• Oxford, Fleet, Hindmarsh and Keel were the highest yielding feed barley varieties at Hart averaging 4.57 t/ha.
• Navigator, GrangeR and LaTrobe were the highest yielding malt barley varieties averaging 4.68 t/ha.
• RGT Planet (undergoing malt accreditation) was the highest yielding barley variety at Hart, at 5.85 t/ha.

• Oxford, Rosalind, Fathom and Fleet were the highest yielding feed barley varieties at Hart averaging 4.96 t/ha.
• Admiral, Charger and Navigator were the highest yielding commercially available malt varieties averaging 5.28 t/ha.
• Test weights, retention and screening levels were good across the trial with site averages of 65.8 kg/hL, 97.4% and 0.6% respectively.

• Fathom, Keel, Hindmarsh and Fleet were the highest yielding feed barley varieties at Hart averaging 4.8 t/ha.
• La Trobe, Charger and SouthernStar were the highest yielding commercially available malt varieties averaging 4.6 t/ha.
• Compass (pending malt classification) also yielded similar at 4.85 t/ha.

Capstan, Fleet, Lockyer, Commander and Oxford were the highest yielding barley varieties at Hart in 2009, averaging 4.94 t/ha.

The average yield for all barley varieties at Hart was 0.92t/ha ranging from Hindmarsh (1.33t/ha) to Oxford (0.23t/ha).

In 2007, wider row spacings (400mm vs 200mm) significantly (P<0.01) reduced yield (4.36t/ha vs 4.69t/ha) when averaged across five barley varieties and two nitrogen timings, suggesting that the benefits of wider row sowing for crop residue management practices are coming at a significant financial cost ($100/ha+, using current prices). However, the barley variety WI with nitrogen applied at
sowing (GS00) achieved the opposite result, as wider row spacings (400mm vs 200mm) significantly (P<0.05) increased yield (5.15t /ha vs 4.31t/ha).

Overall the fallow without tillage contained higher weed densities than all the other treatments with fleabane at 0.57 plants/m2. The brown manure peas had very low levels of marsh mallow and milk thistle. Both speed tilled treatments were very clean.

• Some early flowering varieties developed significantly higher levels of sclerotinia stem rot infection.
• Variety response to infection and yield could be relative to other factors such as infection timing and plant
biomass.

• The Podguard line AN14R9012 appears to be a viable option for direct harvesting and delayed harvesting of canola.It does not appear to shed seeds from pods to the same degree as other varieties.
• Under extreme conditions AN14R9012 can drop whole unopened pods and therefore lose yield.

• Most canola had acceptable losses prior to harvest, even with delayed harvest.
• The greatest proportion of losses occurred at harvest.
• The podguard variety IH51RR had significantly less losses than other varieties both before and at harvest.

Greater variation in dry matter production at the water ripe sampling time was observed compared to milky-soft dough. Dry matter production was highest at milky-soft dough and Moby barley consistently had the lowest. Majority of cereal forage varieties had NDF and NDFD levels to meet grade 1 and 2. Feed quality did not decline significantly with later cutting

• Peat-based inoculant methods (slurry or granules) had more root nodules than nil and ALOSCA® with fertiliser treatments.
• There were no biomass differences measured between any of the treatments at any stage in the season.
• Nodulation differences did not lead to yield differences, likely due to good growing conditions through most of the season.

• Peat-based inoculant methods (slurry or granules) had more root nodules than those that were not peat-based.
• Peat-based inoculant methods also had higher biomass until flowering.
• Nodulation and biomass differences did not lead to yield differences, likely due to low Spring temperatures.

Using the highest label rate of either Aviator Xpro or Prosaro in the first application for sclerotinia lowered the level of sclerotinia infection and recorded a higher $ROI/ha in this trial. Increasing the rate of fungicide increases early activity on active disease but will also increase the length of protection from reinfection. 

The use of higher rates under high sclerotinia disease pressure is recommended not only in a single spray application to extend the window of protection but as recorded in this trial it can provide benefits to a two spray strategy. Improvements in length and strength of sclerotinia control from the use of a higher rate in the first application have been recorded across multiple commercial trials conducted by Bayer Crop Science across Australia in the 2016 season.

