To investigate options for managing hostile subsoils.
Key messages
Hostile subsoils can significantly constrain crop growth and water use in the Mallee and Wimmera. Although the subsoil constraints are effectively fixed, the impact they have on grain yields can vary markedly with crop type and seasonal conditions (particularly the pattern of rainfall). Electromagnetic survey (EM) techniques offer the potential to assess the distribution and extent of subsoil constraints within a paddock. Management options however are currently limited and the most financially viable strategy may be to ‘live with the problem’ where inputs such as N fertiliser are limited and crop selection restricted to more tolerant types and varieties.
Lead research organisation
N/A
Host research organisation
N/A
Trial funding source
GRDC
Related program
N/A
Acknowledgments
We would like to thank the many farmer collaborators who have assisted with our paddock survey over the past 3 years and the GRDC for co-funding this project. In particular, we would like to acknowledge the technical contributions of Roger Perris, Graham Price, Mel Baker and Janine Fitzpatrick (DPI, Horsham) and Kellie Matthews (BCG).
Trial source data and summary not available Check the trial
report PDF for trial results.
Climate
Derived climate information
No observed climate data available for this trial. Derived climate data is
determined from trial site location and national weather sources.
Birchip VIC
Brim VIC
Donald VIC
Jung VIC
Nhill VIC
Rupanyup VIC
Warracknabeal VIC
Birchip VIC
CAUTION: Trial site locality unknown; Climate data sourced from Birchip Cropping Group office location
Brim VIC
Donald VIC
Jung VIC
Nhill VIC
NOTE: Exact trial site locality unknown - Climate data may not be accurate
Rupanyup VIC
Warracknabeal VIC
SILO weather estimates sourced from https://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/silo/
Jeffrey, S.J., Carter, J.O., Moodie, K.B. and Beswick, A.R. (2001). Using spatial interpolation to
construct a comprehensive archive of Australian climate data , Environmental Modelling and Software, Vol
16/4, pp 309-330. DOI: 10.1016/S1364-8152(01)00008-1.
