After a problem soil is identified look for feasible, practical and profitable solutions. In some cases there may be little or nothing that can be done for a problem soil (e.g. shallow or stony soils and permanently waterlogged areas). In these cases leaving these areas as wetlands and biodiversity or conservation areas, may be a more practical option than grazing. Alternate uses need to be feasible and, if possible, profitable, and considered as part of a whole-farm plan.
Working through the generic questions below can be helpful when looking at options.
- Can the problem be fixed? Consult with a professional for advice on your soils. If yes, go to 2. If no, go to 4.
- Is fixing the problem likely to be profitable within the current enterprise mix? Is the return on an investment in this soil likely to be comparable to other investments on or off the farm? If yes, take action. If no, go to 3.
- Is the area small enough that it may need addressing before it becomes a larger issue (this could relate to aesthetic or other benefits)? If yes, take action. If no, go to 4.
- If it cannot be fixed or is not profitable to fix, are there alternative land uses or tolerant plant species that are practical and profitable? If yes, take action. If no, go to 5.
- If it cannot be fixed and there are no alternative land uses that seem profitable, are there alternative uses that can help other farm objectives, such as conservation or biodiversity enhancement?
The Soil health benchmarks and guidelines for managing problem soils tool contains detailed information to help diagnose and manage a range of soil problems (acidity, sodicity, salinity, waterlogging, compaction and non-wetting sands).