Matching P and N rates to yield potential on sands

2010
CC BY 4.0

Research organisatons
Funding source

Trial details

Researcher(s) Peter Rees (Summit Fertilizers)
Year(s) 2010
Contributor West Midlands Group
Trial location(s) Badgingarra, WA
Matching P and N rates to yield potential on sands locations
Aims

These trials were conducted to examine the likelihood of economic returns to VRT on sandplain soils.  

Key messages
  • In a below average rainfall year, with a very dry finish gravelly sands were still highly responsive to applied P, with 0.6 t/ha response to 60 kg/ha P over the last two years and 30 kg/ha applied this year
  • Nitrogen in the absence of phosphorus did not significantly increase yield at either site.  This highlights the requirement to get your P rates tailored to your potential at seeding time, as low P rates may limit N response in a good year.
  • There was strong correlation between early vigour and grain yield at both sites, again highlighting the need to establish a strong, healthy crop with sufficient early nutrition.
  • Increasing plant numbers did not result in increased grain yield on poor sands.
  • This trial shows that on variable light country variable rate fertiliser applications would be a useful tool to improve nutrient use efficiency on variable sands, as both sites had significantly different yield potential and nutrient requirement.
Lead research organisation Summit Fertilizers
Host research organisation West Midlands Group
Trial funding source Summit
Related program N/A
Acknowledgments

Thanks to Steven Tilbrook of Kalyx Agriculture for his help conducting the trial, the Badgingarra RS for providing the land and the West Midlands Group for the opportunity to conduct and extend the trial to its members.


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

Method

Crop type Oilseed: Canola
Treatment type(s)
  • Fertiliser: Rate
Trial type Experimental
Trial design Replicated

Badgingarra 2010

Sowing machinery

Kalyx plot seeder, knife points and presswheels.

Sow date 7 May 2010
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size 20m x 2.2m
Plot replication Not specified
Fertiliser

100 kg/ha MOP (Topdressed IBS).

Herbicide

Pre-seeding: 2 L/ha Trifluralin; 1 L/ha Chlopyrifos; 2 L/ha PowerMax; 200 mL/ha Alphacypermethrin; 200 mL/ha Talstar

                          Post (7/7/10): 1.1 kg/ha Atrazine; 500 mL/ha Select; 300 mL/ha Lontrel; 2% v/v DC Trate

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
Badgingarra, WA Gravelly sand
Derived trial site soil information
Australian Soil Classification Source: ASRIS
Trial site Soil order
Badgingarra, WA Chromosol
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 Badgingarra WA
2010 147.5mm
2009 176.1mm
2008 192.9mm
2007 135.2mm
2006 142.1mm
2005 169.7mm
2004 128.0mm
2003 144.9mm
2002 140.2mm
2001 128.6mm
2000 161.9mm
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

Badgingarra WA 2010


Observed climate information

Rainfall trial gsr (mm) 300mm

Derived climate information

Badgingarra WA

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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: 27-06-2019 14:49pm AEST