Moisture for germination and growth is critical to crop performance. Many different strategies exist to conserve soil moisture pre and post sowing, including spraying and tillage.
Online Farm Trials contains 150 trials covering issues that include: managing moisture variability within paddock; crop rotations that optimise moisture availability in the sequence; impacts of break crops and summer crops for production; and, future crop gains and interactions between soil moisture and nitrogen conservation, including timing of fertiliser application. There are 65 published trials for wheat, 16 for canola and 16 for barley linked to soil moisture conservation and use. There are also trials for lupins (6) and vetch (4).
For further information on soil moisture strategies, refer to the following case studies on low rainfall environments that consider summer weed control options to managing soil moisture:
Aims:
To improve grain production by ameliorating subsurface compaction and subsurface acidity.
Aims:
To improve grain production by ameliorating subsurface compaction and subsurface acidity.
Aims:
To improve grain production by ameliorating subsurface compaction and subsurface acidity.
Aims:
To improve grain production by ameliorating subsurface compaction and subsurface acidity.
Aims:
To assess the impact of deep ripping on barley and canola yield on sand over gravel and deep sand soil types in the South Stirling area of WA.
Aims:
To demonstrate more efficient deep ripping of a dry compact sandy soil and to assess any benefits of improved rain infiltration and crop yield.
Aims:
To determine the benefits of deep ripping and the implications for N fertiliser.
Aims:
To measure the effect of deep ripping on depth to free water (waterlogging) and the associated yield response of canola (2018) and wheat (2019) after deep ripping on this soil type.
Aims:
To determine how long the ripping effect lasts for in a controlled traffic farming (CTF) system and when to repeat the deep ripping on deep sands
Aims:
To assess the impact of deep ripping on wheat yield in a sand over gravel soil type near Northam, WA.
Aims:
To quantify the yield effects of deep ripping, gypsum applicaiton and a new cultivation implement known as a spader.
Aims:
To quantify the effects of deep ripping, gypsum application, and a new cultivation implement known as a Spader,
Aims:
Aims:
To provide growers and advisers with a better understanding of the benefits of deep ripping and in particular depth of deep ripping required to optimise crop yield and profit.
Aims:
To provide growers and advisers with a better understanding of the benefits of deep ripping and in particular depth of deep ripping required to optimise crop yield and profit.
Aims:
To identify areas of micronutrient deficiency on Eyre Peninsula.
Aims:
Aims:
Aims:
Aims:
Aims:
This site was designed to demonstrate the practical implications of implementing Controlled Traffic and
Precision Agriculture practices
Aims:
To demonstrate various long and short-term management options to mitigate water repellent soils in the Corrigin area in 2017
Aims:
To compare the impact and profitability of the inclusion of broadleaved break crops in paddock rotations in the Northern Victorian Mallee.
Aims:
Agronomic constraints threaten the sustainability of intensive cereal no-till cropping systems. Local research has shown these constraints can be managed by diversifying rotations with break crops, however as this research was conducted at only one site, farmers wanted to know whether the same results would be observed on a commercial scale at a… read more
Aims:
Agronomic constraints threaten the sustainability of intensive cereal no-till cropping systems. Local research has shown these constraints can be managed by diversifying rotations with break crops, however as this research was conducted at only one site, farmers wanted to know whether the same results would be observed on a commercial scale at a… read more
Aims:
Agronomic constraints threaten the sustainability of intensive cereal no-till cropping systems. Local research has shown these constraints can be managed by diversifying rotations with break crops, however as this research was conducted at only one site, farmers wanted to know whether the same results would be observed on a commercial scale at a… read more
Aims:
Agronomic constraints threaten the sustainability of intensive cereal no-till cropping systems. Local research has shown these constraints can be managed by diversifying rotations with break crops, however as this research was conducted at only one site, farmers wanted to know whether the same results would be observed on a commercial scale at a… read more
Aims:
To evaluate and demonstrate the benefit of soil amelioration across a wider range of soil types that are common to the WA grain growing region.
Aims:
To demonstrate the productivity and persistence of annual pasture legumes (NAPLIP cultivar/species) on several soil types in the medium–low rainfall wheat belt environment.
Aims:
To investigate the suitability and profitability of alternative legume crops in the Western Region.
Aims:
Aims:
To compare three legume crops in farmer scale seeding strip trials at three locations in the Albany Port Zone. Demonstrations will compare several legume crops in different soil types in different micro-environments. The same trial sites will be monitored in 2019 to determine the effects (positive or negative) of the legume break crop on the sub… read more
Aims:
To detect and manage trace element deficiencies in crops.
Aims:
The aim of this experiment was to determine the Critical Growth Period (CGP) of field-grown canola so that sowing date and variety can be selected to ensure that the CGP (the period when the crop is most sensitive to environmental stresses) occurs when the growing environment is likely to be the most favourable (a balance between adequate moistu… read more
Aims:
To determine the soil depth that microbes responsible for nitrification (conversion of ammonium to nitrate) are located.
