If I interpret the article correctly, it makes sense: a more overall view of crop-related problems are needed than concentrating on one aspect.

Australia is lucky so far – we can still grow wheat as a commercial proposition. Better by a long measure than many developing countries. Those which have flogged their soils to death trying to cater for populations doubling in the course of one generation. Where they depend largely upon introduced cassava which will grow almost anywhere. A root product, even the best of which depends upon treatment to bring its potassium cyanide levels down to an acceptable level.

We haven’t got to that stage yet, but have been working hard in such direction in spite of William James Farrer, Dr Fischer and all.

Expect increasing heat stress, evaporation, soil salinity, acidity, oil-based fertilizer and fuel costs; decreasing precipitation, soil carbon and biota from erosion, soil nutrients due to erosion and products exported from the paddock.
Magnificent work is being undertaken in relation to many of these problems, but their sheer scale is not being matched; nor, probably, can ever be to a sufficient degree to enable Australia’s citizens to carry on business-as-usual in the cities – or the country for that matter.

Fertiliser problems can be overcome to some extent by soil enhancement (eg “Agrichar from pyrolysis, lime application, and seed inoculation by fungus to enhance phosphorus uptake and minimise particular diseases). But they are not always easy to introduce, and can be costly – as with lime to lessen soil acidity and its connotations such as aluminium toxicity.

We might be able to get more bang from our crops by combined exercises. Such as land remediation/transport fuel production from carbon-neutral pyrolysis of regenerating mallee or other vegetation; where carbon, hydrogen and oxygen are extracted for methanol, and nutrients returned to the soil.

But, the nutrients extracted during export of agricultural products need to be returned from Sydney, Tokyo, etc. toilets to the paddock. Costly. Duncan Brown’s Feed or Feedback (International Books 2003) gives authoritative discussion of this. Phosphorus gets a special gong.

The old adage still counts, "Replace what you take out"
To make this fit into our present, one must first put in 'double' to take out ONE and to be left with ONE.
In practice,grow something inedible which frees remaining minerals and nutrients from rock or dirt and does not need water but draws moisture from air, selfcomposting whilst creating a habitat for earthworms and the like.Companion planting will become available after a year or two.Magic!!