Gravelling and sanding problematic sodic soils

Gravel and sand mulches are being tested to improve crop emergence in areas affected by challenging soil conditions, including non-wetting soils, waterlogging and salinity with some unexpected results. Ella Shaylor from SLR Agriculture explains how surface mulches can help conserve soil moisture, reduce evaporation and limit the movement of salts towards the soil surface. Local grower Jake Latham shares his experience with persistent patches where crops have struggled to germinate year after year. While gravel has performed well in previous trials, sand mulch is showing particularly promising results— raising new questions about how and why the treatment is working. This podcast is part of a 6-part GRDC series looking at managing soil constraints in Western Australia. The project adopting innovative solutions for challenging soils is a GRDC investment led by SLR Agriculture. Contacts: Ella Shaylor SLR Agriculture ella.shaylor@slragriculture.com.au Jake Latham Grower Lathja16@gmail.com More Information: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2026/02/gravel-mulch-improves-cereal-yield-and-water-use-efficiency-on-alkaline-sodic-soils-in-the-eastern-wheatbelt-of-wa https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPqOC5zbwC8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foExvBXRFjo Project/Investment Codes: PLT2409-001SAX SLR25002-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices