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:
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To compare the long term effects of different stubble treatments on crop establishment, growth, grain yield and quality. The sustainability of treatments will also be evaulated with comparison of soil physical, chemical and biological data.
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To compare the performance of three seeding systems and two nitrogen nutrition strategies.
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Detailed measurement of soil properties and plant productivity over time following amelioration with one-off deep tillage.
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To investigate the effect of phosphorus application rates and strategies over a number of years on the growth and yield of wheat.
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To assess the long-term impat of a rnage of P fertiliser rates on crop yield and economic returns.
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To assess the long-term impact of a range of P fertiliser rates on crop yield and economic returns
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To assess the implications of different P fertiliser rates on crop growth and profitability over time.
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To identify the most economical rate of phosphorus usage in a southern Mallee cropping system over time.
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To establish the most economical rate of phosphorus usage in a southern Mallee cropping systems over time.
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To ascertain the long-term benefits in crop growth and profitability as a result of regular phosphorus (P) applications.
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To investigate the long term effects of different approaches to sustainable farming, especially in relation to soil moisture and soil quality.
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To investigate the long term effects of different approaches to sustainable farming, especially in relation to soil moisture and soil quality.
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To investigate the long term effects of different approaches to sustainable farming, especially in relation to soil moisture and soil quality.
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To test increasing the economic viability of deep ripping using controlled traffic and the addition of topsoil and ameliorants to the subsoil.
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This trial aims to establish the long-term value of deep ripping on compacted deep south coast sands. It investigates the longevity of the ripping benefit in a fully controlled traffic system (CTF).
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To provide better guidelines on safer methods of sowing wheat on shallow soil in the low rainfall zone; especially in terms of row spacing seeding rate, variety, depth of soil and soil type.
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To assess the impact of different establishment techniques on lucerne plant densities.
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To answer some key questions about lucerne in the crop rotation:
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To comment on Lucerne performance in the southern Mallee.
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To compare growth, development and yield of current commercial lupin varieties and advanced breeding lines sown on two dates on a red sandy loam soil at Rankins Springs in southern NSW.
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To evaluate the performance of crops (Lupin in 2012) when pasture cropped over different perennial species established on deep pale sands.
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To determine if grain yields of lupins can be increased through desiccation and timely harvest.
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The trial aimed to address the lack of long-term lime trials taking place in the Albany Port Zone.
The aim was to evaluate five different lime sources from the southwest to determine were differences in their effect on soil pH and yields.
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To compare plant characteristics and grain yield responses of three maize hybrids to varying rates of N applied at sowing or in crop under dryland conditions at Gurley, south-east of Moree.
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To investigate how to make the grade for malting barley.
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The GRDC Low Rainfall Crop Sequencing project is identifying the effects that different break crops and rotations have on Mallee farming systems. Farmers have increasingly adopted continuous cereal cropping strategies as non-cereal crops are perceived as riskier than cereals due to greater yield and price fluctuations. Therefore, it is important… read more
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To find more reliable methods to control rhizoctonia.
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A series of multi-year field trials were conducted at sites in SA, Victoria and NSW to determine key soil, environment and management factors influencing the pathogen dynamics and disease impact in cereal crops.
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To compare the tolerance of different cereal crops to crown rot, and therefore determine the most tolerant cereals for paddocks at risk of crown rot.
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To report on managing 'take-all' and crown rot.
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To investigate management options which reduce the risk of failure when growing wheat on wheat, or barley on wheat stubble.
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Examine the effect of variable rates of fertiliser on acidity in the furrow and how CalSap� interacts with soil pH over a period of time at different locations in the profile.
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Examine the effect of variable rates of fertiliser on acidity in the furrow and how CalSap® interacts with soil pH over a period of time at different locations in the profile.
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This experiment aimed to evaluate agronomic management options that enhance the yield potential on this specific soil type.
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To manage the crop canopy and conserve the stored soil moisture so that it might be saved for grain-fill, rather than being used to create early crop growth.
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To manage the crop canopy and conserve the stored soil moisture so that it might be saved for grain-fill, rather than being used to create early crop growth.
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Experiment 1: To investigate the suitability of new and pre-release winter wheat varieties to the Wimmera and Mallee and define their optimal time of sowing.
Experiment 2: To investigate the amount of rainfall required to establish an early sown winter wheat crop in the Wimmera and Mallee.
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This GRDC funded research program aims to provide growers with information which will reduce losses due to eyespot by improving our understanding of resistance responses of commercial cultivars and breeders’ lines to eyespot based on information from dedicated field screening trials.
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To investigate adaptation of new wheat varieties in their resilience to frost stress during the growing season.
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To discuss how to manage herbicide carryover after a drought.
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To asses the effect on crop yield of multiple rates and application strategies of micronutrient fertilizers in soils deficient in the target micronutrients (copper, zinc, manganese, boron and molybdenum)
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To asses the effect on crop yield of multiple rates and application strategies of micronutrient fertilizers in soils deficient in the target micronutrients (copper, zinc, manganese, boron and molybdenum)
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To asses the effect on crop yield of multiple rates and application strategies of micronutrient fertilizers in soils deficient in the target micronutrients (copper, zinc, manganese, boron and molybdenum)
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To asses the effect on crop yield of multiple rates and application strategies of micronutrient fertilizers in soils deficient in the target micronutrients (copper, zinc, manganese, boron and molybdenum)
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To asses the effect on crop yield of multiple rates and application strategies of micronutrient fertilizers in soils deficient in the target micronutrients (copper, zinc, manganese, boron and molybdenum)
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To asses the effect on crop yield of multiple rates and application strategies of micronutrient fertilizers in soils deficient in the target micronutrients (copper, zinc, manganese, boron and molybdenum)
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To asses the effect on crop yield of multiple rates and application strategies of micronutrient fertilizers in soils deficient in the target micronutrients (copper, zinc, manganese, boron and molybdenum)
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To asses the effect on crop yield of multiple rates and application strategies of micronutrient fertilizers in soils deficient in the target micronutrients (copper, zinc, manganese, boron and molybdenum)
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To asses the effect on crop yield of multiple rates and application strategies of micronutrient fertilizers in soils deficient in the target micronutrients (copper, zinc, manganese, boron and molybdenum)
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To asses the effect on crop yield of multiple rates and application strategies of micronutrient fertilizers in soils deficient in the target micronutrients (copper, zinc, manganese, boron and molybdenum)
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To asses the effect on crop yield of multiple rates and application strategies of micronutrient fertilizers in soils deficient in the target micronutrients (copper, zinc, manganese, boron and molybdenum)
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To asses the effect on crop yield of multiple rates and application strategies of micronutrient fertilizers in soils deficient in the target micronutrients (copper, zinc, manganese, boron and molybdenum)
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To asses the effect on crop yield of multiple rates and application strategies of micronutrient fertilizers in soils deficient in the target micronutrients (copper, zinc, manganese, boron and molybdenum)
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To asses the effect on crop yield of multiple rates and application strategies of micronutrient fertilizers in soils deficient in the target micronutrients (copper, zinc, manganese, boron and molybdenum)
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To asses the effect on crop yield of multiple rates and application strategies of micronutrient fertilizers in soils deficient in the target micronutrients (copper, zinc, manganese, boron and molybdenum)
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Sandy soil types of the Northern Mallee often underperform despite good weed management and increased inputs of nitrogen and sulphur. There is still a yield gap that can be addressed, with anecdotal evidence of unused water commonly remaining in the soil at depths of approximately 60cm at harvest. In 2014 we set in place a diagnostic procedure t… read more
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Sandy soil types of the Northern Mallee often underperform despite good weed management and increased inputs of nitrogen and sulfur. There is still a yield gap that can be addressed, with anecdotal evidence of unused water commonly remaining in the soil at depths of approximately 60cm at harvest.
After several years of demonstrating the v… read more
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To explore the effects of nitrogen, sulfur and zinc on wheat productivity. The treatments included a range of N, S and Zn based treatments which were designed to address whether;
1) Constraints to productivity on sands could be managed by manipulating the nutrition package,
2) Early application of N is the most profitable option,<… read more
Aims:
Sandy soil types of the Northern Mallee often underperform despite good weed management and increased inputs of nitrogen and sulfur. There is still a yield gap that can be addressed, with anecdotal evidence of unused water commonly remaining in the soil at depths of approximately 60cm at harvest.
After several years of demonstrating the v… read more
Aims:
Sandy soil types of the Northern Mallee often underperform despite good weed management and increased inputs of nitrogen and sulfur. There is still a yield gap that can be addressed, with anecdotal evidence of unused water commonly remaining in the soil at depths of approximately 60cm at harvest.
After several years of demonstrating the v… read more
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To develop reliable and efficient field trial protocols to determine the tolerance (nematode effect on yield) of new varieties to Pratylenchus neglectus, P. thornei and CCN plus calibrate the bioassays used to screen varieties for resistance (the effect a variety has on nematode levels in soil).
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To address the concerns of landholders and local CMAs as to the long-term survival of remnant vegetation.
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To develop risk management tools which will assist farmers to make better decisions in relation to optimising inputs in line with seasonal outcomes.
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To discuss the APSIM model for wheat in the southern Mallee.
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To investigate the economical viability of trace nutrient (Zn) application.
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To investigate the impact of different herbicide strategies in RT-canola (Roundup & triazine tolerant) and wheat on the long-term control of Select-resistant ryegrass.
