The trial will be going into its 3rd year in 2018 and all trial plots will be sown into wheat. The aim is to determine the difference in grain yield for wheat following a range of single or double break crop rotations, compared to continuous wheat. The site was established in 2016 on a paddock that had very high level of ryegrass that was affecting crop production. This area around this trial has been in pasture for 2017 as the comparison farmer solution for the issue.

There were no yield penalties or benefits associated with using either a growth regulant or the osmoprotectant.

• Hybrid choice and plant population had a significant impact on the yield of sorghum with irrigation. MR Buster yielded significantly higher than the other hybrids evaluated, while the higher population rates of 100,000 and 150,000 plants/ha yielded higher compared with the lower planting rates.
• The development and yield potential of the late season heads was compromised, and therefore the later developing sorghum did not take full advantage of the greater soil moisture of the intensive irrigation rate.

Conclusions

The experiment showed there are considerable productivity gains to be made by growers by selecting the right hybrid and plant population when irrigating sorghum. Irrigation management can significantly influence the growth of sorghum hybrids, affecting plant height, and grain development. Population did have an effect on yield during the trial with the higher planting populations of 100,000 & 150,000 plant/ha resulting in significantly higher yields than the 50,000 & 75,000 plants/ha. The higher plant numbers took advantage of the high plant available water from the irrigation treatments. 

In this trial, burning significantly outyielded six other stubble retention treatments at this site in 2006. Whilst grain quality had little influence on classification in the 2006 drought, the economics of burning showed more that a $100/ha Gross Margin benefit.

On average, the surface retained treatments appeared to yield marginally better across this site. There appeared to be no difference in grain quality between treatments. There appeared to be no significant levels of insect pest or predator numbers in either the assessed standing stubble or the burnt treatment at the crop early emergence stage. There was however twice as many beneficial species in the stubble retained treatment. Insects that were present included both beneficial and harmful earwigs at very low levels, spiders and carabid beetles (that were of importance). Soil water data at crop anthesis indicates that the higher yielding treatments experienced lower soil moisture levels to 60cm, reflecting a possible increase in transpiration from greater crop biomass. Plant available water in the burnt and wider row treatments was higher, but not significantly different.

• In the 2008 season, the two treatments with the poorest plant establishment counts (stubble burning and incorporation) yielded significantly more than the remainder of the standing stubble treatments.
• Incorporation yielded on average 2.4t/ha for the three seasons, 0.2t/ha  greater than standing stubble and cellulose digester, but was not a more profitable option. 
• For the duration of this project, the gross marging outputs suggested that burning was the least profiatble, with all other treatments comparable, with a $300/ha return. With this outcome in a series of dry years, farmers should use what tools they know work best for them in a profitable and sustainable manner to manag crop stubbles in the future. 

• Understanding key drivers and processes in controlling awnless barnyard grass (Echinochloa colona), feathertop Rhodes grass (Chloris virgata), fleabane (Conzya bonariensis L), windmill grass (Chloris truncata) and sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus L).
• Investigating the impact on weed control of pupae busting and the potential impact of removing this tillage operation.
• Demonstration of integrated weed management principles, including controlling ‘escape’ weeds and the impact on seed set, to encourage industry to adopt the research outputs.
• Glyphosate resistance is emerging in cotton farming systems.

The efficacy of Select (clethodim) and Aramo (tepraloxydim) in controlling ryegrass was investigated using water of different qualities (rainwater, dam water, hard water and UAN). It appears that Select is less efficient in controlling ryegrass when mixed with hard water, however further trial work is necessary to verify this.

• Canola in rotation reduced Rhizoctonia inoculum levels and increased following cereal yields.
• Fluid fertiliser increased plant dry matter and yield on highly calcareous grey soils.
• A barley/vetch brown manure increased soil mineral nitrogen and this appears to have exacerbated Rhizoctonia disease symptoms on a following barley crop.
• Added carbon (10 t/ha/yr) has increased microbial respiration and microbial nitrogen.

