporting healthy soil, you’ll also maximise growth potential in the long term.
Get in touch to discuss an optimum fertiliser plan for your farm.