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To evaluate banded wetting agent (SACOA ‘Irrigator’) for crop establishment and yield on non-wetting soils in the West Midlands.
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To evaluate banded wetting agent (SACOA ‘Irrigator’) for crop establishment and yield on non-wetting soils in the West Midlands.
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To add normal, as required to optimise yield potential, and extra amounts of nutrients (N, P and S) to different stubble managements (intact, incorporated and removed) to see if SOM levels could be increased.
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To add normal and higher amounts of nutrients (N, P and S) to different stubble managements (standing, worked and removed) to see if soil humus level would be increased.
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To add normal and higher amounts of nutrients (N, P and S) to different stubble managements (standing, worked and removed) to see if soil humus level would be increased.
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The objectives were to:
1. manage subsoil acidity through innovative amelioration methods that will increase productivity, profitability and sustainability
2. study soil processes, such as the changes of soil chemical, physical and biological properties under vigorous soil amelioration techniques, over the longer term.
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The aim of the project is to manage subsoil acidity through innovative amelioration methods that increase productivity, profitability and sustainability on farms.
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To investigate methods for successfully establishing crops in a single pass to reduce erosion potential and improve productivity.
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The objective of this research is to determine the value of agronomic management (plant density and nitrogen) on production of quality grain for profitable wheat systems. Increasing plant density is a useful tool to increase the competitiveness of a crop against weeds, however, how will this influence grain yield and quality for the new wheat va… read more
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To determine value of agronomic management (sowing rate and nitrogen) on production of quality grain for profitable wheat systems.
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Manganese and Molybdenum required for clover ley grown on sand over brown sand loam at Kalannie
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To determine the methods and rates of Mn placement required for maximum dry matter production of sub clover grown on very gravelly soils in West Dale district.
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To study the manganese content of cereals, lupin and clover herbage in NE Victoria.
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To investigate grey speck disease of oats on the south east of South Australia.
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To demonstrate responses to manganese (Mn) in lupins.
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To determine the methods and rates of Mn placement required for maximum grain yield of wheat following lupin grown on acidic sands across 3 seasons.
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To determine the methods and rates of Mn placement required for maximum grain yield of wheat following lupin grown on Grey sands on Esperance sand plainacross 3 seasons.
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To determine the methods and rates of Mn placement required for maximum grain yield of wheat following lupin grown on Grey sands on Esperance sand plainacross 3 seasons.
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To determine the methods and rates of Mn placement required for maximum grain yield of wheat following lupin grown on acidic sands across 3 seasons.
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To determine the methods and rates of Mn placement required for maximum grain yield of wheat following lupin grown on Grey sands on West midlands sand plainacross 3 seasons.
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To conduct an on-farm barley demonstration.
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To maximise canola productivity through creating soil specific management strategies that improve canola yields, profitability and establishment in field trials on lower and upper Eyre Peninsula (EP). In 2014, ten separate trials were conducted as part of this project at Minnipa Agricultural Centre, and Piednippie on upper EP. Four trials will b… read more
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To maximise canola productivity through creating soil specific management strategies that improve canola yields, profitability and establishment in field trials on Eyre Peninsula.
In 2015, seven separate trials were conducted as part of this project at Minnipa Agriculture Centre and Piednippie on upper Eyre Peninsula. Three trials will… read more
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To evaluate the effect of two triazine tolerant varieties, sown at three different seeding rates and three different depths has on emergence and yield at Minnipa Agricultural Centre and at Piednippie.
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Tto maximise canola productivity through creating soil specific management strategies that improve canola yields, profitability and establishment in field trials on lower and upper Eyre Peninsula (EP). In 2014, ten separate trials were conducted as part of this project at Minnipa Agricultural Centre, and Piednippie on upper EP. Four trials will … read more
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To maximise canola productivity through creating soil specific management strategies that improve canola yields, profitability and establishment in field trials on lower and upper Eyre Peninsula (EP). In 2014, ten separate trials were conducted as part of this project at Minnipa Agricultural Centre, and Piednippie on upper EP. Four trials will b… read more
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To maximise canola productivity through creating soil specific management strategies that improve canola yields, profitability and establishment in field trials on lower and upper Eyre Peninsula (EP). In 2014, ten separate trials were conducted as part of this project at Minnipa Agricultural Centre, and Piednippie on upper EP. Four trials will b… read more
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To maximise canola productivity through creating soil specific management strategies that improve canola yields, profitability and establishment in field trials on lower and upper Eyre Peninsula.
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Identify profitable long term management of subsoil compaction for deep sandy soil at Binnu.
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To maximise yield via maximising wheat biomass using early sown winter wheats.
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To maximise the yield of irrigated winter wheat
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