Evaluating approaches to improve furrow sowing on water repellent sands

2012
CC BY 4.0

Research organisatons
Funding source

Trial details

Researcher(s) Paul Blackwell (DAFWA)
Stephen Davies (DAFWA)
Year(s) 2012
Contributor West Midlands Group
Trial location(s) Badgingarra, WA
Evaluating approaches to improve furrow sowing on water repellent sands locations
Aims

To evaluate a range of seeding modifications or additions with the aim of improving crop establishment and yield on water repellent sandplain soil.

Key messages
  • This and other research demonstrates that it is possible to improve crop establishment and productivity on water repellent soils using modified furrow sowing techniques.
  • Banded wetting agents are helpful with early dry or partially dry sowing before opening rains but show less benefit later in the sowing program when there has already been rain and the soil has started to wet up more (see Banded wetting agent paper WMG 2012 research annual). In very erodible conditions with high wind erosion risk the use of this strategy may be safer than the options with winged points or boots due to less soil disturbance and release of root anchorage for existing plant cover. Optimal wetting agents for WMG areas still need identification.
  • Winged points and winged-paired row systems perform better than knife points under certain soil conditions but the benefits are variable and in some sowing conditions may provide little benefit. Further research is required. Winged points look most attractive when shallow moist soil can be ‘delved’ to the seed zone to provide early establishment (as in the winged knife point on the gravelly sand with shallow moisture).
  • Simple approaches like sowing next to or at a shallow angle across the previous year’s crop row and broadcast spreading a portion of the seed in front of the seeding tynes are relatively simple approaches that can provide establishment benefits.
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Lead research organisation Department of Agriculture and Food WA
Host research organisation West Midlands Group
Trial funding source GRDC DAW00204
Related program N/A
Acknowledgments

Particular thanks to Colin McAlpine and family for hosting the trial - thanks for our patience, support and enthusiasm Ferret! We acknowledge the assistance and help of Mark Dawson (Stiletto Seeding Systems, Geraldton), Alan Fisher and Ray Moyle (Primary Sales) and Waltons, Geraldton. Thanks to Dave Gartner (WMG R&D coordinator) and Dirranie Kirby (DAFWA Research Support).


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

Method

Crop type Cereal (Grain): Wheat
Treatment type(s)
  • Soil Improvement
  • Sowing: Method
Trial type Experimental
Trial design Randomised,Replicated,Blocked

Badgingarra 2012

Sow rate or Target density 70kg/ha
Sowing machinery

Research airseeder    with 12-inch row spacings.

Sow date 17 May 2012
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size 3m x 300m
Plot replication 4
Fungicide

25kg/ha MacroPro Trace at seeding (note: problems with airseeder prevented a higher rate being used).

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 Pale deep 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
2012 236.0mm
2011 224.8mm
2010 209.6mm
2009 228.5mm
2008 246.8mm
2007 198.9mm
2006 196.0mm
2005 242.6mm
2004 204.2mm
2003 230.9mm
2002 212.7mm
2001 192.5mm
2000 206.7mm
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 2012


Observed climate information

Rainfall trial gsr (mm) 325mm

Derived climate information

Badgingarra WA

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

2012 trial report



Trial last modified: 09-07-2019 12:08pm AEST