Using sowing direction and row spacing for weed management in the Mallee

2015

Research organisaton
Funding source

Trial details

Researcher(s) Kelly Angel (BCG)
Year(s) 2015
Contributor Birchip Cropping Group
Trial location(s) Jil JIl, VIC
Further information View external link
Using sowing direction and row spacing for weed management in the Mallee locations
Aims

To determine if sowing direction and row spacing can be used to influence grass weed populations and growth, and their impact on crop performance in the Mallee.

Key messages
  •  Yields were significantly higher under narrow row spacing, but sowing direction had no influence on yield.
  • Weeds had a significant effect on yield, but the scale of yield penalty (t/ha yield loss) did  not alter with row spacing or sowing direction in 2015.
  • Weeds established faster where row spacings were wider, however by late tillering, all treatments had similar weed numbers and biomass levels.
Lead research organisation Birchip Cropping Group
Host research organisation N/A
Trial funding source GRDC CWF00020
Related program Overdependence on agrochemicals
Acknowledgments

This research was funded by the GRDC as part of the ‘Overdependence upon agrochemicals’ project (CWF00020).


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

Method

Crop type Cereal (Grain): Wheat
Treatment type(s)
  • Sowing: Row Spacing
Trial type Experimental
Trial design Randomised,Replicated,Blocked

Jil JIl 2015

Sow rate or Target density 150 plants/m²
Sowing machinery

Knife points and press wheels set at 22.5cm (9 inch), 30.5cm (12 inch)  and 38cm (15 inch) row spacings.

Sow date 23 May 2015 23 May 2015
Harvest date 11 November 2015 11 November 2015
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Fertiliser

Granulock Supreme Z @ 50kg/ha at sowing

Herbicide

Weeds were controlled to best management practice. 

Insecticide

Pests were controlled to best management practice.

Fungicide

Dual Gold @ 500ml/ha + Diuron @ 500g/ha (PSPE)

Download the trial report to view additional method/treatment information

Download results

Trial results Table 1

# Treatment 1
Panicles pre anthesis (no./m2) Weeds (plants/m2)
1 22.5cm row spacing 41.7 34.8
2 30.5cm row spacing 40.9 43.5
3 38cm row spacing 38.3 48.4

Panicles pre anthesis no./m2


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Weeds plants/m2


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Observed trial site soil information
Trial site soil testing
Not specified
Soil conditions
Trial site Soil texture
Jil JIl, VIC Not specified
Derived trial site soil information
Australian Soil Classification Source: ASRIS
Trial site Soil order
Jil JIl, 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 Jil JIl VIC
2015 795.0mm
2014 809.4mm
2013 799.1mm
2012 827.0mm
2011 850.6mm
2010 853.5mm
2009 810.2mm
2008 802.1mm
2007 809.8mm
2006 814.0mm
2005 848.9mm
2004 795.2mm
2003 821.3mm
2002 792.0mm
2001 801.4mm
2000 744.9mm
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

Jil JIl VIC 2015


Observed climate information

Rainfall trial total (mm) 191mm
Rainfall trial gsr (mm) 129mm

Derived climate information

Jil JIl VIC

NOTE: Exact trial site locality unknown - Climate data may not be accurate
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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

2015 trial report