Mallee crop sequences influence soil nitrogen, Rhizoctonia and brome grass

2011 - 2013

Research organisaton
Funding source

Trial details

Researcher(s) Todd McDonald (MSF)
Michael Moodie (MSF)
Peter Telfer (SARDI)
Nigel Wilhelm (MSF)
Year(s) 2011 - 2013
Contributor Mallee Sustainable Farming Inc.
Trial location(s) Wargan, VIC
Mallee crop sequences influence soil nitrogen, Rhizoctonia and brome grass locations
Aims

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 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
  • Including legume crops and pastures in rotations increases soil nitrogen even two years after the legume break was grown.
  • Brown manure vetch has proven to be the best break phase for increasing soil mineral nitrogen.
  • Crop sequences have had small and variable effects on plant available soil water.
  • Rhizoctonia inoculum levels are highest following cereal crops and high Rhizoctonia levels have corresponded with poor root health. Canola decreased inoculum levels to levels similar to a fallow.
  • High brome grass numbers re-emerged two years after a one year break.
Lead research organisation N/A
Host research organisation N/A
Trial funding source GRDC DAS00119
Related program N/A
Acknowledgments

This trial is a collaboration between MSF and SARDI with funding from the GRDC.


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

Method

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

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 and compared against 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) which was placed on rotations where brome grass had built to concerning levels. Treatments in 2013 were also sown at two different times depending on the grass weed risk. Treatments had different levels of nitrogen applied throughout the growing season depending on rotational history and yield potential. Throughout the trial, agronomic factors including soil nitrogen, soil disease, plant available water and weeds have been intensively monitored.

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 and compared against 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) which was placed on rotations where brome grass had built to concerning levels. Treatments in 2013 were also sown at two different times depending on the grass weed risk. Treatments had different levels of nitrogen applied throughout the growing season depending on rotational history and yield potential. Throughout the trial, agronomic factors including soil nitrogen, soil disease, plant available water and weeds have been intensively monitored.

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 and compared against 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) which was placed on rotations where brome grass had built to concerning levels. Treatments in 2013 were also sown at two different times depending on the grass weed risk. Treatments had different levels of nitrogen applied throughout the growing season depending on rotational history and yield potential. Throughout the trial, agronomic factors including soil nitrogen, soil disease, plant available water and weeds have been intensively monitored.

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 and compared against 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) which was placed on rotations where brome grass had built to concerning levels. Treatments in 2013 were also sown at two different times depending on the grass weed risk. Treatments had different levels of nitrogen applied throughout the growing season depending on rotational history and yield potential. Throughout the trial, agronomic factors including soil nitrogen, soil disease, plant available water and weeds have been intensively monitored.

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 and compared against 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) which was placed on rotations where brome grass had built to concerning levels. Treatments in 2013 were also sown at two different times depending on the grass weed risk. Treatments had different levels of nitrogen applied throughout the growing season depending on rotational history and yield potential. Throughout the trial, agronomic factors including soil nitrogen, soil disease, plant available water and weeds have been intensively monitored.

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 and compared against 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) which was placed on rotations where brome grass had built to concerning levels. Treatments in 2013 were also sown at two different times depending on the grass weed risk. Treatments had different levels of nitrogen applied throughout the growing season depending on rotational history and yield potential. Throughout the trial, agronomic factors including soil nitrogen, soil disease, plant available water and weeds have been intensively monitored.

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 and compared against 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) which was placed on rotations where brome grass had built to concerning levels. Treatments in 2013 were also sown at two different times depending on the grass weed risk. Treatments had different levels of nitrogen applied throughout the growing season depending on rotational history and yield potential. Throughout the trial, agronomic factors including soil nitrogen, soil disease, plant available water and weeds have been intensively monitored.

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 and compared against 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) which was placed on rotations where brome grass had built to concerning levels. Treatments in 2013 were also sown at two different times depending on the grass weed risk. Treatments had different levels of nitrogen applied throughout the growing season depending on rotational history and yield potential. Throughout the trial, agronomic factors including soil nitrogen, soil disease, plant available water and weeds have been intensively monitored.

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 and compared against 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) which was placed on rotations where brome grass had built to concerning levels. Treatments in 2013 were also sown at two different times depending on the grass weed risk. Treatments had different levels of nitrogen applied throughout the growing season depending on rotational history and yield potential. Throughout the trial, agronomic factors including soil nitrogen, soil disease, plant available water and weeds have been intensively monitored.

