Clay Loams

Clay loams can be some of the best soils for agricultural, generally having good water retention properties but with poor hydraulic conductivity. They can stay very wet for a very long time and require a lot of water to promote hydraulic conductivity.

With the propensity to retain water, clay loams may display surface run-off of irrigation, nutrients, and soil . Clay loams will develop mechanical compaction issues and impaired hydraulic conductivity resulting in even more irrigation water being required year on year.

For horticultural activities such as growng potatoes, carrots, and other root vegetables, the friability of the soil is extremely important for vertical root or tuber growth, as is the hydraulic conductivity for soil drainage from excess irrigation or excessive rain events.

The ability to increase friability of clay loams is an important consideration. The technical reports and videos demonstrate the ability of Aqua-Sil technology to increase friability of clay loams that reduce stickiness and influence water retention so that excess soil water is mitigated.

Reports

• 2018 Preliminary in-field testing of Aqua-Sil’s effectiveness in improving  poorly structured and hardsetting soils. (126 pages)
• Almond Orchard in Bannerton, VIC (12 pages).
• Almond orchard soil amelioration project report Robinvale, VIC (5 pages) 

Changes to soil resistance & improved spread of moisture through the profile:

• 2019 Soil Strength Testing at the Gawler River ‘Aqua-Sil’ Trial Site  (52 pages)

Mildura light soil video demonstration shows changes in spread and infiltration of irrigation for a low and high dose application.

Mildura dark soil demonstration shows changes in spread and infiltration of irrigation for a low and high dose application.