Aims:
To test modified one-way ploughs as a method of lime incorporation.
Aims:
To evaluate the effectiveness of two bolt-on attachments to a deep ripping tine at lime incorporation.
Aims:
To provide an overview and improve understanding of the range of tillage implements available to growers to incorporate lime, their respective costs and benefits and to assess novel options.
Aims:
To discuss a project involved in developing lentisl for profitability in Australia.
Aims:
To identify the best rotation (or system) for the region, that will also prevent the degradation or loss of soil chemical, physical and biological characteristics.
Aims:
To define critical parameters for identifying zinc deficiency and the fertiliser strategies to overcome.
Aims:
To establish the need for trace elements on soils of the Eyre Peninsula.
Aims:
To evaluate nitrogen efficiencies of various nitrogenous fertilisers on wheat.
Aims:
To evaluate nitrogen efficiencies of various nitrogenous fertilisers on wheat.
Aims:
To compare a range of starter fertiliser and topdress options for pasture production.
Aims:
To evaluate phosphorus efficiencies of various different phosphate fertilisers on wheat.
Aims:
To determine if zinc deficiency coujld be alleviated with foliar sprays.
Aims:
To develop a method to visualize diffusion of zinc from fertilizers.
Aims:
To assess the differences between disc and tyne seeding systems in commercial practice.
Aims:
To demonstrate the disease resistance of new Sonali, Rupali and Genesis836 and potential releases Genesis90 and Genesis508, chickpea varieties.
Aims:
To report on the 2016 season assessment of the capability of this test to:
Aims:
To compare current varieties to ones which are not commonly grown in the district, and to compare varieties in soil types and rainfall regions where National Wheat Variety trials are not conducted.
Aims:
These variety trials were identified as priorities by local agricultural bureau groups to evaluate commonly grown varieties, compare them to newly released varieties and provide further information on varietal performance in soil types and rainfall regions where wheat and barley National Variety Trials (NVT) are not conducted.
Aims:
These variety trials were identified as priorities by local agricultural bureau groups to evaluate commonly grown varieties, compare them to newly released varieties and provide further information on varietal performance in soil types and rainfall regions where wheat and barley National Variety Trials (NVT) are not conducted.
Aims:
These variety trials were identified as priorities by local agricultural bureau groups to evaluate commonly grown varieties, compare them to newly released varieties and provide further information on varietal performance in soil types and rainfall regions where wheat and barley National Variety Trials (NVT) are not conducted.
Aims:
These variety trials were identified as priorities by local agricultural bureau groups to evaluate commonly grown varieties, compare them to newly released varieties and provide further information on varietal performance in soil types and rainfall regions where wheat and barley National Variety Trials (NVT) are not conducted.
Aims:
These variety trials were identified as priorities by local Agricultural Bureaux to compare current varieties to ones which are not commonly grown in their respective districts, and to compare varieties in soil types and rainfall regions where wheat and barley National Variety Trials (NVT) are not conducted.
Aims:
These variety trials were identified as priorities by local Agricultural Bureaux to compare current varieties to ones which are not commonly grown in their respective districts, and to compare varieties in soil types and rainfall regions where wheat and barley National Variety Trials (NVT) are not conducted.
Aims:
The wheat and barley variety demonstrations were identified as priorities by local agricultural bureaus to compare current varieties to potential new varieties in soil types and rainfall regions where wheat National Variety Trials (NVT) are not conducted.
Aims:
These variety trials were identified as priorities by local agricultural bureau groups to evaluate commonly grown varieties, compare them to newly released varieties and provide further information on varietal performance in soil types and rainfall regions where wheat and barley National Variety Trials (NVT) are not conducted.
Aims:
These variety trials were identified as priorities by local agricultural bureau groups to evaluate commonly grown varieties, compare them to newly released varieties and provide further information on varietal performance in soil types and rainfall regions where wheat and barley National Variety Trials (NVT) are not conducted.
Aims:
These variety trials were identified as priorities by local agricultural bureau groups to evaluate commonly grown varieties, compare them to newly released varieties and provide further information on varietal performance in soil types and rainfall regions where wheat and barley National Variety Trials (NVT) are not conducted.
Aims:
These variety trials were identified as priorities by local agricultural bureau groups to evaluate commonly grown varieties, compare them to newly released varieties and provide further information on varietal performance in soil types and rainfall regions where wheat and barley National Variety Trials (NVT) are not conducted.
Aims:
To compare current varieties to varieties which are not commonly grown in the district, and to compare varieties in soil types and rainfall regions where National Wheat Variety trials are not conducted.
Aims:
To compare current varieties to varieties which are not commonly grown in the district, and to compare varieties in soil types and rainfall regions where National Wheat Variety trials are not conducted.
Aims:
To determine whether rotational benefits of break crops improve the profitabiliyt of first wheat after break crops.
Aims:
Aims:
To look at grinding our local limesands to see if it made them more effective.
Aims:
To look at the effectiveness of grinding our local limesands and comparing the changes in soil pH against unground lime.
