The Soil Quality ebook series is a pioneering project that presents current knowledge and information on the management of Western Australian agricultural soil using the latest in multimedia technology.
The series, available for free from Apple Books and compatible to download from Apple phones, tablets and computers, is published by SoilsWest - an alliance between the department and Western Australian universities and based at Murdoch University.
The ebooks are also available by using the search option on the Department's Digital Library
Download your free Soil Quality ebooksGRDC supported the Soil Quality ebook project, which comprises 10 books.
Experts from a range of organisations, and farmers, contributed their knowledge, best practice techniques, and stories to the ebooks. The publications bring together soil science and its practical application, harnessing years of soil research, and first-hand accounts from landholders about their experience with soil management in Western Australia.
Download Soil Quality ebooks
Book 1 Constraints to Plant Production provides an overview of soil constraints to plant production through an interactive learning experience, primarily via video, case studies, diagrams, and maps as well as text.
Book 2 Integrated Soil Management is a practical manual for farmers wanting to integrate the management of multiple soil constraints into their farming system. Information moves through identifying and prioritising soil constraints, and options for managing multiple constraints to detailed discussions on managing typical soil types and their common constraints.
Book 3 Soil Organic Matter provides a detailed understanding of the role and functioning of soil organic matter in farming systems, including the implications of a wide range of agricultural management practices.
Book 4 Soil Acidity explains the causes and implications of soil acidity in broadacre agriculture. Diagnosis and management guidelines are supported by current research results and farmer case studies.
Book 5 Soil Biology provides a detailed understanding of the multifunctional role of soil and its inhabitants – including beneficial and disease-causing organisms. This book explores the three-dimensional structure of soil as a habitat for the survival of soil biota, biological functions that benefit plant growth, detrimental soilborne diseases and nematode pests, and how climate and management practice influence soil biota and their functions.
Book 6 Soil Compaction explains the causes, effects, diagnosis, and management of compaction in agricultural soil, supported by evidence-based case studies and farmer experiences.
Book 7 Soil Water Repellence explains the impact, expression, diagnosis, and management of water repellence in agricultural soil, supported by evidence-based case studies and farmer experiences.
Book 8 Sodic and Alkaline Soil explains the causes, implications, and impact of sodicity and alkalinity on soil structure and stability – including transient salinity and waterlogging.
Book 9 Gravel Soil is a combination of the latest science and best practice guidance for gravel soil. Gravel soil makes up 24 per cent of land used for crop production in southern Western Australia, with further major production regions in South Australia and Victoria, but until recently these unique soils have received less attention in comparison to other soil types.
Book 10, Plant Nutrition provides a detailed understanding of nutrient management in the south-west agricultural region of Western Australia. This book describes the basic functions of nutrients in plants, capture of nutrients by plants, what influences soil nutrient supply and how this is measured, as well as exploring factors that influence plant response to fertiliser application. A useful, practical guide for farmers wanting to assess and manage crop and pasture nutrition on a range of soil types.