Study Conclusions

Potential nitrogen contributions are assumed to be 40% of the total nitrogen contribution, assessed from the dry weight and nitrogen content (N% tissue) of the green manure crops measured at anthesis. Legume crops provided the most potential nitrogen of all treatments, due to high tissue nitrogen and moderate to high biomass production. Oats had the highest biomass but were low in tissue nitrogen and potential nitrogen benefits were therefore negligible. Any benefits from this type of crop, would be largely associated with the contribution of organic carbon to the soil. Emergence of both canola and mustard was poor, whilst the lathyrus and vetch competed poorly with weeds due to slow initial growth.

The percentage of undecomposed material remaining on the soil surface at seeding in 1999, varied from approximately 35% for oats down to 10% for lathyrus. The general pattern was that the crops with higher tissue nitrogen content broke down quicker. This indicates the microbial degradation of legume crops is likely to be faster than for brassica or cereal crops.

Differences in water infiltration observed may indicate the potential for treatments to increase the initial sorptivity of soil (ability for more rapid entry of rainfall) and decrease the flow rate through the soil (effectively increasing moisture retention). This may allow earlier sowing after summer rains, increased moisture availability during the growing season and potentially longer availability under dry finishing conditions. These results are variable and subject to trial/operator error. Further evaluation of these attributes is required prior to evaluation of renovation techniques.

The high cost of seeding and maintenance of the green manure crop, can significantly influence the gains or losses experienced over this three year period. It may be most economic, to green manure legume crops in seasons with low potential returns (poor yield potential or price).  The cost of harvesting a lupin crop for example may prove less beneficial than using it as a green manure to improve wheat yield and quality, where prices are depressed or where disease/season has reduced yield potential. Strategic use of green manure crops as a tool in integrated weed management or potential productivity gains through addressing specific problems may result in little or no short term economic gain where employed in better performing paddocks and must be viewed as a long term strategy to overcome yield constraints. However, strategic use of these techniques for poor performing paddocks, or paddock that would have otherwise been ‘rested’, are likely to result in economic responses, particularly where using low cost crops or pasture has been employed as there is no requirement to recover the cost of foregone yield – only those associated with growing a crop and the implementation of techniques.

Data supports the hypothesis that a green manuring:wheat:wheat rotation, may be as profitable as a legume:wheat:wheat rotation using either a field pea or Lathyrus crop. Given this assessment does not include any additional benefits that may be gained from green or brown manuring in terms of additional weed control and potential improvement of soil characteristics such as the addition of organic material, improved soil structure and longer term productivity gains, these techniques are likely to prove both economical and sustainable by providing additional benefits that may be observed in lower herbicide costs through better weed management, improved soil health and a more flexible farming system.

• Revenue produced a significantly higher grain yield than Mackellar although this was not significantly different to H150.1 and Tennant. In addition Revenue tends to have higher dry matter prodution than Mackellar. In this trial the latter may have been more susceptible to the waterlogging.
• The white grained CSIRO line H150.2 continues to produce high grain yields in Tasmania and has now also demontrated potential as a dual pupose crop. It will be suitable for an earlier dual purpose sowing as it is later flowering than both Mackellar and Revenue.
• Preston showed good early vigour but it will flower too early for more typical dual purpose sowing times in Tasmansa, e.g. March.

Grain yields for all durum varieties were good, averaging 4.23 t/ha compared to average wheat and barley trial grain yield of 4.80 t/ha and 4.74 t/ha, respectively. Test weight values were higher than previous years and screening levels low

The grain yield results were very good, averaging 3.72 t/ha for the trial compared to average wheat and barley trial grain yields of 4.07 t/ha and 5.03 t/ha, respectively. Test weight values were higher than previous years and screening levels low

The grain yield results were very low, averaging 0.88t/ha for the trial. Test weight values were low and screening values high for all varieties

The yield results in this trial did not reveal statistically significant differences, although Saintly was the highest yielding variety at 3.16 t/ha. Yawa (WID803) produces significantly higher screenings, 3.8%.

