Effective control of summer weeds before cropping can increase both grain yield and quality. The key to increased yield potential lies in additional sub-soil moisture available to the crop during the subsequent growing season. Summer weeds also deplete mineralised N reserves. Provided there are no limitations preventing crop roots from accessing the subsoil, the additional soil moisture can be seen in higher grain yields and generally grain protein and test weight.

• There was no statistically significatn difference between the control and the CFF treated plots.
• The dry conditions experienced in 2007 impacted on this demonstration which indicated a need for further reserach into the effectiveness of this product in a more favourable season.

There are no significant differences in yields between the control and the CFF plots on a wodjil soil type.

It is our plans to work with each of the system leaders and refine their programs to improve the performance of their systems.
 

• Have established at what level the bucket is full
• Have a better understanding of where it becomes empty
• Have increased our confidence in utilising these tools
• In-crop nitrogen sampling has been a vital tool in assessing the effectiveness of the modelling

Key findings:

• Nitrogen (N) decision making requires a good understanding of background soil and plant science, and soil test interpretation.
• Training for new agronomists needs to be a priority issue.
• Senior NSW agronomists identified crop yield expectation as guided by soil moisture at sowing (or at the time of N decision making) as the most important determinant of N fertiliser requirement.
• Further research is needed to increase the understanding of how management practices affect potentially large gaseous N losses. 
• Changing from legume pasture-crop sequences to continuous cropping in many central and southern areas of New South Wales is posing new questions for managing N supply. The absence of N-fixation by pasture legumes is seen as a substantial loss of N-buffering capacity.
• Despite most advisers choosing soil testing as a key approach for determining N fertiliser required, many of their clients had a lower confidence in soil testing, citing ‘high perceived variability in soil nitrate results in the lead up to sowing’.
• Conclusions and Recommendations Senior advisers highlighted the importance of quality training in N decision-making, understanding the background soil and plant science involved, and soil test interpretation for the next generation of agronomists, with training courses including representation from highly experienced local agronomists.
• The understanding of gaseous N losses requires further research, development and extension to the grains industry. Recent field research in the north was limited in scope and produced challenging outcomes that can potentially lead to large practice changes in when and how N fertiliser is applied. Further research and development work is warranted to answer more of the practical questions growers and advisers are asking in regards to losses associated with various alternative practices.

• The northern results on N loss pathways are less relevant to advisers in the central and southern regions where N application timing, soil type and climatic differences are generally quite different from the dominant medium-heavy clays of the north. New N loss research is recommended for the lighter textured soils in regards to the potential for N volatilization losses from surface N application of various products. Economic outcomes from the various strategies being practiced are also needed. Nitrogen loss research should focus less on expensive slow-release products and more on optimising results from urea, the cheapest N source.

• Research into better soil water measurement was seen as a priority area, especially given the importance all advisers place on knowing this when making expensive N-fertiliser decisions for a coming cropping season. Zonal management within paddocks is not possible with single site characterisations, so atypical areas of paddocks are over or under-fertilised.

• The very early application of N fertiliser ahead of a winter cropping season is well established, but what is not known is how well the subsoil N may be protected or at risk from denitrification in flooding events. Also, better knowledge on specific N use within the profile during the cropping season will help growers to know when late-applied N is likely to be inaccessible to crop use.

• Nitrogen mineralisation was highlighted by agronomists from all three regions as an area for greater understanding with regards to the differences caused by climatic conditions, especially rainfall. They also require better understanding of the N produced from both native organic matter and recent legume pasture residues.

• There are a number of good decision support tools available currently, with several advisers suggesting that combining the best points of each into one package, even one available as an app, would be highly useful, particularly one with good grower-friendly reports.

• Many farmers have low confidence in soil testing.  This may be related to a range of factors from poor sampling strategies, to poor sample handling, to poor service from laboratory analysts, to insufficient sample numbers or poor interpretation of the results. It is seen as an expensive option for many, with some advisers looking for quicker and cheaper means of estimating soil mineral N.

• Variety-specific N management packages were seen by some senior advisers as key areas for continued research funding, as results from some new varieties have been quite different in terms of N uptake and protein outcomes.

• Making nitrogen (N) management decisions requires an understanding of soil and plant science, and soil test interpretation.
• Training new agronomists is a priority.
• Senior NSW agronomists identified crop yield expectation as guided by soil moisture at sowing (or at the time of N decision making) as the most important determinant of N fertiliser requirement.
• Further research will increase the understanding of how management practices affect potentially large gaseous N losses.
• Changing from legume pasture-crop sequences to continuous cropping in many central and southern areas of New South Wales is posing new questions for managing N supply. Less frequent pasture legume phases with their N-fixation benefits to the soil is seen as a substantial loss of N-buffering capacity.
• Despite most advisers choosing soil testing as a key approach for determining N fertiliser required, many of their clients had a lower confidence in soil testing, citing ‘high perceived variability in soil nitrate results in the lead up to sowing’.

