Continuous cultivation in Queensland leads to soil degradation and decreased crop productivity.
The study looked at how continuous farming affects soil structure in Darling Downs, Queensland. They examined two types of soil and found that cultivation led to a decrease in organic carbon and nitrogen levels. However, the size and strength of soil aggregates remained within a good range, suggesting that further degradation is unlikely. Wet sieving showed a decrease in water-stable structural units due to cultivation, but they stabilized after around 15-20 years. Overall, the study suggests that while cultivation can impact soil structure, it may not severely limit productivity in these areas.