Yawa (WID803) was the highest yielding durum line producing 4.51 t/ha. Caparoi, Hyperno, Tjilkuri and Saintly produced statistically similar yields with and average of 3.83 t/ha

• The average grain yield for all durum varieties was 4.24 t/ha, with six out of eight varieties trialed high yielding at Hart in 2017.
• Grain protein and screening levels were low, while test weight values were high

• The average grain yield for all durum varieties was 4.08 t/ha and the highest yielding variety was Yawa, closely followed by Tjilkuri.
• Grain protein levels were low however, test weight values were high and no varieties exceeded 5% screenings at Hart in 2016.

• The average grain yield for all durum varieties was 3.07 t/ha, with only 0.34 t/ha between all seven varieties trialed.
• Test weight values were high and only two varieties (Hyperno and Yawa) exceeded the minimum 5% screenings level at Hart in 2015.

Hyperno (WID22209) was the highest yielding currently released variety, 3.0 t/ha and of the breeding lines WID803 yielded 3.44 t/ha.

WID802 was the highest yielding durum variety.

You need to reduce the use of grass selective herbicides in pastures; however, if it is necessary to use grass selectives, make sure there is a 'mop-up' treatment later in the year to control resistant annual ryegrass and silvergrass.

• Average yield for the trial was 3.47 t/ha with a range from 3 – 4 t/ha.  Most of the lines since Tanjil, which was released in 1998 ranked in the top 10 with the exception of Jenabillup.  Jenabillup is only recommended for the southern and low rainfall areas due to its low tolerance of metribuzin and moderate susceptibility to anthracnose.  
• The best performing lines were those with superior anthracnose resistance with the new variety PBA Gunyidi, whose anthracnose resistance is between Mandelup and Tanjil, being 109 and 114% better than Mandelup and Tanjil. 
• The stand out for yield performance was WALAN2325 which yielded 113% and 118% of Mandelup and Tanjil. 
• In addition, the breeding program has been concentrating on producing an anthracnose resistant, metribuzin tolerant variety specifically to replace all varieties in the coastal West Midlands.  

• There is a large variation in the performance of pastures in terms of stocking rate on the Eyre Peninsula.
• Improved pasture systems are achieving livestock carrying capacity well above district practice.
• High performing pastures have a role, even in a cropping dominated system.
• Use this survey to workout how you are performing.

• There are no significant differences in yields between east-west crop orientation and north-south crop orientation.
• As the paddock has good weed control, the results were primarily influenced by water availability and evaporation within the crop.

The grain varieties Dunnart (2.28t/ha) and Possum (2.17t/ha) were the highest yielding oat varieties at Hart in 2012

The grain variety Echidna and numbered varieties WAOAT2354 and WAOAT2332 were the highest grain yielding oat varieties, averaging 3.53 t/ha. The average grain yield for hay varieties (2.27 t/ha) was significantly lower compared with the average yields for grain varieties (3.13 t/ha)

• The highest yielding commercial oaten hay varieties at Hart in 2009 were Wintaroo, Tungoo and Mulgara, averaging 6.7 t/ha.
• The highest yielding variety was the breeders line, SV9200-3 (8.7 t/ha).

The average dry matter production for the first year pasture and regenerated pasture varieties were very similar, averaging 3.5t/ha in 2012.

Over all four trials both Sakura treatments maintained a positive $ROI/ha with Sakura + trifluralin ($78.50) slightly ahead on average $ROI/ha to the standalone Sakura ($73.48)

Sakura 118 g/ha recorded a $55.08 increase in $ROI/ha over Boxer Gold across the four trials. Boxer Gold $ROI was generally in line with that of the prosulfocarb treatments in three of the sites, except from Waddy Forest where prosulfocarb 2.5 L/ha recorded a higher yield. Why this occurred is not clear as results were cross checked back with the contractor to ensure there was not a transcription error.

Trifluralin, due to its poor weed control, especially at Cunderdin, returned a slight positive $ROI/ha ($7.20) across the four trials.

All four sites to some extent were affected by frost which may have affected yield outcomes.

Getting weed control right is the key to ensuring the longevity of any herbicide but it also allows the crop it’s best possible chance of achieving its yield potential. Using a program of effective knockdowns and a product with a long residual activity like Sakura can deliver higher yields and returns across a variety of soil types and locations as seen across the four trials conducted during the 2016 season.