• Deep phosphorus (P) placement at a depth of 20 cm resulted in root proliferation in desi chickpeas at Terry Hie Hie.
• Deep P applied in the plant line produced more vegetative biomass compared with deep P placed between alternate plant lines (66 cm spacing) four weeks after sowing.

 

• Soil pH results after liming and tillage treatments were applied was found to be quite variable and more sampling needs to be done before pH results can be quoted. Soil loosening indicates that only the deep tillage techniques were likely to incorporate lime into the deeper 20-30 cm acidic layer.
• This trial highlights the importance of measuring subsoil pH levels and applying sufficient rates of lime to prevent and correct subsoil acidification. Where tillage treatments are used to incorporate lime it is important to understand to what depth lime will be incorporated and which subsoil layers need correction. It is intended to monitor this trial for the next few years to further assess the benefits of correcting subsoil acidification. Yield response to lime incorporation can increase over time as the untreated soil continues to acidify further and as lime has more opportunity to react and neutralize the acidity that is present.

• The trial area was seeded in June 2015 to wheat by Peter Negus, while he was seeding the surrounding paddock.  Unfortunately, the seeder ran out of seed as the trial was being sown.  The result was that there were large unseeded strips running through the trial. 
• Rainfall at the site was very poor in September and October 2015; approximately 70% below average for that period.  As a result, cereal crops on soils with low water holding capacity were badly affected, with yields well below average.
• Analysis of the harvest results (excluding plots affected at seeding) showed no significant differences, leading us to conclude that either (a) the tillage and lime treatment effects have ‘worn out’ at the site, or that (b) poor rainfall in September and October severely reduced yields, obscuring any other effects.  We believe that (b) is more likely.
• This trial will be sown to lupins in 2016.

The pH results from this trial show some interesting trends. 

The treatments with greater disturbance at depth (spade, deep rip + spade, mouldboard) tend to decrease surface pH.  This is of concern if the ‘new’ topsoil pH is acidic enough to inhibit root development. 

The treatments with greater disturbance at depth (spade, deep rip + spade, mouldboard) tend to increase midsoil pH most rapidly.  This is the effect hoped for.  The differences between treatments are generally not significant, but more intensive sampling may tease out differences.

The treatments with greater disturbance at depth (spade, deep rip + spade, mouldboard) tend to increase subsoil pH most rapidly.  This is the effect hoped for.  The differences between treatments are generally not significant, but more intensive sampling may tease out differences.

• In year one of this trial, there was no yield differences observed with the application of chicken manure, artificial nutrients or no nutrients
• Cultivation with the mouldboard plough resulted in better yields compared to no cultivation or deep ripping in the first year regardless of nutrients
• Grain protein was significantly higher in the chicken manure treatments
• Large amounts of dry matter was produced under the manured treatments however it didn’t make any difference to yield

• Deep placed lime can improve yields on acidic soils in a very dry season but significatn yield increases were only achieved when lime was place directly into the subsoil to depths of 31 or 51cm.
• Generally, responses from deep placed lime have been recorded in either the year of application or 1-2 years after application.

• Investigated infertile soils over clay in SA and Victoria.
• Earlier work showed that a "shotgun" mix of N, P, zinc, copper and manganese placed at 40cm regularly doubled cereal yields.
• Have shown that such applications have onging residual benefits.
• Need at least 25cm of sand or haying off can occur in dry years.
• Deep ripping tyne type and spacing appear to be less important than depth of application at 40cm.
• Apply nutrients at a rate which would double current yields.
• Management of erosion after ripping is the primary challenge.
• Addition of deep nutrient during ripping would appear to be a good option with reliable benefits.

• Removal of soil compaction and subsurface acidity via deep banding lime to 30cm resulted in 18% yield increase over the untreated control.
• Despite the gross margin of the deep banded lime treatment being $35/ha less than the control in 2005, the benefits of deep ripping and lime application will still be realised in future years.

• Removal of soil compaction via deep ripping to 30cm resulted in  44% yield increase which equated to a gross margin of $38/ha more than the untreated control
• Addition of lime did not significantly improve yield in 2006, however, it is possible that a response will be gained in future years as subsurface acidity is present in the soil profile.

• Removal of soil compaction via deep ripping to 30cm resulted in  44% yield increase which equated to a gross margin of $38/ha more than the untreated control
• Addition of lime did not significantly improve yield in 2006, however, it is possible that a response will be gained in future years as subsurface acidity is present in the soil profile.

• Removal of soil compaction via deep ripping to 30cm resulted in  44% yield increase which equated to a gross margin of $38/ha more than the untreated control
• Addition of lime did not significantly improve yield in 2006, however, it is possible that a response will be gained in future years as subsurface acidity is present in the soil profile.

This work has demonstrated that it is possible to incorporate lime into seams in the soil profiel which can increase the soil pH and decrease the levels of toxic aluminium.

Deep cultivation strips on growers’ properties did not show much in the way of early responses and so did not excite much grower interest as a direct diagnostic of the hardpan conditions in their paddocks. However, at responsive sites, there was a lot of grower interest to the level where it might be worth funding another year of this direct diagnostic approach in the hope that early season conditions are conducive to major nitrogen growth responses.