• Differences in C input (dry matter production plus any additions) between the treatments were 24 t/ha at Minnipa, and 31 t/ha at
• Poochera over the last two seasons.
• Wheat at Minnipa produced between 0.5 t/ha of stubble in a poor season (2008) and 8.8 t/ha in a good season (2009).
• Doubling the seeding rate of wheat at Minnipa produced 1.4 t/ha extra stubble compared to the wheat control in 2009.
• Barley and vetch brown manures produced the lowest dry matter at both sites.

• The effectiveness of the Gamma sensor appears to depend on the geology of the area being surveyed.
• The Gamma sensor appeared to have very good correlations with clay % on the tertiary sediments, but further work is required on the Padthaway formation.

The main points to emerge from this farmer scale research are:

Depth: You can chase moisture to 3cm in good conditions but to achieve 25 plants/m2 you may need to increase your seeding rate.

Seeding Bars: There were large statistical differences in plant establishment between bars and between depths. The ability to achieve precise seed placement with different machines allows flexibility in adapting your seeding rate to the current seeding conditions if you know your seed size, germination percentage and establishment percentage achieved by your bar.

Although plant numbers ranged from 20 plants/m2 to 40 plants/m2, there was no statistical difference in yield, so you need to aim for 20-25 plants/m2 to increase your chances of successful establishment in marginal conditions.

The data collected showed that even at the early stages of growth, there was no evidence of altered N uptake rates in the field experiments as a result of the amendments supplied with the urea.

The 2006 field trials have again shown that there is a place for new carrier products of root nodule bacteria in our systems, which could be of great benefit to the farmer. These new products in most cases performed as well as the traditional peat slurry carrier. The introduction of these new products offers producers an opportunity to choose the type of delivery system which best suits their business and budget.

• Corresponding to the biomass assessments, the compaction of the Trafficked zone had a notable effect on the crop performance.
• As a comparison of all sites there was an increase of grain yield of between 18 and 46% of the zero traffic area above the paddock assessments.

• Corresponding to the biomass assessments, the compaction of the Trafficked zone had a notable effect on the crop performance.
• As a comparison of all sites there was an increase of grain yield of between 18 and 46% of the zero traffic area above the paddock assessments.

• Corresponding to the biomass assessments, the compaction of the Trafficked zone had a notable effect on the crop performance.
• As a comparison of all sites there was an increase of grain yield of between 18 and 46% of the zero traffic area above the paddock assessments.

This demonstration has highlighted the impact poor nozzle selection can have on herbicide efficacy. Generally all post emergent herbicide applications are made with the one nozzle type, as a result, less than optimal weed control may occur. It was found that selecting a nozzle with a fine droplet pattern and good coverage gave best results for contact herbicides (Brodal and Bromoxynil) and for those poorly translocated within plants (Group A herbicides). For LVE MCPA, which moves readily through the plant, coverage is not essential allowing larger droplet size nozzles to be used without losing efficacy. This is important for preventing drift, as phenoxy herbicides such as LVE MCPA are susceptible to drift. Understanding how herbicides work will allow for better nozzle selection and more cost effective weed control.

This demonstration has highlighted the impact poor nozzle selection can have on herbicide efficacy. Generally all post emergent herbicide applications are made with the one nozzle type, as a result, less than optimal weed control may occur. It was found that selecting a nozzle with a fine droplet pattern and good coverage gave best results for contact herbicides (Brodal and Bromoxynil) and for those poorly translocated within plants (Group A herbicides). For LVE MCPA, which moves readily through the plant, coverage is not essential allowing larger droplet size nozzles to be used without losing efficacy. This is important for preventing drift, as phenoxy herbicides such as LVE MCPA are susceptible to drift. Understanding how herbicides work will allow for better nozzle selection and more cost effective weed control.

This trial sight was chosen as a typical regional soil type and had had a representative cropping rotation. Unfortunately the soil phosphorus levels (Colwell P) show that this site was possibly not phosphorus responsive as required for the purposes of this trial.
Adequate winter and late spring rains resulted in average grain yields. The trial was never moisture stressed and high grain protein levels indicate that the trial was not stressed for nitrogen. Visually it was difficult to pick any differences between treatments during the growing season.

