Applying Lime in East Gippsland’s High Country
Between 2014-15, a survey was conducted across various agricultural regions in East Gippsland to assess soil fertility, which involved both spatial and temporal analysis. Randomly selected soil samples were taken from 214 paddocks revealing that nearly all the paddocks were acidic, with half being strongly or very strongly acidic.
Further analysis of the resampled paddocks indicated that both slightly and moderately acidic soils are acidifying, suggesting that many paddocks previously less acidic may now be strongly acidic. Generally, soil pH in the region ranges from moderately acidic to strongly acidic, with certain parts of the region having soils that severely limit pasture growth.
In 2016, the TopSoils Project conducted independent tests on various lime types and organised workshops for landholders to discuss the different limes, their neutralising value, appropriate application rates and costs. Although lime pits are available to landholders in Gippsland, those in the High Country incur higher costs, with approximately a 25% increase due to product transportation.
In 2020, Craig Lloyd approached the High Country TopSoils Group about examining the effectiveness of two different limes in dealing with acidic soils. A demonstration site was soon established. The demonstration used locally available Buchan Aglime, which incurs high transport costs, and compared it to pelletised lime. The latter can be purchased in bulk bags and spread by the landholder using a super spreader, resulting in cost savings.