• Yield increases from deep ripping ranged from 220 to 750 kg/ha.
• Deep ripping demonstrations provide a tool to assess possible yield gains across various soil types.
• Replicated trials are needed to validate the yield increases seen at this demonstration site.

• Deep ripping dry sand was more effective with two passes (or shallow leading tines); less cloddy.
• Yield benefits of 410 kg/ha (18%) from deep ripping were mainly due to better head fill. Better head fill was probably due to better cooling of the crop in hot weather due to better supply of moisture.
• Extra moisture seemed to be from rain which infiltrated deeper in the ripped soil to avoid more evaporative loss than the unripped soil.
• A controlled traffic system will better protect the investment in deep ripping and extend the benefits. Deep ripping costs will also be reduced when the permanent tramlines are left unripped; seeding can also be easier with better flotation on permanent tramlines.

 

• Deep ripping enabled the crop to access about an extra 40kg of soil N/ha.
• The crop was as responsive to Flexi-N after deep ripping.
• There was no yield penalty from delaying Flexi-N application until the end of tillering. Deep ripping and Flexi-N were very profitable at this site.  

Deep ripping provided a 446 kg/ha wheat yield increase in 2017.

• The deep ripping site at Kojaneerup showed no consistent canola yield response in 2017
• Two consecutive frosts and extreme rainfall in late September reduced yield potential.
• Small differences in yield were not consistent within yield zones nor replicates.

The penetrometer measurements show that the nil treatment at both sites had a harder soil profile in the upper 20 cm at Hannafords (clay loam) and down to 35 cm at Jacobs. The reason the Nil treatment at the site of Hannafords shows lower resistance at depth is because this zone was waterlogged (water perched on the clay layer), showing that the ripping and spading have relieved some of the waterlogging. 

Ripping has done a very little to increase grain yields at the Frances site. The application of gypsum has generally increased grain yield by 15-20% over the untreated control treatment.  

The penetrometer measurements show that the nil treatment at both sites had a harder soil profile in the upper 20 cm at Hannafords (clay loam) and down to 35 cm at Jacobs. The reason the Nil treatment at the site of Hannafords shows lower resistance at depth is because this zone was waterlogged (water perched on the clay layer), showing that the ripping and spading have relieved some of the waterlogging.

Sub-soil compaction, caused primarily by the unmanaged movement of heavy machinery, is having a negative effect on grain yield and quality across the Geraldton Port Zone (as well other port zones in WA).  Compaction limits plant root growth, reduces plant available water capacity (PAWC) and in turn limits yield potential.

The profitability of a crop is dependent on the crop maximising the use of rainfall received and the PAWC of the soil is critical to this. This applies to all rainfall zones. Climate change however, has influenced the number of dry periods occurring during the growing season, so it’s more important than ever for crop roots to be able to explore the soil profile to the fullest possible extent.

Growers report that some soils on their property continue to underperform despite their fertiliser and system management strategy matching their soil type. The introduction of deeper deep-rippers to the region (550 – 700mm) has shown encouraging results, prompting growers to question current strategies and investigate the rippers as options for soil improvement.

In 2016 four growers within a 100km of each other currently employing deeper ripping strategies were asked to compare the performance of ‘deeper’ deep ripping (550-700mm) to standard deep ripping (250 – 350mm) and no ripping.  A full soil, plant tissue and grain yield analysis was performed at each site to gather information on the base site parameters and breakdown of how each soil responded to the treatments.

There was an increasing response to deeper ripping associated with a decline in rainfall at the sites (about 100mm variance across sites). To achieve the best return on investment growers are recommended to identify the sub soil constraints in their paddock before choosing the right tillage machine to alleviate them.

• Ripping below the hard pan (greater than 500mm) in pale sands, yellow sands and yellow loams in wheat or canola increases yield.
• Soil moisture probes show ripping deeper (below 500mm) allows more plant roots to access moisture deeper in the profile for longer in the season. Water infiltration also increase with depth of ripping.
• Leaving a firm even seed bed after deeper ripping is important to reduce seeding establishment issues.
• A negative yield response to deeper ripping in lupins on yellow sand was measured at Binnu in 2016.
• Crop yield response to ripping does vary depending on seasonal conditions and crop type therefore the economics of ripping must be considered over multiple seasons and timing of ripping in the rotation.

• Deep ripping to 500-600mm in coarse textured sandy soils increased yield by 21-66% compared to 6-24% with ripping to 300mm in wheat and canola in 2016 and 2017 in the Geraldton port zone.
• There was only a small yield response to ripping the red loam in 2016 and no difference in 2017.
• Soil moisture measurements and visual observations of plant root growth indicated deeper ripping allowed the plant roots to access more water from deeper down the soil profile. This is particularly beneficial in sandy soils that have a low plant available water capacity(PAWC) per 10cm down the profile therefore roots need access deeper into the soil profile to gain the same amount of water as heavier textured soils that have a higher PAWC per 10cm.
• Economic analysis found the higher cost of deeper ripping gave a positive return on investment up to $5/ha for every dollar invested at 3 sandy sites but not on the red loam where the return on investment was negative with a return of $0.63/Ha for every dollar invested. On the sand at Ogilvie there was a yield penalty in lupins in 2016, resulting in a negative return on investment which could not be recouped in the following dry season of 2017.
• If ripping below 400mm, consideration must be given to crop selection in year one (lupins are higher risk); leaving an even seed bed post ripping to reduce bogging and plant establishment issues; and managing weeds as due to poor competition and better access to water and nutrients can increase the weed burden as these factors can have a negative impact on yield reducing the return on investment.

