Soil Physics

Overall Objective

The Soil Physics Unit focuses on practical research and advisory services that strengthen soil and water management. Work centres on how water moves and is stored in soil, how easily roots grow, and how field practices affect these processes. The aim is simple: better soil structure, smarter irrigation, and steady yields with less waste. The unit tests soil moisture, infiltration, compaction, and drainage on farms and research stations, then turns the findings into clear, step-by-step actions. Support includes setting irrigation schedules, reducing erosion and runoff, fixing hardpans, and improving water holding with residues and organic matter. Training and field demos help farmers and extension staff apply the recommendations confidently, lowering costs and protecting soil for the long term.

Soil Management Research

The lab Develops and tests practical methods that conserve soil and water.
Focus areas include low-cost practices like residue retention/mulching, cover crops, reduced tillage, tied ridges, contour farming, traffic control, and bed shaping. Trials compare options side-by-side under local soils and rainfall to see what saves moisture, reduces erosion, and improves structure. Results are turned into simple guidelines showing when and where each practice works best, expected yield benefits, and input/cost implications.

Soil Physical Testing (Lab & Field)

The lab tests the core soil properties that drive crop performance: texture (sand/silt/clay), bulk density & porosity (compaction), water-holding capacity, and aggregate stability. Field checks add quick infiltration tests and spot assessments. Results come as traffic-light ratings, simple maps/charts, and step-by-step actions—where to loosen soil, how to build organic matter, and practical irrigation intervals—to save costs by targeting tillage, fertiliser, and water where they matter most.

On-Farm Water Assessments

The Lab carries out simple field checks—like single/double-ring infiltration and quick drainage observations—to see how fast water enters, moves, and drains in your soil. We link these field measurements to lab results (bulk density, water-holding capacity, texture) so the findings are easy to act on.
You get a short, clear summary showing where water is lost or pooling and what to do about it: adjust beds, break compact layers where needed, improve residue/mulch cover, and place basic drains on wet spots. We also give plain-language irrigation guidance—how much and when to water—based on your measured intake rates and the soil’s ability to store moisture.