A key factor in nutrient availability. If the soil is seriously out of balance uniform nutrient uptake is not achievable. This is because the nutrient in excess relative to other nutrients will have an antagonistic effect and thereby reduce its uptake, resulting in lower yield and quality.

Nutrient interaction in the soils out of balance have a devastating effect on economic viability and can mean the difference between breaking even and a good year.

The secret to correcting soil imbalance is to approach the problem with the entire gamut or whole picture in mind and not just the obvious nutrients. This approach is expensive.

This means that fertiliser recommendations and soil amelioration is based upon the composition of CATION EXCHANGE CAPACITY and total nutrient loading, not just making up the nutrient numbers for the crop requirements.

Balancing the soil is the understanding of the different nutrient interactions between elements.

The positive and negative charges that are present in the soil and the dominant role of some elements.

The difference of heavy clay soils and light sandy soils

Cation Exchange Capacity (C.E.C.)

The electricity (charge) in your soil is also important, as like a battery the soil is charged with negative ions and positive cations, the measurement of these cations is a indicator of soil fertility and its capacity to hold nutrients. Cations are held by negatively charged particles of clay and humus called colloids. Colloids consist of thin flat plates like the plates in a battery and for their size have a large surface area, They can hold large quantities of cations, which act as large store houses of nutrients for plant roots.

Sometimes in high CEC soils especially clay, colloid plates hang onto the positive cations in high moisture conditions making nutrient uptake difficult for plants, as roots have a negative charge.

It must be remembered that in nature the electric charge always flows from + to –

A balanced soil energized with microbial life produces a massive root system in comparison to soil which is out of balance and low in organic carbon.

Nutrient uptake is Electro-chemical in nature. An excess of any one nutrient will restrict uniform uptake, resulting in poorer plant nutrition

A balanced nutrition requires a balanced soil

REMEMBER THE EARTH IS CHARGED:

• Top up the soil, like topping up the battery
• Balanced nutrition requires balanced nutrients
• Increases quality and profits
• A soil test saves you money

The understanding of your soil helps to reduce your fertiliser costs and can provide a measure for a balanced formulation for your crop.

All this information, plus more is available in a printed booklet form.

INTERSTATE ENERGY GROUP. PO Box 1039, Bacchus Marsh VIC 3340. Ph. (03) 5367 0725, Fax. (03) 5367 0726.
© 2002 Copyright Maddingley Minerals. HumusPlus4 and OCCA are registered business names of Maddingley Minerals.