• Utilising a pre-emergent herbicide of any kind significantly reduced broadleaf weed establishment overall .
• Terrain and Terrain + Avadex treatments resulted in highest control of fumitory and cleavers.
• No significant difference between pre-emergent herbicides on grass and radish control.
• There was no significant influence of pre-emergent herbicide on yield.
• Untreated and Sakura treated plots had significantly lower protein levels.

• All three seeders have resulted in successful establishment of sub-tropical grasses at the paddock scale.  This reinforces that successful establishment can be achieved with a range of seeding machinery providing the basic principles are followed: i.e. furrow sowing, press wheels, precise shallow seeding together with wide row spacing.
• The disc seeder appeared to have the least soil disturbance, with less loose soil on the soil surface after seeding, but had slightly more sand infill.  This may be due to steep side walls and a relatively narrow furrow, while the seeders with tynes created larger – wider furrows, so sand moving into the furrow was spread over a wider base.  The Case-International combine with a single point had the lowest sand infill.
• The disc seeder resulted in the highest establishment of panic grass, but in late October many of these plants were still small seedlings and subsequently many died over summer.  As number of plants, size and health of plants need to be taken into account, the disc machine may not provide an overall advantage as the proportion of healthy plants was much less. Visually, the Case-International combine appeared to produce a thicker stand; this was most likely due to the higher number of medium to large sized plants when compared to the other machines. 
• The knockdown did not completely kill the brome grass which subsequently recovered and competed with the emerging perennial grass seedlings in early spring.  Combined with dry conditions in October (5 mm) the perennial grass seedlings were struggling in late October.  More favorable seasonal conditions in November and December enabled the grasses to establish.  The scalping points on the John Shearer were able to reduce the impact of brome grass more successfully than the other seeders.
• Persistence will be measured over late summer until the break of the season.  This machinery demonstration trial will be the focus of an extension video which features the producers describing the modifications to their seeders.

• This trial demonstrates that a good establishment result is possible using a range of different seeding configurations, provided the key steps to establishment are followed.
• These factors include:
  • scalping of non-wetting sand and weeds away from drill runs;
  • row spacing of 50-60 cm;
  • sowing into furrows to harvest rainfall (especially important in dry springs); minimizing furrow collapse;
  • ensuring sowing depth is 5-10 mm; and - using press wheels for good soil contact with seed.

• Treatments were a single application of 10 kg/ha of Zn as zinc sulfate monohydrate (ZSM) (35% Zn) in 1996 or 4 applications of 1.25kg/ha or 2.5 kg/ha Zn as Incitec.
• Granulock ST-Z (10 %N, 19.5 % P, 2.5% Zn) between 1996 and 1999. Soil samples were collected at the commencement of the experiment, after the first application and post-harvest from the fourth crop.
• Samples were analysed for DTPA extractable Zn.
• The percentage of soil extractable Zn available from applied Zn after 4 cereal crops was about 12 % for the single application of 10 kg/ha Zn as ZSM, 22% for multiple applications of 1.25 kg/ha Zn and 20 % for 2.5 kg/ha Zn as STZ.
• It would appear that provided there is no compromise in crop productivity, a multiple low rate strategy of Zn fertiliser addition may be more effective in building available soil Zn concentration than a single higher rate.

Overall, early growth was a function of a number of constraints. In the fully retained stubble plots plant establishment was poor due to large straw windrows creating major problems at sowing and mice damage. In surface stubble treatments lower soil temperatures and higher populations of vulpia resulted in reduced plant vigour. Where stubble was fully retained this effect was less than when most stubble was removed through cutting and baling.

• Plant emergence was greatest in the offest disc treatment and lowest in the mouldboard plough treatments. Depth of sowing is critical and difficult to control on soil ameliorated soils.

Chopper (1.38t/ha) was the highest yielding triticale variety at Hart for the second year in a row

Chopper, Berkshire and Bogong were the highest yielding triticale varieties at Hart in 2011, averaging 3.5 t/ha

Jaywick and Kosciuszko were the highest yielding triticale varieties at Hart in 2009, averaging 3.53 t/ha.