When topdressing nitrogen late in the season with a view to protein increase, consideration should be given to lower volatility nitrogen products when the likelihood of follow up rainfall is low. This trial supported their use by demonstrating significant protein increases, although this was confounded by significant production increases in response to 30 kgN/ha as granular urea.

Urea applied at 200 kgN / ha recorded significant yield increases over all treatments. Applications of straight urea at DC61 and or DC65 were unable to significantly increase grain protein when compared to specialty products.

All treatment gave significant responses to grain protein as compared to the control. 

• These data demonstrate a significant yield response to teh application of 20kg P/ha when compared to teh control. There were no yield differences to the various treatments. 
• The trial was moisture stressed in late spring but moderate grain protein levels indicate that the trial was not stressed for nitrogen. 
• Visually it was difficult to pick up any differences between treatments, however the poor growth control was very evident throughout the growing season and the Airseeder treatment appeared to lack early vigour, but at the end of the season this was not apparent. 
• The application of zinc as either foliar or as fertiliser at sowing (Granulock Supreme Z treatments) did not result in additional yield. 
• The liquid treatments did not prove to have any significant benefit over the solids fertilizer products; contradicting results from SFS Mininera trials in 2007 where liquid fertilisers proved to have distinct advantages as conpared to solids. 

• Early zinc uptake can be increased when zinc is applied as soil spray, seed coat or granular fertiliser but this does not necessarily increase yield.
• Products differ markedly in price per kg of elemental zinc so carefully consider your choice to get best value for money.
• Make sure choice of application method fits your farming system: for example if you are no-till then soil spray inefficient as not worked into root zone, foliar spray too late if you have zinc deficient soil as yield losses will already have occurred.
• Some products have short term benefits (seed coats and foliar sprays) and some longer term benefits.

There was no difference in wheat grain yield between the different phosphorus treatments in trial. The dry spring in 2007 resulted in considerably lower yields than expected due to a combination of severe frosts and moisture stress, delayed flowering and crop maturity. (There was substantial flowering “in the head” and failure of heads to fully grain fill.) There was also visual differences in growth across the trial (“patchiness”) that was evident in the high co-effeciency of variation (CV = 35.7).

Linseed is not new to Western Australia or the Great Southern region as it was grown in the Boyup Brook region from the 1940’s to the 1960’s. It was grown for fibre and milled at the Boyup Brook Flax Mill. Linseed (flax) Linum usitatissimum is a niche product and has the potential to offer an alternative revenue steam for producers outside of the traditional crop. Demand for Linseed has recently shifted to a health food. Linseed has several uses, it can be crushed for Linseed oil which is a rich source of linolic acid and Omega 3 fatty acid and the remaining linseed meal can then be used as livestock feed or it can also be eaten as a whole seed or ground.

Linseed also has agronomic benefits as a potential break crop that provides a disease break, the opportunity for alternative weed management strategies, provides an insect pest break and can be effective in reducing some soil borne root diseases and soil borne pathogens namely root lesion nematodes. Canadian research has demonstrated that cereal yields were higher when planted on linseed stubble compared to wheat stubble.

The aim of the project is to investigate agronomic packages which support the introduction and scale up of commercial cultivation of Linseed in the Great Southern region of Western Australia.

Consistent supply with volume is imperative to develop a market that has the ability to realise the full value of Linseed produced. Also, in order for growers to take up production it is important they have a full agronomic package available to grow the crop successfully. Finally, Linseed needs to generate an equivalent return per hectare of alternative rotational crops such as canola in order to expand into the rotation.

The key objectives of this project are:  

A: To determine if Linseed can be successfully grown under dryland farming conditions in the Great Southern region of Western Australia with the potential to scale up to commercial cultivation.

B: To determine if any investment is required into machinery and infrastructure by growers to grow linseed.

C: To develop basic agronomic guidelines to grow linseed in WA.

D: To assess the yield potential of two commercially available linseed varieties grown under dryland conditions in WA, Croxton and Bilton.

The project was conducted over two years in 2019 and 2020. In 2019 the trials were conducted in small plots across three sites. In 2020 the trials were conducted as producer demonstration sites utilising grower machinery and large-scale plots.

