Soil Management

The topsoil (A1 horizon) is compact and subject to poorer than desired soil structure including lower hydraulic conductivity, and thus lower drainable porosity than what would normally be expected for a red Ferrosol. Despite evidence of compaction and poor structure, the soil profile holds a reasonable amount of readily available moisture at 49 mm, and a substantial plant available water content at 130 mm (largely due to the depth of the profile). This indicates that irrigation should be easily able to maintain moisture and avoiding moisture stress. In relation to irrigation, the refill point for the A1 horizon is between 27 % (50 kPa) to 23 % (100 kPa) soil moisture. The nutrient retention capacity of the soil is lower than expected, small and often application of fertilizer will be required to avoid nutrients leaching below the root zone. Regardless of the moisture retention properties, management should consider approaches to improve the carbon levels and structure of the A1 horizon including; greater application of plant residues to the tree mound, use of living mulches, grass clippings, mulches and composts.

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