Soils in the Wharminda and Stokes area of Eyre Peninsula were mapped and areas of micronutrient deficiency established by applying micronutrients (copper, zinc, manganese, iron, boron and molybdenum) in 24 factorial field experiments.

Fertiliser applications were made at the 1-2 leaf , tillering and booting stages.

• Grain yields were increased by copper application at 11 of the 24 sites.
• Zinc application increased yield at one site, manganese at one, iron at two and molybdenum at two sites, no increased due to boron application were recorded.
• Copper deficiency occurred in deep siliceous sands, calcareous sands, solodized solonetz and solodic soils with light brown sand at Wharminda.
• Zinc and manganese deficiencies were mostly confined to soils with a high carbonate content near the surface.
• Copper in the grain was a better indicator of deficiency than copper in the soil.
• Grain yield responses to copper application were indicated by grain copper of <2.5 ppm.

June 13th sown Gairdner produced yields in the range of 4.86 – 5.69 t/ha following canola stubble. With high soil nitrogen reserves (203 kg/ha N, 0‐90cm) recorded at sowing, there was a small but significant response to applied nitrogen (0.21 t/ha at 50 kg/ha N & 0.23 t/ha at 100 kg/ha N). There was a significant advantage to nitrogen timed during stem elongation (GS31‐33) over nitrogen applied in the seedbed.

Late sown Mitre (July 4) produced yields in the range of 0.6 – 2.16 t/ha following Canola stubble. With soil nitrogen reserves of approximately 30kg/ha N (0-10cm) recorded pre sowing, applied nitrogen was detrimental in this trial, with 50 kg/ha N reducing yield by 0.09t/ha and 100kg/ha N reducing yield by 0.23 t/ha. These figures disguise more detrimental yield reductions with seedbed nitrogen applications and no effect from stem elongation timings applied at GS31-39.

Late sown Mitre (July 4) produced yields in the range of 0.6 – 2.16 t/ha following Canola stubble. With soil nitrogen reserves of approximately 30kg/ha N (0-10cm) recorded pre sowing, applied nitrogen was detrimental in this trial, with 50 kg/ha N reducing yield by 0.09t/ha and 100kg/ha N reducing yield by 0.23 t/ha. These figures disguise more detrimental yield reductions with seedbed nitrogen applications and no effect from stem elongation timings applied at GS31-39.

Helena is the highest yielding field pea in this trial and confirms other trial experience where the later maturity of Kaspa results in its yield potential being limited in lower rainfall environments.

• Compass and La Trobe have the greatest likelihood of severe lodging as yield environment increases; Fathom, GrangeR and Commander are least likely.
• The taller the crop, the more likely yield loss will occur with increasing rainfall; taller varieties (Schooner, Compass, Flagship and Scope CL) are the most susceptible to head loss.
• Grain quality and the viability of the seed (low falling numbers) is severely reduced in barley with greater exposure to wet weather.
• In lower yielding environments, choose a variety based on its yield performance, rather than its resistance to the effects of delayed harvest.

• Compass, Commander, Scope CL and Fathom were the varieties most affected by lodging when harvest was delayed in a very high yielding environment.
• Spartacus CL and Oxford had better head retention than Fathom and Westminster which were the poorest.
• Delaying harvest by three and a half weeks incurred a 2t/ha yield loss. In an 8t/ha crop this equates to one per cent of yield per day lost on average (based on 2016 data).

Delaying harvest decreased barley yields by 0.3t/ha. Scope CL and Gairdner harvest should be prioritised in the Mallee due to high susceptibility to head loss and yield loss. It is more profitable to grow higher yielding varieties and minimising their risks to delayed harvest, than to grow lower yielding varieties that have less susceptibility to delayed harvest.

• The wild radish population was consistent and of high density (303 /m2) across the site. Spray coverage was affected due to the high weed density and with 65% of the wild radish 4 leaf or larger across the site at application shading was also an influence.
• This trial was applied immediately after rainfall so soil moisture was good but the weeds had just endured a fortnight of frosts with very dry conditions and were still highly stressed.
• Coverage issues and the seasonal conditions prior to application coupled with ongoing dry and stressed conditions following application have contributed to lower than expected wild radish control from all treatments in this trial.

