Investment
Investment
GRDC Code: SAG2306-001OPX
Understanding the pesticide effects on soil microbial functions in contrasting SA soils
Pesticides are used in agriculture to control pests to improve crop health and productivity. Aside from affecting the pests that they target, pesticides may also harm beneficial soil microorganisms, which also play an important role in soil health and crop production. However, there is limited knowledge about the effect of pesticides on soil health and the influence of soil properties. The aim of this research is to fill this knowledge gap for South Australian soils.
The work will build on previous research which investigated the effects of 20 commonly used pesticides on soil microbial composition and function in three South Australian soil types. The effects of six of these pesticides were largely dependent on soil type.
The research team will assess these six pesticides in ten contrasting South Australian broadacre cropping soils. New information generated by the research will be available to Southern Australia growers, so they are better positioned to identify the best pesticide-soil combinations to maintain healthy soil microbial communities across their farms.
The work will build on previous research which investigated the effects of 20 commonly used pesticides on soil microbial composition and function in three South Australian soil types. The effects of six of these pesticides were largely dependent on soil type.
The research team will assess these six pesticides in ten contrasting South Australian broadacre cropping soils. New information generated by the research will be available to Southern Australia growers, so they are better positioned to identify the best pesticide-soil combinations to maintain healthy soil microbial communities across their farms.
This research will be done with co-investment from the South Australian Grain Industry trust (SAGIT) and delivered by the University of South Australia.
- Project start date:
- 01/06/2023
- Project end date:
- 31/05/2025
- Crop type:
-
- All Crops
- Organisation
- The South Australian Grain Industry Fund
- Region:
- South
- Project status
-
Active
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