Soil Management

Maintain a farm soil map including information on soil profile, drainage, land use and historical productivity and understand effective and efficient soil and land use.

Avoid compaction or irrigation related water logging.

Regular cultivation does reduce soil organic carbon level by carbon oxidation. Try and improve organic carbon content of the soil gradually by incorporating nitrogen based and readily decomposable organic residues. Presence of organic carbon improves soil structure which in turn improves soil moisture holding capacity and soil fertility. Boosting soil organic carbon level will also minimise nitrate leaching.

However, beware heavy introduction of undecomposed organic residues may demand more nutrients due to increased soil bacterial activity. This could lead to nutrient deficiencies in vegetables.

Consider vegetable rotation as part of your commercial decision to minimise disease outbreaks and high pesticide use.

Maintain active riparian margin with grass cover to minimise sediment runoff.