Speedee, Hawkeye and Jaywick were the highest yielding triticale varieties at Hart in 2008.

• The Hybrid CL, TT and RR canola varieties performed extremely well in this trial site in 2012.
• A combination of hybrid vigour, superior yields and superior oil content made the hybrid varieties the top performers in each of the herbicide systems tested, even in light of the higher seed costs.

• The Hybrid CL, TT and RR canola varieties performed extremely well in this trial site in 2012.
• A combination of hybrid vigour, superior yields and superior oil content made the hybrid varieties the top performers in each of the herbicide systems tested, even in light of the higher seed costs.

• The Hybrid CL, TT and RR canola varieties performed extremely well in this trial site in 2012.
• A combination of hybrid vigour, superior yields and superior oil content made the hybrid varieties the top performers in each of the herbicide systems tested, even in light of the higher seed costs.

The use of trifluralin as part of an integrated herbicide management program for the control of Group A resistant annual ryegrass populations has increased dramatically over the past decade. The requirement of incorporating Triflur 480 within 4 hours of application has imposed management issues during the busy sowing period, however, the advent of Crew (a slow release trifluralin formulation) offers greater management flexibility with an incorporation period of 24–48 hours.

Ungarra Site: No different in yields (grain or dry matter) between any of the treatments (ie seeder had no effect)

Cobra and Cosmick were the highest yielding AH varieties at Hart in 2014 yielding 5.17 and 5.03 t/ha, respectively. Corack and Trojan were the highest yielding APW varieties at 5.48 and 5.17 t/ha, respectively. Test weight and screening levels across the trial averaged 83.0 kg/hL and 2.7%. Axe produced the highest wheat grain protein at 10.6%.

Mace was the highest yielding commercially available hard wheat at 4.72 t/ha. Corack was the highest yielding APW variety at 4.42 t/ha. High levels of screenings were observed for Lincoln, Correll and Shield in both 2012 and 2013 at Hart

Axe was the highest yielding commercially available hard wheat at 2.47t/ha. Corack was the highest yielding APW variety at 2.34t/ha. All wheat varieties were above the 11.5% level required for Hard 2

Mace was the highest yielding commercially available hard wheat variety at Hart in 2011, yielding 3.82 t/ha. Espada, Kord CL Plus, Scout and Wyalkatchem were the highest yielding APW varieties, averaging 3.32t/ha

Yitpi, Correll and Mace were the highest yielding hard wheat varieties at Hart in 2010, averaging 4.59 t/ha. Pugsley, Scout, Guardian and Espada were the highest yielding APW varieties, averaging 4.53 t/ha. Axe produced the highest wheat grain protein (10.4%) at Hart in 2010

• There were a number of high yielding (3.82 – 4.24 t/ha) AH varieties at Hart in 2017 including, Beckom, Scepter, Arrow, Cobra, Mace and Scout.
• Trojan and Cutlass were the highest yielding APW varieties at 4.32 and 4.00 t/ha, respectively.
• Test weight and screening levels across the trial were good, averaging 80.2 kg/hL and 0.8%.

• Phantom, Scepter, Cobra and Scout were the highest yielding commercially available AH varieties at Hart in 2016, yielding between 4.01 and 4.28 t/ha.
• Trojan and Cutlass were the highest yielding APW varieties at 4.6 t/ha.
• Test weight and screening levels across the trial averaged 81.2 kg/hL and 0.7%.

• Scepter, Scout, Phantom and Cosmick were the highest yielding commercially available AH varieties at Hart in 2015, yielding between 4.48 and 4.71 t/ha.
• Trojan was the highest yielding APW variety at 4.84 t/ha.
• Test weight and screening levels across the trial averaged 80.5 kg/hL and 2.3%.

• Mace, Wyalkatchem, Pugsley, Derrimut and Gladius were the highest yielding wheat varieties at Hart in 2009, averaging 3.06 t/ha.
• All varieties met the test weight, protein and screening requirements for the maximum achievable grade.