In 2019 three sites were located across the Great Southern Region of Western Australia covering a variety of soil types, climates, paddock histories and growing conditions. The trials sites were in the shires of Darkan, Wagin and Kojonup. The trials involved growing two commercially available varieties Croxton and Glenelg over three times of sowing (TOS) 10 to 14 days apart at three seeding rates (SR): 35, 40 and 45 kg/ha and applying three top dressed nitrogen application rates (low, optimal and high) 40, 80 and 120 units N/ha.

Over the three trial sites, the seeding rates and nitrogen application rates trialed did not consistently result in significant differences in grain yield or oil quantity and quality. Time of sowing had the greatest impact, with the earliest time of sowing generally resulting in higher grain yields. Glenelg on average had a higher grain yield and oil quantity, with Croxton having the highest oil quality.

Trial Site

Average Site Yield

t/ha

Darkan

0.562

Wagin

0.914

Kojonup

0.998

Table 1: Average Site Yields in 2019 (Below average rainfall)

The Darkan site plant counts were the highest, however this was not reflected in the yield. Darkan was the lowest yielding of the three sites. This may be due to the below average rainfall and lack of finishing rains experienced on the non-wetting forest gravel soils at this trial site. Kojonup and Wagin on average achieved nearly double the yield of the Darkan site despite lower plant counts and early plant disease.

In 2020 four demonstration/bulk up sites were established across the Great Southern Region covering a range of soil types, rainfall, rotations and growing conditions. The four sites were located in Katanning, Wagin, Darkan and Kojonup.

The methodology in the second year of the project was to bulk up the Linseed seed for future commercial production and to also integrate high level variety comparisons between the two varieties being utilized in the project Bilton and Croxton. Two sites, Wagin and Darkan, incorporated replicated plot treatments as a variety trial with the other 2 sites being predominantly bulk up sites.

The key outcome of any variety demonstration is the final yield result. Due to operational difficulties within the demonstration some yield data is not available however the key findings from the data available was:

• Bilton yielded on average 0.95 MT/Ha and 85% of Canola
• Croxton yielded on average 0.86 MT/Ha and 72% of Canola.
• Bilton out yielded Croxton on both sites.

The seasonal conditions may have contributed to Bilton out yielding Croxton. Bilton is a slightly shorter maturing variety and the below average rainfall received in 2020 is expected to have favoured shorter season varieties.

The project has successfully set in the place the ability for growers in the Great Southern region to scale up production of Linseed and demonstrated its ability to fit within the current rotations with the additional benefit of assisting in the long-term management of soil borne root pathogens.

However, for the scale up of the commercial cultivation of Linseed there is the requirement for beyond farm gate systems to be in place before producers will scale up production. An active market to determine a fair price, storage and handling facilities off farm to enable harvested grain to be stored before delivery to consumers, supply chains in place which enable efficient delivery of the grain anywhere around the world and long-term buyers/processors who will receive the grain year in year out. There is still a lot of process to be put in place before Linseed production will scale up to a considerable level.          

Grower adoption beyond the project has continued with over 60 Ha planted in southern WA in 2021 across 4 growers. Confidence in the supply chain beyond the farm gate remains as the major obstacle stopping increased uptake and requires addressing before increased production can be expected.

• Chelated iron applied to the soil before sowing increased active iron in leaves by 42% and dry matter by up to 46% early in the season.
• The 9% increase in grain yield following iron application to soil was not significant.
• Foliar iron had no significant on activeFe, leaf colour or photosynthesis.
• Lime induced iron chlorosis was suspected.

• Iron deficiency is common on rendzinas, peats and coastal calcareous sands in the south east of South Australia .
• Symptoms of deficiency are much greater in wetter than dry years when little deficiency is apparent.
• In field pea the symptoms show up at about the fourth or sixth node stage when the young leaves and growing tip become yellow.
• Soluble ferrous sulphate should be sprayed on to peas at the onset of symptoms.

Response in barley seems to be variety dependent.

Early plant height reduction was noted in all varieties treated with Moddus Evo but had no effect on lodging.

Commander barley saw a yield increase with the use of Moddus Evo, but LatTrobe did not respond.

Off label high rates of triazole fungicides have to produced any PGR effects to date.

