Irrigation Discussion Group Focus Paddock - grazing irrigated crops

2021

Research organisatons
Funding source

Trial details

Researcher(s) N/A
Contact email charlie.aves@irrigatedcroppingcouncil.com.au
Contact phone +61416400979
Year(s) 2021
Contributor Irrigated Cropping Council
Trial location(s) Barooga, NSW
Boorhaman, VIC
Irrigation Discussion Group Focus Paddock - grazing irrigated crops locations
Aims

In 2021, members of the GRDC Riverine Plains Irrigation Discussion Group tested the practical and financial implications of grazing irrigated wheat and canola. 

Key messages
  • In wet and cold conditions, grazing irrigated wheat and canola will require more intensive management, and a stock containment area would be helpful remove stock from paddock if water logging conditions are predicted. Monitor livestock growth rates and feed test grazing crops
  • A more even grazing was obtained by crash grazing a large mob of sheep on a small area compared to a small mob of sheep on a large area.
  • Sow the crop early with sufficient seeding rates to establish desired plant density in the vicinity of 150plants/m2 wheat and 30 plants/m2 canola and sow a variety suited to your environment.
  • Remove stock prior to wheat growth stage 31 and canola two weeks prior to stem elongation.
  • Feed test grazing crops to identify any deficiencies or toxicities and provide additional roughage to compliment the grazing crop.
Barooga NSW 2021 Wheat

DM cuts were taken on 26/05/2021 and again on 30/06/2021. These were dried and feed tests conducted

1100 ewes and 900 lambs started grazing the paddocks on Thursday 8 July until Monday 19 July (12 days). These were weighed to gain an estimation of LWG

Crop yield was recorded

Boorhaman VIC 2021 Canola

DM cuts were taken 02/06/2021 to estimate feed avaliable for grazing. Feed tests were conducted on these

222 merino lambs were grazed on the block from 17/06/2021 until 31/07/2021 (47 days). These were weighed to measure LWG while on the block

Grain yield was recorded 

 

Lead research organisation Irrigated Cropping Council
Host research organisation Riverine Plains
Trial funding source GRDC ICF1906-002RTX
Related program N/A
Acknowledgments

Riverine Plains would like to thank the Bruce family and Uebergang family for hosting the focus paddocks.


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

Method

Crop types Cereal (Grain): Wheat Oilseed: Canola
Treatment type(s)
  • Grazing
Trial type Demonstration
Trial design Unreplicated

Barooga 2021 Wheat

Sow date 18 March 2021
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Fertiliser

Nitrogen applied:

    10kgN/ha (MAP 18/03/21)

    31kgN/ha (sulfate of Ammonia 28/04/2021)

    69kgN/ha (urea 23/06/21)

    46kgN/ha (urea 20/08/21)

Other trial notes

Podcast on grower learnings from this project: https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/audio/podcast/grower-insights-on-grazing-crops-under-irrigation 

Boorhaman 2021 Canola

Sow date 6 April 2021
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Fertiliser

Nitrogen applied:

    10kgN/ha (MAP 06/04/21)

    37kgN/ha (urea 08/05/2021)

    37kgN/ha (urea 15/06/2021)

    46 kgN/ha (urea 01/07/21)

    46kgN/ha (urea 19/08/21)

Other trial notes

Podcast on grower learnings from this project: https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/audio/podcast/grower-insights-on-grazing-crops-under-irrigation 

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
Barooga, NSW Not specified
Boorhaman, VIC Not specified
Derived trial site soil information
Australian Soil Classification Source: ASRIS
Trial site Soil order
Barooga, NSW Sodosol
Boorhaman, VIC Sodosol
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

Derived climate information

No observed climate data available for this trial.
Derived climate data is determined from trial site location and national weather sources.

Barooga VIC

Boorhaman VIC

Barooga VIC

NOTE: Exact trial site locality unknown - Climate data may not be accurate
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Boorhaman VIC

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 last modified: 23-05-2023 14:01pm AEST