• Axe was the highest yielding wheat variety, at 1.13t/ha.
• Generally the early maturing varieties were higher yielding compared to the late maturing varieties.

Overall the results returned from this trial were confounded by low growing season rainfall and high temperatures during spring. This was reflected in the poor seed yields and significant variation across the treatment replicates reducing the confidence with which results can be drawn from the data.

• KING ROCK fell in a hole early, ran up quickly and often looked very heat and moisture stressed.
• LONGREACH COBRA did not handle a dry year. It did not appear robust or durable in a dry warm season.
• CORACK and MACE handled drought stress well.
• CALINGIRI and MAGENTA looked the most durable and robust all year.
• CALINGIRI again proved very adaptable.

Note: This trial was an unreplicated demonstration with observations/assesments based on one plot per treatment only, and as such results may not be definitive.

• High sowing rates (120kg/ha) and narrow row spacing (17cm) had the highest yield in all wheat varieties tested.
• The results were repeatable over two dry seasons (1997 and 1998).

Increased use of grass selective herbicides in many farming systems has caused increased selection pressure for herbicide resistance in grass weed populations such as annual ryegrass and brome grass. Work conducted by Bill Roy (Agricultural Consulting & Research Services Pty Ltd, York) with GRDC support demonstrates that managing herbicide resistance requires a diversified approach using a number of different tools. Manipulating canopy through seeding rates and row spacing is one of the options being explored by the BCG.

Increased use of grass selective herbicides in many farming systems has caused increased selection pressure for herbicide resistance in grass weed populations such as annual ryegrass and brome grass. Work conducted by Bill Roy (Agricultural Consulting & Research Services Pty Ltd, York) with GRDC support demonstrates that managing herbicide resistance requires a diversified approach using a number of different tools. Manipulating canopy through seeding rates and row spacing is one of the options being explored by the BCG.

Barley was more competitive than wheat in reducing ryegrass numbers.

• The overall performance of Frame and Silverstar was much better than for Ouyen.
• In this very dry year, higher sowing rates at narrow row spacing gave the highest yields for Frame and Silverstar.
• Ouyen performed better at higher sowing rates at wider spacings.

Magenta yeilded higher than Mace in Both seeding systems.

• Single row yielded higher than twin row at Binnu, also looked much healthier (better) through-out the season. This has not been a consistent observation in other research trials. Likely cause is poor P nutrition due to fertiliser placemnt in twin row and low P site.
• Increasing seeding rates reduced the yield potential of Magenta. In contrast, plant desities of 150 plants/m2 were the most productive for Mace.

• Variety: there was no difference between the yield of Digger and Northfield (0.56 vs 0.57 t/ha respectively)
• Row spacing: there was no significant difference in the yield of lentils sown at 18 cm (7") or 36 cm (14") (0.59 vs 0.54 t/ha respectively). However, the crop sown at 18cm (7") was much easier to harvest and stood up better.
• Sowing rate: there was a significant negative effect of sowing rate on yield - the 50kg sowing rate had the higher yield compared to the 100kg/ha sowing rate (0.62 vs 0.51 t/ha respectively).

Average yields ranged from 2.1 to 2.5t/ha.

Soil amendments applied in 2004 did not significantly improve wheat yields in 2005.

The high fertiliser regime yielded significantly higher than the district practice regime and the low fertiliser regime.

No significant result and more testing required.

• The extremely late break to the season highlighted maturity differences very clearly.
• Yield varied from 2.2 -4.0t/ha.
• Protein varied from 13.9% (Mitika, Echidna) to 15.7% (Quoll). Highlighting the potential for oats in a feedlot ration. Mitika has low lignin content (hull) and Quoll has medium lignin (hull) content.
• Screenings varied from 18.0% (Quoll) to 32.1 % (Potoroo). High values were because of the short growing season.
• The test weight varied from 47.6kg/hl (Potoroo) to 54.9kg/hl (Mortlock). Relatively low seed weights confirmed the short season trend shown by high protein and high screenings values.

• The extremely late break to the season highlighted maturity differences very clearly. 
• The long season trial was sown on the same day as the main season trial, favouring heavily the short season varieties.