 

At Minnipa in 2013 there were cereal yield responses to fungicide treatments in both wheat (up to 14% better than no fungicide) and barley (up to 12 % better than no fungicide but not all strategies were effective). However there were still visual Rhizoctonia patches present. In-furrow fungicide applications were more effective than seed treatments. Tillage, starter nitrogen and zinc produced similar yields to many of the fungicide treatments. A three week delay in seeding reduced yield by nearly one third. Fungicide treatments did not prevent an increase in Rhizoctonia inoculum levels during a cereal phase.

The PA Concept Farm gave growers the opportunity to see first hand the difficulties and successes of implementing new and innovative cropping techniques involving PA (Precision Agriculture) and CTF (Controlled Traffic Farming). Although final yields were not of importance due to the nature of the site, various observations throughout the year demonstrated to visitors some of the things to watch for when adopting these tools and practices. The fact that yields were not altered indicate the importance of maintaining dedicated wheel marks all season, and the implications of adding machinery such as that used to bale hay. The site also demonstrated that without amelioration, soil improvement due to reduced compaction can take a number of years to manifest into greater yields. 

Weed burdens at the site highlighted the importance of ensuring control in wheel marks, whilst indicating that wider row‐spacing does not necessarily mean increased weeds. The difficulties of keeping seeding equipment tracking straight when precision sowing were also encountered, making for a good discussion with site visitors about the various techniques that can be used to overcome this problem.

Costs of guidance were compared for the site, with $3/ha for line marking using a contractor with autosteer, $190/ha for a contractor to set up a whole paddock with beds and between $20,000 and $50,000 to get one machine setup with Real Time Kinematic (RTK) autosteer including your own basestation.

Points to consider when establishing an inter-row pasture:

• Grazing management regime
• Timing of grazing
• Cost/benefit of pasture mix establishment
• Suitability of machinery for establishing an inter-row pasture
• Amounts of pasture biomass desired
• Ground cover levels required
• Width of inter-row area

A demonstration to showcase options for managing water repellent soils was established in 2017. Mace wheat was sown into sand over gravel (below 20cm) on 24 May following 209mm summer rain, with no rain in April and 14mm in May.

• One-way plough reduced subsoil compaction to 30cm depth and improved soil wettability, crop establishment and yield.
• Deep ripping reduced compaction to 30 cm depth, improved crop establishment and yield, but not soil wettability.
• Knife point sowing established and yielded better than the splitter boot when sowing on deep ripped and one-way ploughed plots.

• Broadleaved break crops increased pre sowing soil nitrogen by up to 40 kg/ha in 2014 while Rhizoctonia inoculum was also significantly reduced following these crops.
• Growing a legume break crop in 2014 increased the grain yield of the subsequent wheat crop by 0.6–0.7 t/ha.
• Wheat crops following legumes were twice as profitable than following another cereal crop in 2015.
• The profitability of paddock rotations that included legume break crops in 2014 were similar to or exceeded the profitability of the cereal intensive rotation in the same paddock.

• Broadleaved break crops increased pre sowing soil nitrogen by up to 40 kg/ha in 2014 while Rhizoctonia inoculum was also significantly reduced following these crops.
• Growing a legume break crop in 2014 increased the grain yield of the subsequent wheat crop by 0.6 – 0.7 t/ha.
• Wheat crops following legumes were twice as profitable than following another cereal crop in 2015.
• The profitability of paddock rotations that included legume break crops in 2014 were similar to or exceeded the profitability of the cereal intensive rotation in the same paddock.

• Broadleaved break crops increased pre sowing soil nitrogen by up to 40 kg/ha in 2014 while Rhizoctonia inoculum was also significantly reduced following these crops.
• Growing a legume break crop in 2014 increased the grain yield of the subsequent wheat crop by 0.6–0.7 t/ha.
• Wheat crops following legumes were twice as profitable than following another cereal crop in 2015.
• The profitability of paddock rotations that included legume break crops in 2014 were similar to or exceeded the profitability of the cereal intensive rotation in the same paddock.

• Broadleaved break crops increased pre sowing soil nitrogen by up to 40 kg/ha in 2014 while Rhizoctonia inoculum was also significantly reduced following these crops.
• Growing a legume break crop in 2014 increased the grain yield of the subsequent wheat crop by 0.6–0.7 t/ha.
• Wheat crops following legumes were twice as profitable than following another cereal crop in 2015.
• The profitability of paddock rotations that included legume break crops in 2014 were similar to or exceeded the profitability of the cereal intensive rotation in the same paddock.

• Broadleaved break crops increased pre sowing soil nitrogen by up to 40 kg/ha in 2014 while Rhizoctonia inoculum was also significantly reduced following these crops.
• Growing a legume break crop in 2014 increased the grain yield of the subsequent wheat crop by 0.6–0.7 t/ha.
• Wheat crops following legumes were twice as profitable than following another cereal crop in 2015.
• The profitability of paddock rotations that included legume break crops in 2014 were similar to or exceeded the profitability of the cereal intensive rotation in the same paddock.

The effect of water quality did have an effect on the efficacy of the chemicals applied. Glyphosate applied with very hard (1000ppm) water did not provide effective knockdown compared with treatments which used hard (340ppm) water or rain water. Interestingly, some of the rainwater + glyphosate treatments resulted in varying degrees of ‘brownout’ depending on the wetter or ameliorant with which it was mixed.

