Information

A comparison of two tillage systems on four soil types in the Douglas – Daly region of the Northern Territory

Level 1 General description

Purpose:

To determine the effect of tillage systems on soil loss under differing soil types in the Douglas – Daly region.

Methods (brief)

There were 8 catchments of 8-20 ha, each within single-spaced soil conservation banks. Soil loss was measured under CT and NT grain sorghum on 4 soil types (loamy red earths; sandy red earths, Blain and Tippera families; and yellow podzolics). Soil loss was determined by surveying the cross-sectional area of rills within each catchment at the end of the wet seasons.

Key findings (brief)

  • The no till (conservation) plots had significantly higher available soil moisture and higher soil strength. These plots also exhibited significantly lower soil surface temperatures and soil movement.
  • Yields were substantially greater in the conventionally cultivated plots.

Location

Located between 13o30S, 131°10'E and 14°10'S, 131°30'E, on commercial farms

Related studies

Dilshad M, Motha JA & Peel LJ. (1996). Surface runoff, soil and nutrient losses from farming systems in the Australian semi-arid tropics. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 36: 1003-12.

 

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