Crop sequences address agronomic contraints in a long term continuous cereal paddock

2011 - 2014

Research organisaton
Funding source

Trial details

Researcher(s) Todd McDonald (MSF)
Michael Moodie (MSF)
Peter Telfer (SARDI)
Nigel Wilhelm (MSF)
Year(s) 2011 - 2014
Contributor Mallee Sustainable Farming Inc.
Trial location(s) Wargan, VIC
Crop sequences address agronomic contraints in a long term continuous cereal paddock locations
Aims

To quantify the agronomic benefits that break crops can provide in Mallee cropping rotations so that farmers can be confident of the long term benefits of more diverse crop sequences.

Key messages
  • Legume crops consistently increased pre-sowing soil nitrogen in the year following the break.
  • Two-year break phases that included a brown manure vetch phase have generally resulted in the highest pre sowing soil nitrogen levels in the subsequent wheat crops.
  • One and two-year break phases reduce Rhizoctonia soil inoculum, however levels increase significantly following the first cereal crop.
  • Two-year break treatments generally reduced brome grass populations in the cereal phase, however all rotations relied on Clearfield herbicides for brome grass control by the second wheat crop following the break.
  • The benefits from extra soil water following some break phases in this trial have been variable and small.
Lead research organisation N/A
Host research organisation N/A
Trial funding source GRDC DAS00119
Related program Crop Sequencing Initiative
Acknowledgments

This trial is a collaboration between MSF and SARDI with funding from GRDC. Thank you to Roger Lawes (CSIRO) for undertaking the statistical analysis of this trial.


Other trial partners Not specified
Download the trial report to view additional trial information

Method

Crop types Cereal (Grain): Barley Forage: Oats Cereal (Grain): Wheat Pasture: Medic Oilseed: Canola Pasture: Mixed species Grain Legume: Chickpeas Grain Legume: Field peas Hay: Vetch
Treatment type(s)
  • Crop: Rotation
Trial type Experimental
Trial design Replicated

Wargan 2011 Barley

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2011 Oats

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2011 Wheat

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2011 Medic

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2011 Canola

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2011 Mixed species

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2011 Chickpeas

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2011 Field peas

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2011 Vetch

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2012 Barley

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2012 Oats

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2012 Wheat

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2012 Medic

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2012 Canola

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2012 Mixed species

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2012 Chickpeas

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2012 Field peas

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2012 Vetch

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2013 Barley

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2013 Oats

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2013 Wheat

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2013 Medic

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2013 Canola

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2013 Mixed species

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2013 Chickpeas

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2013 Field peas

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2013 Vetch

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2014 Wheat

Sow date 5 May 2014 5 May 2014
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size 25m x 1.8m
Plot replication 3
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2014 Barley

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2014 Oats

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2014 Medic

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2014 Canola

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2014 Mixed species

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2014 Chickpeas

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2014 Field peas

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Wargan 2014 Vetch

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established along with a continuous wheat. In 2012, a second break phase was implemented (2-year break) or the rotation was returned to wheat (1-year break). In 2013, all rotations were returned to either conventional wheat (var. Shield) or Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade). In 2014, all plots where again sown to Clearfield wheat (var. Grenade).

Download the trial report to view additional method/treatment information
Trial source data and summary not available
Check the trial report PDF for trial results.
Observed trial site soil information
Trial site soil testing
Not specified
Soil conditions
Trial site Soil texture
Wargan, VIC Not specified
Derived trial site soil information
Australian Soil Classification Source: ASRIS
Trial site Soil order
Wargan, VIC Calcarosol
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 Wargan VIC
2014 301.1mm
2013 265.8mm
2012 337.4mm
2011 402.5mm
2010 355.6mm
2009 281.4mm
2008 255.7mm
2007 252.4mm
2006 258.7mm
2005 310.7mm
2004 277.7mm
2003 283.5mm
2002 219.2mm
2001 270.8mm
2000 231.8mm
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.

Wargan 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

2014 trial report



Trial last modified: 06-08-2019 07:54am AEST