Paddock demonstration: starter fertiliser

2010
CC BY 4.0

Research organisaton
Funding source

Trial details

Researcher(s) Nicole Dimos (SPAA)
David Ferrier (Growers)
John Ferrier (Growers)
Year(s) 2010
Contributor Society of Precision Agriculture Australia
Trial location(s) Birchip, VIC
Paddock demonstration: starter fertiliser locations
Aims

To compare the effects of starter fertiliser (ZincStar) on wheat yield at Jil Jil in the southern Mallee district, VIC.

Key messages

The Victorian Mallee has experienced more than a decade of below average rainfall (including 3 droughts). This has placed an enormous amount of financial pressure on the farm businesses. By reducing up-front expenditure on inputs such as fertiliser, provided there is no yield penalty, delayed applications can significantly reduce risk. Delayed applications also allow for rates/inputs to be refined to suit the season.

Lead research organisation Society of Precision Agriculture Australia
Host research organisation N/A
Trial funding source GRDC SPA000010
Related program N/A
Acknowledgments

BCG managed the trial and data collection during the season.The author would like to thank John and David Ferrier for hosting this trial


Other trial partners BCG
Download the trial report to view additional trial information

Method

Crop type Cereal (Grain): Wheat
Treatment type(s)
  • Fertiliser: Rate
  • Soil Properties: Type
Trial type Precision agriculture
Trial design Not applicable

Birchip 2010

Sow rate or Target density 70 kg/ha
Sow date 22 May 2010 22 May 2010
Harvest date 27 December 2010
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Fertiliser

ZincStar

Other trial notes

Due to a delayed harvest, the yield map was unable to be create prior to this report being written. It will become available as soon as possible. It is unclear exactly whether the response observed can be  ttributed to P alone as the product used (ZincStar) contains N and Zinc. Any benefit in early growth and establishment could have attributed to increased yield. Typically, in wet seasons it could be expected that more nutrients would come from “residual P” or the soil reserve through mineralisation. Below average winter rainfall would have increased the crop’s dependence on fertiliser P, whereas in above average winters most of the P generally comes from the residual P. Subsequently, the favourable spring conditions enable the difference measured at GS30 to translate into yield. This may not always be the case, especially in drier seasons.

Download the trial report to view additional method/treatment information

Download results

Trial results Table 1

# Treatment 1
Treatment 2
Grain yield (t/ha)
1 Red Clay Loam 0 Fertiliser 5.3
2 Red Clay Loam 27.5kg/ha ZincStar 6.3
3 Sandy RIse 0 Fertiliser 5.2
4 Sandy RIse 27.5kg/ha ZincStar 5.7
5 Limestone clay loam 0 Fertiliser 4.9
6 Limestone clay loam 27.5kg/ha ZincStar 5.3

Grain yield t/ha


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Observed trial site soil information
Trial site soil testing
Not specified
Soil conditions
Trial site Soil texture
Birchip, VIC Brown sandy clay loam
Derived trial site soil information
Australian Soil Classification Source: ASRIS
Trial site Soil order
Birchip, VIC Vertosol
Soil Moisture Source: BOM/ANU
Average amount of water stored in the soil profile during the year, estimated by the OzWALD model-data fusion system.
Year Birchip VIC
2010 344.5mm
2009 292.7mm
2008 275.5mm
2007 274.8mm
2006 283.6mm
2005 316.0mm
2004 281.0mm
2003 275.8mm
2002 240.1mm
2001 285.1mm
2000 290.6mm
National soil grid Source: CSIRO/TERN
NOTE: National Soil Grid data is aggregated information for background information on the wider area
Actual soil values can vary significantly in a small area and the trial soil tests are the most relevant data where available

Soil properties

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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

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Some data on this site is sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology

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.

Trial report and links

2010 trial report



Trial last modified: 30-09-2019 15:03pm AEST