Excluding the effect of the herbicide treatments, the performance of Mandelup was outstanding with its yield significantly higher than other varieties.

• With a disease like rhizoctonia crop rotation away from cereals is important to reduce inoculum levels. In high risk rotations or in paddocks known to have high disease levels EverGol Prime will be a useful new option for growers based on Australia wide trial experience.
• EverGol Prime has demonstrated excellent control of smut diseases (including bunt) with work conducted in Western Australia on loose smut this year confirming it as an excellent new tool for grower’s to target this hard- to- control disease.

• Saltbush and bluebush appear best suited to the moderately to severely saline areas of the site.
• Lucerne has presisted well on the non-saline area adjacent to the saline area.
• Sub-tropical grasses didn't persist due to excessive levels of salininty and possible competition and allelopathic effects of iceplant.
• The sandy duplex soil type appears well suited to direct seeding, as there doesn't appear to be any difference in growth between saltbush seedlings and direct seeding.

• Three direct drill seeders were compared (Gason, Jenke, Daybreak) to sow wheat into a canola stubble.
• The season was very dry (decile 2) with an average wheat yield of 1.4t/ha in the demonstration.
• There were no differences in crop yield between the three seeders.

It is important to match the maturity of hte oat varieties with the vetch.

• Yipti wheat is highly adapted to the Mallee environment. It is consistently one of the highest yielding varieties and has excellent quality characteristics.
• Yeipti is not hte best variety for direct drilling into wheat stubble as it is very susceptible to yellow leaf spot.

• The early maturity of Quilinock and Belara allowed these avrieties to avoid significant crop loss from the first gramozone croptopping treatment.
• Mandelup was affected by the first gramozone treatment but not as much as Tanul and Kalya.
• The competitive yield preformance of Mandelup was also determined.

• A clear advantage in yield was seen with 50cm rows compared to 25cm row spacing.
• It is possible that the response to wide rows at this site would be gretaer if the finish was drier than 2004.
• Consideration needs to be given to ensuring excellent weed control in the wide row system.

While incidence of root rot was high (83-95%), the disease severity was low on the trial site ranging from 14.3 to 19.5% for treatment averages; many plants had a low level of root disease. Distinct patches were not evident in the trial.

Despite low levels of disease severity observed in the trial and only minor treatment effects on root rot, two in-furrow treatments were found to significantly improve the yield by more than 0.24 t/ha compared to the Untreated control. These were the granular fertiliser treated with Uniform® and the split application of Uniform® above and below the furrow.

In a site with a moderate rhizoctonia disease risk, as indicated by PreDicta B, the majority of plants had root rot however severity was low and patch development did not occur. Under low disease pressure, the Uniform treatments as a whole were able to provide a small reduction in disease incidence which subsequently resulted in yield increase from two treatments. Under higher disease pressure these products can be included as part of an integrated management approach for rhizoctonia.

There was no visual response to applying N or yield. The N rich strips were also not obvious at the time of applying the N to the plots. This may have been a result of the moderate level of N in all zones, the dry spring and the time of application. From the DSN results, 20-60 kg/ha of N would have commended in August in the various zones to achieve the yield targets that were considered achievable at that time. The quality of the wheat produced was low (ASW due to low protein) indicating that insufficient N was applied. The economic analysis showed that the addition of N, lost money. The N rich strips were a useful guide to assessing that there would be no response to applying additional of N but not for assessing differing responses in different zones. It has not been possible to assess if satellite map were a useful guide to possible N response.

 There was a visual response to P applied at sowing which resulted in additional yield at harvest. Responses were obtained to up to 10 kg/ha of P. The added net income was calculated as $44 /ha or a $3 return for every $1 spent. There was no visual response to applying N. This may have been a result of the dry pring and the time of application. There was no response to N at harvest.   The co-operator was please that he noted a visual response to applying P that resulted in higher yields. The ack of N response was probably due to the dry weather in early October.

Yield differences of 2*st. dev. are significant. Within plot variability was large (st. dev. about 0.3 to 0.4 t/ha) but there is an apparent response to ripping, but not to depth of ripping.  More information is needed to interpret these results. 

It is important to determine the potential economic benefits of nitrogen before application. Consideration must be made for yield potential, cost of nitrogen and price of grain. The 2008 season saw no statistical difference in yield in the nitrogen response trial. Despite this there were clear differences observed in gross margin and return on investment.

• Desiccation of lentils is a practice that enables growers to bring forward the harvest date by eliminating unripe green patches, reduces the crops exposure to lodging and grain loss from unfavourable weather and reduces green material in the sample by desiccating late germinating weeds or escapes.
• The results of this trial indicate that the time of desiccation does not have a significant influence on yield once the bottom pods have fully formed.