Trial average was 6.3 t/ha

The trial ws affected by lodging as a result of 50 mm of rain and high winds in mid September

Spartacus CL was the highest yielding variety at 7.65 t/ha

The trial did not receive a fungicide application, and did have high levels of leaf disease (SFNB and to a lesser degree scald). However higher levels of leaf disease  and loss of green leaf did not necessarily result in yield loss.

• An unregistered product was found that reduced plant height and lodging but did so at the cost of yield.
• Rates of the PGR need to be tested to determine if lower rates can achieve a crop height reduction with no impact on yield.
• Timing of a PGR application appears to be at green bud stage for the effective reduction in plant height.

• Wider row spacing will decrease yield but the decrease was not significant until large changes were made.
• Canola yields prove to be stable despite different plant populations but seasonal differences could change the outcome.

• Trial yields averaged 4.03 t/ha
• The performance of the various herbicide groups ranged from 3.2 t/ha  for the triazine tolerant varieties, 4.5 t/ha for the Clearfields, 4.6 t/ha for the conventionals and 4.8 t/ha for the Roundup Ready varieties.
• The early-mid to mid maturity varieties tended to be the highest yielding from an April 18th sowing.

• Third and final year of trials for the GRDC funded project ‘Southern Irrigated Cereal and Canola Achieving Target yields’ (DAN00198).
• Wheat and canola dual purpose trials were established at Bool Lagoon under irrigation.
• Seasonal conditions dictated the use of the dual purpose crops.
• Due to inundation trial results must be interpreted with caution.
• Variety specific agronomy packages will be developed from data collected over the duration of this project.

• Winter canola had greater DM production compared to spring canola.
• Time of sowing significantly influenced canola grain yields.
• Grazing Manning did not result in a yield penalty, but grazing Trojan wheat did; need to be careful not to graze outside of the “safe” grazing window.

Irrigated durum wheat can meet DR1 specification

The nitrogen requirement is approximately 50 kg N/t 

Growing durum wheat on a pulse stubble has both disease and nitrogen management benefits

No PGR tested had any effect at reducing lodging

Excessive vegetative growth and rainfall resulted in all plots lodging, making measurement of plant height impossible without causing damage to the plants.

 

Bannister had the highest grain yields with 9.00 t/ha.

Grazing did impact on yield in Bannister, but not Durack or Yallara.

Additional N above the control did not increase grain yields. Based on the trial results, Bannister nitrogen requirement was 25 kg N/t, whereas Yallara and Durack required 35 kg N/t.

Dry matter harvested (simulated grazing) at around GS31 ranged between 0.81 and 0.99 t/ha (NS)

Population had no effect on yield. Populations as low as 130 plants/m2 had similar yields to that of 180 plants/m2.

Plant establishment varies greatly with conditions post sowing. The long term average for cereals at the ICC Trial Block is 70%, but colder soil temperatures and soil moisture can see establishment fall to 50%.

Irrigation in spring did not improve yield or grain quality of the chickpea and lentil varieties tested

Drainage was the key to preventing crop damage rather than irrigation timing

 

Drainage rather and irrigation technology was the key to maximising yields

Drainage is the key to successful irrigated pulses. The subsurface drip irrigation without beds resulted in prolonged soil waterlogging which impacted establishment and plant survival in spring.

- In 2015, only varietal differences were observed
- There were no significant effects on yield of fungicide management or plant growth regulator treatments
- Adjusting nitrogen management didn’t have an impact on yield; this was a common observation across both trials and farmer paddocks in 2014.

Fertiliser treatments aimed at increasing phosphorus efficiency did not improve yield but the trial site is not responsive to P.

Added potassium did not see any increase in yield, once again the site has adequate K supply (> 600 ppm Kcolwell).

Copper applied as a foliar spray at booting resulted in decreased yields demonstrating the potential toxic effects an excessive supply of a particular trace element can create.

Trial yields averaged 8.5 t/ha

LPB Trojan was the highest yielding variety at 10.25 t/ha.

Mid-late maturity was the predominant maturity in the top 20 highest yielding varieties.

• Site experienced extended dry conditions after seeding due to late follow up rain.
• SACOA will continue local soil surfactant research and evaluations in 2004.

