Salty soils solution

It’s all in the soil…we’ve heard that old adage many times. And it’s true!

Australian farmers have long searched deep below the surface to increase yields, boost productivity and ensure long-term sustainability and profitability.

And big part of the Salty Soils Solution for a growing number of Australian irrigators is DELTAwater solutions.

We are continually improving the DELTA water treatment technology to improve soil health. Advances in our technology during the past two years means we are successfully treating previously-untreatable water rich in salts and minerals. 

Western Flat farmer Mark Pridham turned to the DELTA technology in 2009 to tackle water quality issues on his irrigation land in SA. Alkaline water with high levels of calcium carbonate, iron and sodium chloride (salinity) was causing a myriad of problems including a dramatic increase in his soil pH each irrigation season.

The pH, or degree of acidity or alkalinity in soil – is a balancing act for farmers. Their main aim is to keep it steady and at a level that suits what they are growing.

Mark’s soil tests reveal the pH levels are continuing to either drop or hold steady on farm land watered with DELTA-treated supply despite several heavy irrigation seasons. Despite summer temperatures up to 45 degrees and no rain, this year’s clover and potato crops have returned solid yields after the past heavy irrigation season.

“Straight away the infiltration improved, the water was soaking in a lot better on our undulating country with less run off and rutting in the wheel tracks,” Mark says.

The farmer’s encouraging soil results are also attracting interest from within SA and interstate. Agronomists from SA’s primary industries department and WA and a group of lucerne seed growers are keenly waiting to see what future soil tests reveal.

Read Mark’s full DELTA Success Story which contains more specific details about his reduced soil pH levels on our Case Studies page or post your own story on our Facebook page.