Soil acidification survey
The Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board want to hear your experiences, please complete this short survey to help us better understand the impact of soil acidification across the region.
Soil acidification effects about 1.9 million hectares (20%) of South Australian agricultural land. Many of these soils are naturally acidic, but acidification is accelerated by agricultural practices including the removal of grain, hay and livestock from the paddock, the use of ammonia-based fertilisers, and leaching of nitrate nitrogen derived from legume plants or fertilisers. Sandy soils and higher production levels also tend to lead to higher acidification rates.
The Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board has seen an increase in soil acidity in areas which have not traditionally experienced acidification, including the Southern Mallee and Upper South East. Without intervention, soil acidification can have negative impact it has upon crop and pasture production, and increase the risk of soil erosion through reduced vegetation and ground cover.