• No significant difference between treatments but interesting trend supporting combined use of protectant fungicides with soil surfactancts, delivered on furrow rather than on fertiliser (this is not a registered pattern of use).
• Warrants further investigation in 2005.

• The results of this trial suggest that there is good promise for ongoing improvement in oil extraction levels from canola and hence their worth to biodiesel (and other oil) markets.
• This trial also shows that the KI environment is conducive to high oil levels in canola which improves their relative value as an oilseed crop.

Continuous wheat has worked in the Charlton district over the past below average rainfall seasons. It has been a relatively low risk option and has provided a better return compared to growing pulses and canola in rotation with wheat. Whether continuous wheat will be as successful in other areas with different weather patterns, soil types and disease pressure should be investigated.

• Although not statistically validated a trend of either higher or lower NDVI’s in the centre of the tram tracks was observed on 7 of the 14 farms investigated.
• The trend to wider header fronts makes the practicalities of redistributing residue evenly back across the width of the header all the more difficult and may accelerate any rate of change in crop performance.
• In the short term CTF producers should target even redistribution of crop residue across header widths
• Further work is needed and the author would welcome collaboration from others in helping to design a future experiment and statistical analysis.

• Although not statistically validated a trend of either higher or lower NDVI’s in the centre of the tram tracks was observed on 7 of the 14 farms investigated.
• The trend to wider header fronts makes the practicalities of redistributing residue evenly back across the width of the header all the more difficult and may accelerate any rate of change in crop performance.
• In the short term CTF producers should target even redistribution of crop residue across header
  widths
• Further work is needed and the author would welcome collaboration from others in helping to design a future experiment and statistical analysis.

• The fluid fertiliser system increased yield and dry matter production at both sites.
• The added carbon treatments with increased microbial activity have not increased grain yield in 2011.

Wimmera had the greatest yield loss in the presence of weeds and produced the highest weed yield. Hindmarsh also produced the same weed yield. Both of these varieties should not be sown into weedy paddocks unless there is a good management strategy. Scope, Buloke and Compass were identified as very competitive varieties, with the least amount of yield loss and weed seed production. Generally, the presence of weeds reduced barley yields by 1.4t/ha on a 5.4t/ha crop (mean of all varieties).

• Grain yield and lodging increased with additional nitrogen application for all varieties and plant growth regulator (PGR) treatments
• Applying Moddus Evo reduced lodging and increased grain yield of both Rosaling and La Trobe.
• Applying PGRs did not significantly affect either lodging score or grain yield of Compass, despit it lodging severely.

• Two lontrel resistant biotypes have been identified in overseas vetch populations.
• Risk of resistance in Australian farming systems is low, but management practices to avoid lontrel resistant vetch should be implemented.
• Be more wary of wild vetch populations as opposed to volunteer vetch.

• Three field sites were sown with grass clover pasture and limed and 11 rates.
• Soils were also collected from lime treatments incubated for 2 months and then used to grow clover in the glasshouse.
• Increasing soil pH by liming decreased availability of manganese at all sites and in the glasshouse experiment.
• In the glasshouse experiment yields decreased on all soils at the higher lime rates.
• Diagnosis of manganese deficiency in sub clover is confounded by lack of a reliable critical value.
• If 20 mg/kg is taken as a critical concentration fulfilled run clover and flowering 2 of the experimental sites are nearing manganese deficiency at moderate line rates.
• Calcium chloride extractable manganese determined in the pot soils correlated well with planned manganese in the youngest open leaf.

Crop stubbles provide a valuable feed source for stock over the summer period. The results from this trial indicate that grazing stubbles does not reduce either the amount of soil water stored during the summer fallow period or subsequent crop yield. In low rainfall environments, it is rarely possible to grow sufficient stubble to improve summer fallow efficiency by reducing evaporation (>5t/ha): growers should make use of this valuable feed source. Growers should maintain at least 70 per cent stubble cover (about 2t/ha of cereal stubble) to minimise the risk of wind erosion.

