— 22 IREC Farmers' Newsletter No. 201 — Autumn 2019 QUICK TAKE l  This study highlights the prevalence of hard sub-soils in all soil types commonly found under irrigated systems in the Riverina. l  Just over 85% of sites investigated had soils that would inhibit root growth at a water potential of only -35 kPa, well short of the recommended irrigation trigger point of -60 kPa. l  To investigate the impact of hard soil on productivity, its cause and possible solutions, GRDC is funding research through active learning groups. l  Locally-based grower groups will provide an opportunity to, among a range of issues, identify better ameliorating techniques tailored to local soils. Sam North and Alex Schultz NSW Department of Primary Industries, Deniliquin PHOTO: Soil water potential and soil strength were determined at 23 sites across the irrigated areas of the Murrumbidgee and Murray valleys. At the site pictured, a logger to measure soil water potential was installed on a red brown earth after crop establishment. IDENTIFYING ‘HARD’ SOIL PROBLEMS IN THE RIVERINA — 22 IREC Farmers’ Newsletter No. 201 — Autumn 2019 Identifying ‘hard’ soil problems in the Riverina