• The extremely late break to the season highlighted maturity differences in pod mapping.
• The flowering period of late maturing varieties was cut short quite significantly. However there were not big yield differences overall.
• Yield varied from 2.0 - 2.7t/ha.
• The grain size varied from 18.6g/10Oseeds (Morgan) to 26.2g/10Oseeds (Moonlight).

• Conserving summer rain is one of the most effective ways of improving crop yield.
• Summer weeds have the biggest impact on how much summer rain is stored and made available to crops.
• The presence of stubble has never been shown to have a large positive effect on the storage of summer rain in southern Australia, but it might lengthen the sowing window after the break and improve establishment.

• Weeds have the biggest impact on summer water storage.
• Over the last two summers, the method of weed control had little effect on moisture storage
• Even under adequate growing season rainfall, weed control is necessary because weeds tie up and/or prevent significant amounts of nitrogen mineralizing, which cost 0.5t/ha of the canola yield.

Controlling summer weeds conserved both water and nitrogen and doubled wheat yields in 2011 on both sand and clay soil types. Retaining or removing stubble has only minor effects on wheat yield. Complete control of summer weeds pays, and there is no excuse for weedy paddocks during summer in the Wimmera and Mallee!

• Conserving summer rain is one of the most effective ways of improving crop yield.
• Summer weeds have the biggest impact on how much summer rain is stored and made available to crops.
• The presence of stubble has never been shown to have a large positive effect on the storage of summer rain in southern Australia, but it might lengthen the sowing window after the break and improve establishment.

• Conserving summer rain is one of the most effective ways of improving crop yield.
• Summer weeds have the biggest impact on how much summer rain is stored and made available to crops.
• The presence of stubble has never been shown to have a large positive effect on the storage of summer rain in southern Australia, but it might lengthen the sowing window after the break and improve establishment.

• Conserving summer rain is one of the most effective ways of improving crop yield.
• Summer weeds have the biggest impact on how much summer rain is stored and made available to crops.
• The presence of stubble has never been shown to have a large positive effect on the storage of summer rain in southern Australia, but it might lengthen the sowing window after the break and improve establishment.

• Conserving summer rain is one of the most effective ways of improving crop yield.
• Summer weeds have the biggest impact on how much summer rain is stored and made available to crops.
• The presence of stubble has never been shown to have a large positive effect on the storage of summer rain in southern Australia, but it might lengthen the sowing window after the break and improve establishment.

• Conserving summer rain is one of the most effective ways of improving crop yield.
• Summer weeds have the biggest impact on how much summer rain is stored and made available to crops.
• The presence of stubble has never been shown to have a large positive effect on the storage of summer rain in southern Australia, but it might lengthen the sowing window after the break and improve establishment.

• Overall imposing a fallow allowed for a small amount of extra water to be stored in the soil and a small amount of extra nitrogen. As a result there was a small yield gain of 0.2 t/ha in 2012. 
• In this trial the fallow treatment was planted then sprayed out in August to replicate what is known as an ‘opportunistic’ fallow compared to a ‘strategic’ fallow where no crop is planted for 18 months. 18 month fallows would have different results to the ones reported here.
• Other benefits of fallow that were not recorded in this trial but could have contributed to the yield gain are improved weed control, disease breaks and opportunity for early sowing. 

• This is the second season in which this trial has been run and the fallow has yielded higher than continuous cropping in both 2011 (0.4 t/ha) and 2012 (0.2 t/ha). Other research indicates that fallows produce yield benefits in dry seasons which are not the case in the crop in 2011, which received 231mm for the growing season. The yield difference in 2011 was therefore more likely to have been the result of extra nitrogen in the soil, or weed or disease control rather than soil water benefits, however, these were not measured.
• Farm economics need to be carefully considered before implementing a fallow, the opportunity cost of not producing a crop needs to be weighed up, and benefits of yield, extra N, weed control and disease breaks carefully factored into the decision. 
• In 2012 the yield benefit from fallow was 0.2 t/ha and likely to be due to extra nitrogen and water being present in the soil. However, this is an unreplicated demonstration and thus it is hard to tell whether yield differences are the result of fallow or random variation in the paddock. 

