Sowing barley into sub tropical grasses

2013
CC BY 4.0

Research organisatons
Funding source

Trial details

Researcher(s) David Ferris (DAFWA)
Christiaan Valentine (DAFWA)
Year(s) 2013
Contributor West Midlands Group
Trial location(s) Moora, WA
Sowing barley into sub tropical grasses locations
Aims

To evaluate the performance of perennial grass and crops (Barley in 2013) when pasture cropped over different perennial species established on deep pale sands.

Key messages

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
Download the trial report to view additional trial information

Method

Crop type Cereal (Grain): Barley
Treatment type(s)
  • Sowing: Method
Trial type Experimental
Trial design Blocked

Moora 2013

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
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
Moora, WA Pale deep sand
Derived trial site soil information
Australian Soil Classification Source: ASRIS
Trial site Soil order
Moora, WA Tenosol
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 Moora WA
2013 416.7mm
2012 429.0mm
2011 384.4mm
2010 389.9mm
2009 392.5mm
2008 401.0mm
2007 369.2mm
2006 426.5mm
2005 411.3mm
2004 385.3mm
2003 385.4mm
2002 348.6mm
2001 331.6mm
2000 412.9mm
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

Moora WA 2013


Observed climate information

Rainfall trial gsr (mm) 310mm

Derived climate information

Moora 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 report and links

2013 trial report



Trial last modified: 23-07-2019 10:41am AEST