• Early and on time desiccation resulted in large yield losses.
• Early and on time desiccation resulted in large reductions in seed size, but not to the same
  degree as yield.
• What were the reasons (other than reduced seed size) that contributed to these yield
  losses? Was ‘pinched’ seed lost through the header at harvest?
• Yield losses were bigger in the later flowering variety Kaspa.
• Need to more closely fine-tune growth stages with physiological maturity to pick the “on
  time” desiccation spray.
• Oura and Pearl were early and the pick of varieties suited to crop-topping & desiccation.

The Winchelsea site, sown in late April to Amarok red wheat, had yield variations across the site, with highest yielding plots reaching 3t/ha.  These plots although nearest the shelter belts, were the stubble incorporated treatments.  In comparison, where incorporation did take place with either the addition of chook manure or biological applications, there was a reduced yield of up to 0.6t/ha.  Burning at this site yielded 2.33t/ha, being the lowest output for this site

• On average, the stubble incorporation treatment appeared to yield marginally less across this site. There appeared to be no difference between treatments for grain quality.
• For further findings please see the attached trial report.

• On average, the stubble incorporation treatment appeared to yield marginally better than other treatments. Burning still performed very well, along with the three surface retained treatments in 2007.
• For further findings please see the attached trial report.

• Zinc,manganese and copper are the three most important trace element deficiencies for crops in southern Australia.
• Diagnosis from soil testing or symptoms is often unreliable or too late to manage the problem well.  Plant testing is the most reliable, if not fool profft tool to diagnose trace element deficiencies
• Deficiencies can be overcome with cheap sulphate foliasr sprays but boosting soil reserves for copper and zince is a good investment.

• Snails may be detected in grain as it is being harvested using a mobile phone mounted in the bin.
• Mobile phones can be programmed to detect snails on the ground using WheelCam
• Time lapse photography and analysis can be used to study the behaviour of snails over many months.
• Nozzle choice can help deposit sprays where the snails are located around the time of spraying.

• All crops go through stages of development known as critical growth periods (CGP) where stress can reduce yield potential more than at any other time.

• Shading can be used to induce defined periods of stress on a crop to identify CGP.

• The critical growth period for canola was identified as approximately 100–400 degree days (°C.days) after the start of flowering (defined as 50% plants with one open flower).

• There was minimal effect of pre- and post-flowering stress on grain yield.

Deep ripping with twin disk incorporation look to be the most economic treatment for subsoil mixing, however, the results from this one year with poor yield results from a poor season would suggest otherwise.

Nitrifying archaea and bacteria live at different soil depths, with nitrifying bacteria inhabiting the surface soil and nitrifying archaeal populations inhabiting the sub-soil (10-90 cm). Nitrifying bacteria are the most numerous overall when compared to the nitrifying archaea, and their decline in abundance with soil depth matches the decline in soil nitrification rates. In these soils, nitrification rates are low, suggesting the amount of NH4+ is low, leaving little available for nitrification. Understanding the ecology of these microbes and their role in soil nitrification rates, may lead to improved management strategies to decrease N losses from the soil and improve N use efficiency. 

Individual live‐weight gains were highest at the lower stocking rates, but income per hectare was considerably greater at the higher stocking rates with income over $1000/ha at rates of 40 and 50 lambs/ha. Grain yields tended to be higher for the lowest stocking rate but it is likely this was largely due to increased populations of ryegrass with higher grazing pressure.

Reliable and profitable pulse production for the south west HRZ is critical for the success of farming systems in this region. Suitable varieties are now available, but we do not fully understand the best agronomic package. Research and demonstrations presented here primarily indicates that timely sowing is critical for optimum yields. From 2005, delayed sowing in field peas, faba bean and lupins resulted in yield losses between 10% and 60%. We were unable to assess beans and lupins at even earlier sowings because of the
late season break.

• Spot form of net blotch (SFNB) is a foliar disease of barley threatening production of the susceptible variety Gairdner.
• Fungicides may play an important role in achieving control over this disease

All cultivation treatments reduced crop establishment significantly below “Nil” cultivation. 

Poor rainfall in September and October 2015 meant that the trial yielded very poorly (~0.5 T/ha), with no significant differences between treatments.

Soil test results are not yet available.

The Long Bottom Boots functioned reasonably well at first, but tended to plug with soil from underneath after multiple passes and on finer textured soil to the south of the trial area.

We think that a design that was wider at the back (60 – 80 mm) and therefore more open would improve soil flow down the boot, and reduce the risk of plugging.

(i) Several options exist to ameliorate subsoil acidity with incorporated lime. The method chosen will depend on pH profile, yield potential, budget, area affected, soil type and occurrence of other constraints that may be impacted. (ii) Modified deep ripping techniques can incorporate more topsoil and surface applied lime while at the same time effectively removing subsoil compaction. (iii) Applying adequate lime to ameliorate the soil pH profile to depth is of utmost importance and the rate of lime applied should not be compromised to pay for incorporation, although lime applications can be split with some applied before and some a year or two after incorporation.

1997 has shown that although lentils can yield well under drought conditions, the timliness of rain and soil type are very important.

The trial reported here is the same as those conducted at 13 sites around Australia.

