To demonstrate that higher seeding rates in irrigated beans provides higher yields and compares the economics of irrigated beans to irrigated canola and wheat.

• A local Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and Field Applied Research (FAR) Australia research trial has shown that higher planting densities in irrigated faba beans are correlated to higher yields. Faba beans are not regularly grown in local irrigation systems, so in 2022, a demonstration was sown to test and discuss the results with the Riverine Plains Irrigation Discussion Group.
• The site received very high levels of rainfall (decile 10) and did not require irrigation.  The high rainfall caused severe disease and waterlogging, which dramatically reduced podding and yield potential. The highest yield of 0.98t/ha was the paddock treatment, Amberley sown at 26 plants/m2.
• Farmers were interested in the gross margin performance of beans compared to other irrigated crops.  Economic analysis of the 2022 season showed that faba beans in the region were less profitable and in some cases unprofitable compared to canola and wheat. This was mainly due to disease impacting faba bean yields. Even though faba beans can have good returns, there is a risk of low or negative returns in high rainfall years.
• Dry matter measurements indicate that between 134kg N/ha and 190kg N/ha was fixed by the faba bean crop, which will benefit the next two to three years’ crop production. The value of 190kgN/ha at current urea prices is $413/ha.