This quick look at rainfall patterns does not prove whether there is, or isn’t, a change t to farming in the dry mid 1990s nwards. High rates of N and no fallowing worked during the wet periods but have ot worked very well in the last decade. We need to adapt our farming practices to prevent over-supplying inputs in low rainfall years. This must be done in a way which does not compromise potential yield if it turns out to be a wet season. We cannot change crop type once sown but can increase the proportion of cereals and fallow if there is no stored soil moisture at seeding. We can also reduce P rates in accordance with past applications and with potential yield AND we can delay N inputs until later on the season. Refer to numerous articles on these topics in this manual. occurring in our climate and rainfall patterns. It does show that, although not desirable, it is not unusual to have a run of dry years – it could be just chance or a normal periodic event. Other long periods of dry seasons occurred at the start of the 20th century (1897 to 1906), mid 1920s to early 1930s; and the longest dry spell between 1938 and 1950.

At low available soil P and moderate PBI levels relatively high P inputs are required to maximise yields. Replacement P programs should incorporate a measure of PBI in order to effectively balance available P across different soil types. Significant yield differences between varieties of wheat and barley could not be attributed to varying P uptake efficiencies

Yield loss of 0.1-0.5t/ha was observed in some SFNB susceptible varieties at Horsham that had two fungicide applications. The Quambatook site suffered significant yield loss but this was due to a combination of SFNB and an additional factor (possibly crown rot). It is unlikely that a single application of foliar fungicide would have provided effective control of SFNB and prevented yield loss if applied after GS39 or to MS or better rated varieties.

• Minnipa Agriculture Centre results showed significant yield advantage with earlier sowing in trial data even in a great season.
• Weeds can have a large effect on early sown crops, but most farmers try to have some paddocks set up to sow early.
• If early sowing is an option take advantage of it.

Zinc needs to be applied as part of the fertiliser program every three to four years in the Wimmera and Mallee. The use of zinc as a seed dressing or foliar application will only be beneficial when the paddock has had a poor zinc history. In trials at the Rupanyup site where zinc had been applied 2 out of the last 5 years there were no yield benefits of adding more zinc even to responsive crops such as faba beans and lentils.

UK grain farmers are very fortunate that their soils and climate sustain high and very reliable yields. On average, the wheat yield is around 8 t/ha and it varies little between years. Indeed, the cost of land and labour in the UK makes it essential that high economic yields are achieved in order to spread the costs over as many tonnes as possible. Labour and machinery costs for grain farmers in the UK run at around £250-300/ha. Despite poor returns from agriculture, the cost of land has been increasing in recent years, often driven by people outside the industry. Rents for grain production can be around £150-250/ha, depending on the type of tenancy and the quality of the land.

At the Millicent site a similar response occurred with no significant difference in yield between the broad bean farmer races. One
interesting observation is that the varieties that originated from a different area performed better when they were grown under a different environment (this was seen with the Millicent farmer race #4 yielding the highest at Conmurra (4.27t/ha), and the Bray & Conmurra farmer races #2 and #1 (5.81t/ha and 5.56t/ha respectively) being the highest yielding varieties at the Millicent
site.

• The wheat yields were quite acceptable considering the time of year they were sown. The average yield of 3.2 t/ha is still economic, even if feed prices are used. 
• The four winter wheat varieties grown in the trial are not suited for a July sowing, as the risk of stem rust carrying over summer, to infect the following years crop, is too high. In addition, if sowing has to be delayed into July, then a shorter season variety with the potential to make milling quality should be the preferred option. Winter wheats should only be grown if they can be sown early to maximise their high yield potential. 
• If the yield loss between the June and the July sowing at the Hamilton site is analysed, then an average yield loss of 26 kg/hectare/day is obtained. In other words for every week you delay sowing you are losing 180 kg/ha of wheat yield. 

• JumpStart is phosphate inoculant containing naturally occurring soil fungi
• Trial showed no significant difference in JumpStart treatments
• Significant yield increases achieved with increasing phosphorus rates
• DGT test results suggest JumpStart increases plant available P residual for following crop

There was no yield or protein response to the application of K-Komplex at the rates tested.

• Monitor canola crops at windrowing for the presence of Blackleg disease.
• Know the Resistance group your canola variety and be prepared to change both variety and resistance group if required.

