The objective of the four small plot trials is to provide statistically sound data that will inform farmer and consultant decision making in years of early waterlogging, where they are considering late sown cereals as an option. The trials will be professionally implemented and managed by industry best practice standards to ensure the data is reliable. The implementation of four trial sites also ensures the data generated is locally relevant to farmers right along the South Coast of WA.  

GRDC Project Outcome:

By March 2024, All Western Region growers and advisers will have access to trial information on late winter to early spring sown cereals (wheat and barley) on the south coast of WA to assist in making educated decisions to sow at this time when waterlogging presents and cereal crops cannot be sown at the traditional time or for other reasons that may present for a later sowing opportunity such as weed issues or poor crop establishment.

 In 2023, results were less positive with initial severe waterlogging being followed by a hot and dry season finish.  The Albany TOS1 treatments and the first Dalyup trial site were terminated (seed burst/waterlogging). Cereal yields from the Condingup site, particularly TOS1, were good given the season, with barley achieving in excess of 4 t/ha. The highest grain yields at the Takalarup and Gnowellen sites were achieved with Rosalind barley and were just above 1.5 t/ha and 2.5 t/ha, respectively. Importantly, the economic analysis conducted in 2023 highlighted that in even in challenging conditions, late sowing can be profitable with correct crop type/cultivar choice and fertiliser strategy.