• Results of preliminary tests show the fungicide has excellent activity against this fungal disease.
• The potential use of the new AgrEvo fungicide in Australia will be as a single spray, six weeks after emergence, when seed treatment activity ceases.

• Some narbon bean lines were still emerging one month after sowing.
• During the growth period August through to October the norbaon beans were growing under severe water stress.
• Considering the seasonal rainfall for the site, the grain yields were pleasing.

• The first leaf should not be used to diagnose manganese deficiency in barley as it has a higher concentration than the youngest expanded blade.
• Visual symptoms of manganese deficiency begin on the youngest leaves but necrosis develops slowly.
• There was no difference in manganese concentration between the youngest expanded blade on the main stem or tillers so either could be used.
• Chlorophyll a fluorescence was strongly correlated with manganese concentration and a useful tool for identifying manganese deficiency in barley.

• High levels of herbicide resistance are present in annual ryegrass in South Australia and Victoria.
• Trifluralin resistance is high in South Australia, but lower elsewhere.
• There is no cross resistance to the new pre-emergent herbicides Boxer Gold and Bay 191.

• High levels of herbicide resistance are present in annual ryegrass in SA and Victoria.
• Trifluralin resistance is high in SA, but lower elsewhere.
• There is no cross resistance to the new per-emergent herbicides Boxer Gold and BAY-191.
• Trifluralin must be conserved because the new pre-emergenet herbicides are not selective in canola.

• Zinc deficiency caused production losses in cereals of up to 25% and in medic of up to 300% in biomass.
• Critical level for zinc deficiency in wheat was established as 18 mg/kg in YEBs at late tillering.
• Zinc deficiency in crops can be corrected with foliar sprays, zinc coated fertilisers or zinc applied to the soil and thoroughly incorporated by tillage. Fertilisers which are a mix of NP granules and zinc granules are poorly effective.
• Zinc applied to the soil will provide residual benefits for 3-10 years, the longer persistence in sandier mallee soils.
• 70% of cereal crops in the SA mallee were zinc deficient in the early 1990s.
• An application of 2 kg zinc/ha to the soil (as an incorporated soil spray or zinc coated fertiliser) will correct zinc deficiency in broadacre crops and pastures.

• Twenty replicated factorial experiments conducted 1970-1971.
• Copper, manganese, zinc, iron, boron and molybdenum applied as foliar sprays at various times.
• Vegetative growth was less affected by copper deficiency than grain yield.
• There was a response to copper at 14 of the 20 sites.
• Response to other trace elements were much less frequent.
• Copper deficiency occurred on a wide range of soils.
• Responses to zinc and manganese applications were confined to calcareous soils.
• Copper concentration in the tops was poorly correlated with yield but a critical concentration of 2.5 ppm was apparent from grain analysis.
• The relationship between grain copper and copper responsiveness was not influenced by soil type.

The 2017 season was significantly colder than average with about 500 hours below zero.

While stubble management may influence in-canopy temperatures, the differences between management practices were minimal during 2017.

Differences in frost damage of grains were significant between treatments at both the Coreen and Yarrawonga sites, with the burnt treatment showing the greatest frost damage at Coreen, while the no-till stubble retained (NTSR) treatments showed the greatest damage at Yarrawonga.

Stubble management per se did not influence frost damage in wheat during 2017, with frost damage not necessarily related to in-canopy temperatures.

Stubble management practices can influence the rate of crop development and may lead to changes in flowering time. This change in rate of development can influence crop susceptibility to frost at different times throughout the growing season.

 

• Despite apparently adequate levels of nitrogen in the soil profile, a significant yield response was still recorded where sulphur was supplied along with nitrogen protected by a nitrification inhibitor - Entec Granam.
• Marginal S levels may have become deficient during the course of the trial due to leaching of sulfur.

• There were adequate levels of nitrogen in the soil profile which limited response to any applied fertiliser.
• There were significant yield increases from enhanced efficiency products such as Entec at sowing.

• The application of 40kg/ha at sowing resulted in significant yield responses from all products over the control where only starter fertiliser was applied.
• Fertilisers banded at sowing generally resulted in higher yields and grain N recovery than top dress applications, while the inverse was true for grain protein levels.
• Low grain protein levels (<10.5%) for all treatments and application timings generally indiates that yield was not optimised due to the limited nitrogen supply.
• There were no significant responses found from the use of inhibitors in this trial.

• There were good dry matter responses to starter fertilisers at either 16 or 32 kg/ha of P although only certain treatments gave a significant dry matter inrease when raising P rate from 16 to 32 kg/ha. The best dry matter response was from Gree Top which supplied all the nutrients lacking in the soil test report.
• Potassium seed burn was not apparent possibly due to the relatively wet conditions.
• Both DAP and Gree Top grew over 70 kg DM/ha/kg P at the lower rate of 80 kg/ha, which supplied 16 kg/ha of P.
• Only Green Top, Croplift and Superfect+Mo increased yields with increasing rate of application indicating they supplied the lacking nutrient required to make use of the extra P available.