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 and compared against 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) which was placed on rotations where brome grass had built to concerning levels. Treatments in 2013 were also sown at two different times depending on the grass weed risk. Treatments had different levels of nitrogen applied throughout the growing season depending on rotational history and yield potential. Throughout the trial, agronomic factors including soil nitrogen, soil disease, plant available water and weeds have been intensively monitored.

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 and compared against 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) which was placed on rotations where brome grass had built to concerning levels. Treatments in 2013 were also sown at two different times depending on the grass weed risk. Treatments had different levels of nitrogen applied throughout the growing season depending on rotational history and yield potential. Throughout the trial, agronomic factors including soil nitrogen, soil disease, plant available water and weeds have been intensively monitored.

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 and compared against 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) which was placed on rotations where brome grass had built to concerning levels. Treatments in 2013 were also sown at two different times depending on the grass weed risk. Treatments had different levels of nitrogen applied throughout the growing season depending on rotational history and yield potential. Throughout the trial, agronomic factors including soil nitrogen, soil disease, plant available water and weeds have been intensively monitored.

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 and compared against 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) which was placed on rotations where brome grass had built to concerning levels. Treatments in 2013 were also sown at two different times depending on the grass weed risk. Treatments had different levels of nitrogen applied throughout the growing season depending on rotational history and yield potential. Throughout the trial, agronomic factors including soil nitrogen, soil disease, plant available water and weeds have been intensively monitored.

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 and compared against 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) which was placed on rotations where brome grass had built to concerning levels. Treatments in 2013 were also sown at two different times depending on the grass weed risk. Treatments had different levels of nitrogen applied throughout the growing season depending on rotational history and yield potential. Throughout the trial, agronomic factors including soil nitrogen, soil disease, plant available water and weeds have been intensively monitored.

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 and compared against 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) which was placed on rotations where brome grass had built to concerning levels. Treatments in 2013 were also sown at two different times depending on the grass weed risk. Treatments had different levels of nitrogen applied throughout the growing season depending on rotational history and yield potential. Throughout the trial, agronomic factors including soil nitrogen, soil disease, plant available water and weeds have been intensively monitored.

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 and compared against 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) which was placed on rotations where brome grass had built to concerning levels. Treatments in 2013 were also sown at two different times depending on the grass weed risk. Treatments had different levels of nitrogen applied throughout the growing season depending on rotational history and yield potential. Throughout the trial, agronomic factors including soil nitrogen, soil disease, plant available water and weeds have been intensively monitored.

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 and compared against 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) which was placed on rotations where brome grass had built to concerning levels. Treatments in 2013 were also sown at two different times depending on the grass weed risk. Treatments had different levels of nitrogen applied throughout the growing season depending on rotational history and yield potential. Throughout the trial, agronomic factors including soil nitrogen, soil disease, plant available water and weeds have been intensively monitored.

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 and compared against 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) which was placed on rotations where brome grass had built to concerning levels. Treatments in 2013 were also sown at two different times depending on the grass weed risk. Treatments had different levels of nitrogen applied throughout the growing season depending on rotational history and yield potential. Throughout the trial, agronomic factors including soil nitrogen, soil disease, plant available water and weeds have been intensively monitored.

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 and compared against 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) which was placed on rotations where brome grass had built to concerning levels. Treatments in 2013 were also sown at two different times depending on the grass weed risk. Treatments had different levels of nitrogen applied throughout the growing season depending on rotational history and yield potential. Throughout the trial, agronomic factors including soil nitrogen, soil disease, plant available water and weeds have been intensively monitored.

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 and compared against 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) which was placed on rotations where brome grass had built to concerning levels. Treatments in 2013 were also sown at two different times depending on the grass weed risk. Treatments had different levels of nitrogen applied throughout the growing season depending on rotational history and yield potential. Throughout the trial, agronomic factors including soil nitrogen, soil disease, plant available water and weeds have been intensively monitored.

Wargan 2013 Wheat

Sow date 15 May 2013 15 May 2013
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

In 2011, nine different break options were established and compared against 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) which was placed on rotations where brome grass had built to concerning levels. Treatments in 2013 were also sown at two different times depending on the grass weed risk. Treatments had different levels of nitrogen applied throughout the growing season depending on rotational history and yield potential. Throughout the trial, agronomic factors including soil nitrogen, soil disease, plant available water and weeds have been intensively monitored.

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
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

Wargan VIC 2013


Observed climate information

Rainfall trial gsr (mm) 130mm

Derived climate information

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 last modified: 23-07-2019 15:45pm AEST