| Researcher(s) |
Sarah Day (SARDI) |
|---|---|
| Year(s) | 2018 |
| Contributor | SARDI Minnipa Agricultural Centre |
| Trial location(s) |
Minnipa Agricultural Centre, SA
|
To identify the best break crop options for different climate, soil type and biotic stress situations within major cropping regions of the southern low rainfall zone.
| Lead research organisation |
South Australian Research and Development Institute |
|---|---|
| Host research organisation |
SARDI Minnipa Agricultural Centre |
| Trial funding source | GRDC DAS00162-A |
| Related program | N/A |
| Acknowledgments |
This project builds on previous GRDC and SAGIT funded projects, including DAS00119 (profitable crop sequencing in the low rainfall areas of South Eastern Australia) and MS115 (adopting profitable crop sequences in the SA Mallee).Funding for this project is provided by GRDC (DAS00162-A) and their continued support is gratefully acknowledged. The continued assistance from SARDI New Variety Agronomy groups at Clare and Minnipa, in particular Brenton Spriggs and Sue Budarick, is gratefully acknowledged and appreciated. We would also like to acknowledge support from property owners and low rainfall farming system groups involved in this project. |
| Other trial partners | Not specified |
| Crop type | Other: Break crops |
|---|---|
| Treatment type(s) |
|
| Trial type | Experimental |
| Trial design | Randomised,Replicated,Blocked |
| Sowing machinery |
A break crop species-by-variety trial was conducted at Minnipa Agricultural Centre in 2018, to compare varieties of six break crop species. This trial was part of a wider program, with similar trials undertaken at four locations in 2017 across the southern low rainfall zone, and will be repeated again in 2019. The trials include three to six varieties (to represent major potential options for the low rainfall zone) of canola, lupin, field pea, vetch, lentil, chickpea, and faba bean. Lupin was not included at Minnipa, after consultation with local advisors as they are not suited to the environment. Varietal options included herbicide-tolerant varieties and those with potential for different end-uses. Measurements taken include site soil characteristics, soil moisture, grain yield, biomass yield and gross margin. Plot arrangement was in a split plot randomised design with three replicates, with break crop species assigned as the whole plot and variety as the sub plot. The use of |
|---|---|
| Sow date | 21 June 2018 |
| Harvest date | 16 November 2018 |
| Plot size | 10m x 1.75m |
| Plot replication | 3 |
| Plot blocking | Plot arrangement was in a split plot randomised design with three replicates, with break crop species assigned as the whole plot and variety as the sub plot. The use of this design ensures each break crop species receives appropriate management. |
| Plot randomisation | Yes |
| Rainfall avg ann (mm) | 325mm |
|---|---|
| Rainfall avg gsr (mm) | 242mm |
| Rainfall trial total (mm) | 269mm |
| Rainfall trial gsr (mm) | 208mm |
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.
