| Researcher(s) |
David Ferris (DAFWA) Christiaan Valentine (DAFWA) |
|---|---|
| Year(s) | 2013 |
| Contributor | West Midlands Group |
| Trial location(s) |
Moora, WA
|
To evaluate the performance of perennial grass and crops (Barley in 2013) when pasture cropped over different perennial species established on deep pale sands.
Results from the Northern Agricultural Region have shown that crops can be sown over subtropical perennial grasses without jeopardizing persistence of the perennial base. However, perennial grasses vary in their tolerance to in-crop herbicides and crop yield is dependent on effective weed control, adequate fertility and moisture, and winter dormancy (or suppression) of the perennial pasture.
Pasture cropping systems can also lift overall biomass production, improve the feed value of stubbles, provide out of season fodder, and reduce the likelihood of wind erosion and groundwater recharge on deep sandy soils.
The application of additional nitrogen can lead to greater biomass in both the annual crop and perennial pasture. However, this is dependent on seasonal conditions and the economics of applying additional nitrogen needs to be considered carefully on low moisture holding, infertile, sandy soils in the Northern Agricultural Region.
| Lead research organisation |
Department of Agriculture and Food WA |
|---|---|
| Host research organisation |
West Midlands Group |
| Trial funding source | GRDC P2 FP09 |
| Related program | N/A |
| Acknowledgments |
Thanks go to Chris Vanzetti (host farmer) and the DAFWA Geraldton Research Support Unit. This research was funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation through the Future Farm Industries CRC as part of the Evercrop Project (P2 FP09). *Buloke barley is protected by Plant Breeders Rights Act 1994 (PBR) |
| Other trial partners | Not specified |
| Crop type | Cereal (Grain): Barley |
|---|---|
| Treatment type(s) |
|
| Trial type | Experimental |
| Trial design | Blocked |
| Sow rate or Target density | 80kg/ha |
|---|---|
| Sowing machinery |
DAFWA cone seeder (1.5 m wide), 180 mm row spacing, discs with trailing press wheels |
| Sow date | 23 May 2013 |
| Harvest date | Not specified |
| Plot size | 6m x 30m |
| Plot replication | 3 |
| Rainfall trial gsr (mm) | 310mm |
|---|
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.