• Soil testing is essential for monitoring soil fertility levels.
• Of all the soil samples taken the majority were below critical levels for pH.
• Phosphorus levels were low on some properties particularly with ironstone soils

• Soil testing is essential for monitoring soil fertility levels.
• Of all the soil samples taken the majority were below critical levels for pH.
• Sulphur levels were low on some properties with sandy soils.

KI NRM Board staff are preparing environmental audits for each property which summarise all the environmental
issues (including flora and fauna) and water resources relating to each property. Six training sessions were held on the topics related to the project. The differing skills, backgrounds and experience of participants made it difficult to develop course material that was suitable for all participants. This was overcome by one to one discussions that addressed the information in a way that was more relevant to each individuals' needs.

• Summer weed control is not a luxury item and should be considered an essential expense.
• The financial reward of timely summer weed control far outweighs the outlay and this was again proven in 2006.
• Expenditure on summer weed control can be minimised if weeds are sprayed early.

The use of a Speed tiller to incorporate stubble did not appear to have any negative impacts in the mixed farming systems in the medium rainfall zone in the South-East of South Australia in a very dry season. There was high paddock variability, due to moisture stress, which would have impacted the results.

KI’s 7 golden rules for successful establishment

•  Good weed control is absolutely critical – it’s a waste of time seeding if you don’t get weed kill.
•  Apply broad spectrum insecticides pre-seeding.
• Seed in early Spring.
•  Seed at 2kg/ha.
•  Ensure good seed soil contact.
•  Allow the plants to become well established before grazing.
•  Continually monitor the paddock, after seeding for insects and pests and during the first graze to ensure stock are not pulling up runners.

• Kikuyu has the potential to become a valuable addition to pasture mixes on parts of KI
• Kikuyu may provide many economic as well as environmental benefits
• Early spring sowing plus weed and insect control is essential for successful establishment (and the odd rain dance won’t go astray either!)
• Kikuyu is less likely to become an environmental weed if the adjacent native vegetation is fenced and is in good condition.

• Kikuyu has the potential to become a valuable addition to pasture mixes on parts of KI.
• Follow the nine golden rules for success – weed, insect and vermin control, good seed/soil contact, shallow seed at 2kg/ha in spring, don’t graze until well established, use N fertiliser or legumes.

The results of the trial confirmed what we expected to see from kikuyu pastures – better growth rates through Summer/Autumn, lower supplementary feed cost, more wool growth with a higher tensile strength and better Vitamin E status.

Although full results are not yet in it appears at this stage that the kikuyu paddocks are resulting in:

• more weight gain by the weaners
• increased wool growth
• reduced hand feeding costs
• reduced vitamin E deficiency

• In terms of feed value, kikuyu out performed the annual pastures for nearly all criteria during the spring/summer period.
• Kikuyu paddocks were able to sustain a higher stocking rate than the annual paddocks over the spring/summer period.

• Kikuyu paddocks grew more pasture than the annual paddocks for most months of the year.
• In terms of feed value, kikuyu outperformed the annual pastures for nearly all criteria over the 18 month monitoring period.
• Kikuyu paddocks were able to sustain a higher stocking rate than the annual paddocks.

• Weed control is essential for effective kikuyu establishment.
• Two sprays of round up is the ‘safest’ bet although you do lose some grazing value and may have difficulties with seeding at the optimum time if the paddock is too wet to spray early.
• Further work is required to quantify the benefits of application of TM 21 on kikuyu pastures on KI.

• Weed control is essential for effective kikuyu establishment.
• Two sprays of round up is the ‘safest’ bet although you do lose some grazing value and may have difficulties with seeding at the optimum time if the paddock is too wet to spray early.
• Further work is required to quantify the benefits of application of TM 21 on kikuyu pastures on KI.

• 2015 - Plots with-out lime were consistently lower yeilding than plots with lime irrespective of incorporation treatment. Threatments with incorporation tended to have higher yield than where lime is left on the surface.
• 2014 - sowing setup remains the weakest link when using deep tillage. Depth of sowing is critical and fifficult to control on ameliorated soils. A good establishment density is critcal for reducing erosion potential at both ends of the season.