Aims:
It assess the impact of repeat applications of herbicide on residue levels and the impact on soil biology and crop production.
Aims:
Aims:
To investigate if increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) increases N2O emissions.
Aims:
To re-examine the effect of N rate and application timing on canola yield, seed oil and protein content, and apparent N fertiliser efficiencies.
Aims:
To compare conventional practice with an alternative pre-plant N fertiliser placement in relation to the irrigated furrow, to investigate the potential impact on soil mineral N concentrations and consequent N2O emissions.
Aims:
To compare conventional practice with two alternative pre-plant N fertiliser placements in relation to the irrigated furrow, to investigate the potential impact on soil mineral N concentrations, nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, and cotton production.
Aims:
To assess the effect that N fertiliser timing (all applied pre-planting vs pre-planting + in-crop) had on soil N2O emissions and cotton production.
Aims:
To examine the availability of zinc fertiliser under dry sowing conditions
Aims:
To establish whether the efficacy of fertilizers, which are usually simultaneously placed below the seed at planting, is influenced by being in contact with the dry soil for a period of time before seed germination and crop emergence.
Aims:
To evaluate the effectiveness of pre-emergent herbicides and crop safety in dry sowing conditions.
Aims:
Part 1: Medic cultivars were grown in soil with high boron levels in a glasshouse, leaf damage symptoms recorded and cultivars allocated to different tolerance groups (Howie 2012).
Part 2: The above identified that all spineless burr medic cultivars are susceptible to high boron levels. Screening wild accessions (supplied by… read more
Aims:
Legume pastures have been pivotal to sustainable agricultural development in southern Australia. They provide highly nutritious feed for livestock, act as a disease break for many cereal root pathogens, and improve soil fertility through nitrogen (N) fixation. Despite these benefits, pasture renovation rates remain low and there are opportunitie… read more
Aims:
Legume pastures have been pivotal to sustainable agricultural development in southern Australia. They provide highly nutritious feed for livestock, act as a disease break for many cereal root pathogens, and improve fertility through nitrogen (N) fixation. Despite these benefits pasture renovation rates remain low and there is opportunity to impr… read more
Aims:
Legume pastures have been pivotal to sustainable agricultural development in southern Australia. They provide highly nutritious feed for livestock, act as a disease break for many cereal root pathogens, and improve fertility through nitrogen (N) fixation. Despite these benefits pasture renovation rates remain low and there is opportunity to impr… read more
Aims:
This article will report on findings from two pasture trials conducted on the lower Eyre Peninsula in the 2019-2021 growing seasons. The trials are part of the demonstration component of the Dryland Pasture Legume Systems (DLPS) project developed with the former LEADA committee/AIR EP Medium Rainfall RD&E committee to answer several questions a… read more
Aims:
Legume pastures have been pivotal to sustainable agricultural development in southern Australia. They provide highly nutritious feed for livestock, act as a disease break for many cereal root pathogens, improve fertility through nitrogen (N) fixation and mixed farming reduces economic risk. Despite these benefits, pasture renovation ra… read more
Aims:
This project is primarily about understanding more about the size of the water bucket (Plant Available Water as a crop input),
and how that may impact our management decisions and the final result of our crops for the season.
Aims:
To evaluate the relative weed competitiveness of barley, bread wheat, and durum against annual ryegrass grown under different management practices including seeding rate, nutrition, variety, and row spacing.
Aims:
To conduct a Durum wheat agronomy demonstration,
Aims:
To determine the performance of various wheat varieties across the low rainfall regions of Central West NSW
Aims:
To test early maturing barley varieties.
Aims:
To investigate the effect of early or delayed sowing on reduction of ryegrass numbers in combination with different preemergent herbicides.
Aims:
To investigate the effect of early or delayed sowing on reduction of ryegrass numbers in combination with different pre-emergent herbicides
Aims:
Compare the yield responses of canola varieties sown at three sowing dates (9 April, 23 April and 12 May).
Aims:
To investigate the interaction between early sowing and row spacing and variety in first wheat crops under full stubble retention.
Aims:
To investigate the interaction between early sowing and row spacing and variety in first wheat crops under full stubble retention.
Aims:
The eConnected Grainbelt projects aim is to connect grain growers to the information that they need to make profitable decisions that are tailored for their paddocks, for their businesses, and for the variable conditions that they face each season.
Aims:
To determine the rates and form of boron required for maximum grain yield of canola & lupin grown on acidic low organic matter and low clay soils sands across 3 seasons.
Aims:
To determine the rates of boron required for maximum grain yield of canola grown on acidic low organic matter sands across 3 seasons.
Aims:
To determine the rates of boron required for maximum grain yield of canola grown on soils of the Bindoon area (gravelly soils)..
Canola was thought to have a high B requirement so a range of sites were selected to determine any response incanola to B applications.
Aims:
To determine the rates of boron required for maximum grain yield of canola grown on soils of the Corrgin area.
Canola was thought to have a high B requirement so a range of sites were selected to determine any response incanola to B applications.