Soil Biology 101
A healthy soil is full of life. All organisms have a role to play in maintaining a healthy and productive soil. This factsheet covers the benefits of soil biology, harmful microbiota, and how to improve soil biology.
PotatoLink demonstration: Using biologicals in a commercial farm setting
A recent PotatoLink demonstration trial at Springbank, Vic, investigated the impact of farm practices on the effectiveness of biologicals, including the application of fungicides, the influence of soil nutrient availability, and fertiliser applications. In Issue 10 of PotatoLink magazine you will find all the details of the trial as well as the results.
PotatoLink Podcast Episode 5: Potato genetics at the James Hutton Institute
Doctors Ingo Hein, Sanjeev Sharma and Xinwei Chen talk to PotatoLink about their research, and the exciting new world of advanced potato breeding.
Soil Physics 101
Understanding and managing the interacting components of soil health - physical, biological and chemical factors - is essential to create robust and productive soils that are able to sustain commercial potato production. This PotatoLink magazine article examines some aspects of soil physical properties and how they impact agricultural practice (and how agricultural practices impact soil physical properties).
PotatoLink Podcast Episode 2: Chad Hutchinson talks about soil fumigation
Soil fumigation can play a role in managing major disease issues. In this episode, Applied Horticultural Research's Dr Jenny Ekman discusses soil fumigation with Chad Hutchinson of the TriCal group.
Mycorrhizal fungi at the Bolwarrah Victorian demonstration site
This case study covers the mycorrhizal fungi trials hosted at the Bolwarrah, VIC demonstration site. It covers what the trial was, what happened, and some tips on getting the most out of your mycorrhizal fungi products.
Pathogens - it’s all in their DNA
Developed by SARDI (South Australian Research and Development Institute), PREDICTA Pt is a commercial DNA testing service that can identify which pathogens are in the soil or skin of seed tubers.
In Issue 05 of PotatoLink magazine, Ryan Hall and Jenny Ekman from the PotatoLink team report on PREDICTA Pt including a 5-year case study describing its use in monitoring powdery scab and rhizoctonia on a commercial farm.
Using biologicals to sustainably maximise yield and increase returns
The rising costs of labour, fuel, power and fertiliser, coupled with a desire to embrace more sustainable practices, are driving the uptake of new biological and biostimulant products among potato farmers. Read more about biologicals in this PotatoLink magazine article.
Soil Biology Master Class 2021 (Part 4 of 4): Panel session with potato growers sharing their experiences, including Q&A
Watch this panel discussion and the last soil biology masterclass with potato growers across Australia and see many of your questions answered.
Soil Biology Master Class 2021 (Part 3 of 4): Managing soil nitrogen
The third soil biology masterclass was delivered by PotatoLink team member Marc Hinderager, looking into nitrogen availability in potato and cover crops, and its impact on soil biology.
Soil Biology Master Class 2021 (Part 2 of 4): Soil biology and control of soil-borne pathogens
In this second soil biology masterclass, Dr. Calum Wilson explains about the good, the bad and ugly ones in the soil and how they interact, and what you can do to keep them in balance to protect your potato crop.
Soil Biology Master Class 2021 (Part 1 of 4): The fundamentals of soil biology
The first soil biology masterclass was delivered by Dr. Kelvin Montagu, looking at the linkage between key soil functions and soil biology, and the interactions between plant roots and soil biology.
Soil biology in potato production
The 2-hour masterclass aims to provide potato growers and advisers with the understanding they need to improve soil biology, potato yields and their bottom line.
The role of biologics in soil health & enhancing crop productivity in potatoes
Albert Schirring covers the role of biologicals in soil health and the opportunities in enhancing crop productivity in potatoes.
What you need to know about soil microbiology
Soil health is closely linked to soil microbiology. This fact sheet outlines information on a broad group of soil microbes including fungi, bacteria and pseudomonas, and explains how different levels, numbers and ratios of these microbes can impact the overall health of your soil and crops.
Biological products and new phosphorus fertiliser technology for potato productivity
The Potato Pest and Disease R&D Coordination project and the Soil Wealth and ICP project, together with McCain and Nutrien, delivered an informative session on biologicals R&D resources, products and testing options for potato growers.
Exploring Spongospora suppressive soils in potato production
The diseases caused by Spongospora subterranea (tuber powdery scab and root hyperplasia) can cause significant yield and quality loss. Not all soils are equally susceptible to this disease. This 2020 report determined factors that resulted in Spongospora suppressive soils in New Zealand.
Managing salinity in vegetable crops
Find out more about good salinity management practices on farm, salinity thresholds for vegetables, how salinity can be identified and measured, as well as appropriate EC ranges for soils and water.
Innovative solutions to management of tospoviruses of vegetable crops
Tospoviruses cause large losses of product across the supply chain. Whilst some species such as Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) are present in Australia, others are not and represent a significant biosecurity threat. This 2019 report compiles important DNA information that could be used with modern biotechnology to develop new and effective controls.
Navigating the wealth of soil health information and identification of opportunities
This Hort Innovation report covers the current state of knowledge of soil health, with the use of over 220 references from both Australian and international sources. This report also covers various workshops media articles, videos and a factsheet associated with soil health in potato production.