Small plot evaluation of the variable rate sowing paddock N1 at Minnipa

2011

Research organisaton
Funding source

Trial details

Researcher(s) Roy Latta (SARDI)
Cathy Paterson (SARDI)
Ian Richter (SARDI)
Wade Shepperd (SARDI)
Year(s) 2011
Contributor SARDI Minnipa Agricultural Centre
Trial location(s) Minnipa, SA
Small plot evaluation of the variable rate sowing paddock N1 at Minnipa locations
Aims

To evaluate variable rate technology using low, standard and high seed and fertiliser inputs on 3 soils zoned as of poor, medium and good production potential from a pre-2008 yield monitor, EM38 and elevation maps.

Key messages
  • Grain yields reached 80% of their potential water use efficiency in a decile 5 growing season.
  • Variable rate strategies did not result in improved yields over blanket strategies and the costs of the inputs ensured the blanket nil fertiliser treatment was at least economically comparable to the other options evaluated.
Lead research organisation SARDI Minnipa Agricultural Centre
Host research organisation N/A
Trial funding source GRDC UA00107
Related program Eyre Peninsula Farming Systems
Acknowledgments

We acknowledge the funding from GRDC project UA00107 for this work. Special thanks to Mark Klante, Brett McEvoy and Trent Brace for their assistance sowing and managing the trial.


Other trial partners UoA and CSIRO
Download the trial report to view additional trial information

Method

Crop type Cereal (Grain): Wheat
Treatment type(s)
  • Fertiliser: Rate
  • Management systems: Precision Agriculture
  • Sowing: Rate
Trial type Experimental
Trial design Replicated

Minnipa 2011

Sowing machinery

9 m seeding widths

Sow date 4 May 2011
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Fertiliser

Variable, see article

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
Minnipa, SA Red sandy loam
Derived trial site soil information
Australian Soil Classification Source: ASRIS
Trial site Soil order
Minnipa, SA 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 Minnipa SA
2011 383.4mm
2010 385.3mm
2009 391.3mm
2008 330.4mm
2007 331.2mm
2006 334.5mm
2005 288.0mm
2004 296.1mm
2003 293.2mm
2002 283.3mm
2001 343.9mm
2000 389.0mm
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

Minnipa SA 2011


Observed climate information

Rainfall avg ann (mm) 325mm
Rainfall avg gsr (mm) 242mm
Rainfall trial total (mm) 404mm
Rainfall trial gsr (mm) 252mm

Derived climate information

Minnipa SA

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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

2011 trial report



Trial last modified: 23-07-2019 16:21pm AEST