Research and Development

The Compost for Soils project is undertaking significant research on the benefits of composts for agricultural soils. By understanding the properties of composts that make them suppressive to disease, the research team at the South Australian Research and Development Institute hopes to develop innovative composts specifically targeted at controlling soil borne diseases and inducing plant systemic resistance to a wider range of pests and diseases. Laboratory and glasshouse studies have already indicated the potential for composts in horticultural soils, and further work, combined with field trials, will demonstrate how composts can be used most effectively to improve the reliability of protected vegetable production on the Northern Adelaide Plains.

The Compost for Soils project also has a component of field demonstration, aimed at showing growers ‘on their patch’ the role that compost can play in improving the efficiency of horticultural production. Demonstration trials in vineyards and orchards will seek to further build on the research already undertaken, by looking at the use of compost as a part of soil management systems. Trials in field-grown vegetable production will seek to demonstrate the use of compost to achieve higher levels of soil organic matter and the many benefits that flow from this. A key component of all demonstration trials will be evaluation of yield, quality and inputs, allowing the development of gross-margins to show the potential economic benefits of compost in horticultural production.

Both in South Australia, and nationally, much information already exists on the benefits of composts for horticultural soils and how best to use them. We’re more than happy to source this information for you and provide guidance on the use of composts – please do contact us!