Question regarding the quality and suitability of topsoil provided to Carnarvon growers after the 2010 floods, focusing on testing procedures and potential salinity issues. The answer indicates testing was done and the soil was generally suitable, though deficient in phosphorus and with some salt content.

AnsweredQoN 6172Legislative Assembly
Asked
21 September 2011
Portfolio
Agriculture and Food

QuestionView source ↗

In relation to the December 2010 Carnarvon floods and the Carnarvon Growers’ Flood Recovery Fund, and in particular the topsoil loss project, I ask:
(a) how much topsoil was provided for the project for growers to access;
(b) from where was the topsoil sourced from;
(c) was there any testing of the soil that was provided to the growers prior to it being made available for distribution to the affected plantations; and
(i) if not why not;
(ii) if yes, was the soil testing done in a laboratory facility or was it a field test;
(iii) what were the results of that analysis;
(iv) was there any deficiency shown in the soil as a result of that analysis that may have an adverse effect on crops;
(d) has any of the soil provided from the topsoil pit been analysed since it has been delivered to the plantations; and
(i) if so, what were the results of that analysis;
(e) has any analysis been conducted and shown a salt content in the topsoil; and
(i) if so, when and what was the salinity status of the soil; and
(ii) was the soil testing done in a laboratory facility or was it a field test?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
18 October 2011
Responded by
Minister for Agriculture and Food
Response time
27 days
(a) More than 144,000 cubic metres.
(b) North River Road and Mc Glades Road soil pits.
(c) Yes.
(i) Not applicable.
(ii) Field and laboratory tests were conducted.
(iii) Soil was suitable.
(iv) Virgin soil is deficient in Phosphorous.
(d) Yes, tested for salt content.
(i) Range of very low to moderate total salt content: generally low salt content.
(e) Yes.
(i) July-August; very low to moderate total salt content.
(ii) Field test.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com

Explore WA Government Data

Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.

Explore more