• Historically, Australian farmers own the land they farm. Given that a large capital cost is associated with land purchase, businesses may seek non-ownership options.
• Alternatives to buying or selling agricultural land do exist.
• Leasing and share farming agreements are the most commonly utilised alternatives in Australia but still play a relatively minor role.

• Many views exist as to whether continous cropping is sustainable.
• Results from a long term tillage trial at Condobolin indicate direct drilled crops are outperforming crops using tillage.
• Stubble retention compared to burning gives mixed results for yield, although more weed build up is evident with retained stubble.
• Wheat yields are higher when grown after peas than after wheat in succession.

• Western Flat (Ramseys) soil modification work. Site was established in 2009. After 2 seasons, the area that organic matter was spaded into is performing well.
• Wolseley (Matthews’); alternative fertiliser demonstration; no differences were found between soil biology after a 12 month period.
• Lochaber Ag Bureau (Clothiers); Peries Wightman subsoil manuring project
• Dairy sites with Dairy SA based around the Mt Gambier region
• Coonalpyn Ag Bureau Soil pit days
• Coonawarra Grape Growers – historical composting trial sites revisited
• Sherwood – soil modifications in conjunction with additional carbon project

• 10 new soil demonstration and trials to be established in the south east over the next 2 years.
• Opportunities for farmers to access expert soil advice and information through a series of community meetings, workshops and field days. 

• Continuous wheat can be successfully grown.
• Stubble has been burnt to reduce the incidence of yellow leaf spot in the following crop.
• In most years the crop has been direct drilled.
• Disease levels are still low and the crop is checked at flowering every year for root diseases.
• Continuous wheat has been relativley low risk - after 7 years it has not failed (except for the drought year in 2002).
• Thus far there is no problem with grass weeds or soil borne diseases.

• Comparative tolerance of wheat and 2 species of barley grass to manganese deficiency was examined in solution culture.
• All 3 species achieve comparable biomass on full nutrients but wheat seedlings were greatly disadvantaged on low manganese.
• Both species barley grass proved far more tolerant of low manganese and maintained positive carbon balance and all treatments including nil addition of manganese.
• This contrast explains the comparative advantage barley grass wheat on low manganese soils.

• Soil and solution culture studies were conducted to examine the relative contribution of different mechanisms of zinc efficiency at the whole plant level in bread and durum wheat during early vegetative stage.
• While there are a number of mechanisms of zinc efficiency, zinc uptake appears to be the most important mechanism • Seed zinc remobilisation and root to shoot translocation do not appear to be important to zinc efficiency.
• Visual scores of zinc deficiency were significantly correlated with zinc efficiency, and they provide a useful criterion for an initial screen of zinc efficiency.
• This study was based on vegetative growth and the conclusions need to be verified under field conditions.
• The percentage deviation technique provided a straight forward means of comparing the relative effects of different components of zinc efficiency and the method could be extended to studies that use grain yield as the measure of zinc efficiency.

• Sunflower yields were very low at this site in 2015–16, averaging 0.24 t/ha, and overall variability was very high.
• The total removal of leaves at the budding stage had the largest impact on plant structures; plant height, head diameter and arc length.

• Sunflower grain yield averaged 1.07 t/ha at this site with the highest yields obtained from the control and the treatments where only the bottom one third (1/3) of leaves were removed.
• The total leaf removal treatments had the largest effect on yield, at worst yielding only 0.16 t/ha.
• Removing all leaves at budding or at the start of the flowering growth stages had the largest effect on plant structures.
• Total leaf removal at the end of flowering had the largest effect on 1000 grain weight and test weight.

• Sunflower yields were greatly affected by the various defoliation treatments, ranging from 0.12 t/ha to 0.97 t/ha.
• Reductions in yield, of between 55% and 82% compared with the control resulted from total leaf removal at all three of the targeted growth stages (budding, start of flowering and flowering completion) as well as removing two-thirds of the leaves at budding.
• There was no negative effect on grain yield from removing the bottom third of leaves at budding or the start of flowering. Removing the bottom third of leaves at the start of flowering actually provided a slight yield advantage over the control treatment. The largest effect on plant height, head diameter and head arc length were caused by removing all leaves at the budding stage.