• Western Flat (Ramseys) soil modification work. Site was established in 2009. After 2 seasons, the area that organic matter was spaded into is performing well.
• Wolseley (Matthews’); alternative fertiliser demonstration; no differences were found between soil biology after a 12 month period.
• Lochaber Ag Bureau (Clothiers); Peries Wightman subsoil manuring project
• Dairy sites with Dairy SA based around the Mt Gambier region
• Coonalpyn Ag Bureau Soil pit days
• Coonawarra Grape Growers – historical composting trial sites revisited
• Sherwood – soil modifications in conjunction with additional carbon project

• 10 new soil demonstration and trials to be established in the south east over the next 2 years.
• Opportunities for farmers to access expert soil advice and information through a series of community meetings, workshops and field days. 

• Continuous wheat can be successfully grown.
• Stubble has been burnt to reduce the incidence of yellow leaf spot in the following crop.
• In most years the crop has been direct drilled.
• Disease levels are still low and the crop is checked at flowering every year for root diseases.
• Continuous wheat has been relativley low risk - after 7 years it has not failed (except for the drought year in 2002).
• Thus far there is no problem with grass weeds or soil borne diseases.

• Soil and solution culture studies were conducted to examine the relative contribution of different mechanisms of zinc efficiency at the whole plant level in bread and durum wheat during early vegetative stage.
• While there are a number of mechanisms of zinc efficiency, zinc uptake appears to be the most important mechanism • Seed zinc remobilisation and root to shoot translocation do not appear to be important to zinc efficiency.
• Visual scores of zinc deficiency were significantly correlated with zinc efficiency, and they provide a useful criterion for an initial screen of zinc efficiency.
• This study was based on vegetative growth and the conclusions need to be verified under field conditions.
• The percentage deviation technique provided a straight forward means of comparing the relative effects of different components of zinc efficiency and the method could be extended to studies that use grain yield as the measure of zinc efficiency.

• Sunflower yields were very low at this site in 2015–16, averaging 0.24 t/ha, and overall variability was very high.
• The total removal of leaves at the budding stage had the largest impact on plant structures; plant height, head diameter and arc length.

• Sunflower grain yield averaged 1.07 t/ha at this site with the highest yields obtained from the control and the treatments where only the bottom one third (1/3) of leaves were removed.
• The total leaf removal treatments had the largest effect on yield, at worst yielding only 0.16 t/ha.
• Removing all leaves at budding or at the start of the flowering growth stages had the largest effect on plant structures.
• Total leaf removal at the end of flowering had the largest effect on 1000 grain weight and test weight.

• Sunflower yields were greatly affected by the various defoliation treatments, ranging from 0.12 t/ha to 0.97 t/ha.
• Reductions in yield, of between 55% and 82% compared with the control resulted from total leaf removal at all three of the targeted growth stages (budding, start of flowering and flowering completion) as well as removing two-thirds of the leaves at budding.
• There was no negative effect on grain yield from removing the bottom third of leaves at budding or the start of flowering. Removing the bottom third of leaves at the start of flowering actually provided a slight yield advantage over the control treatment. The largest effect on plant height, head diameter and head arc length were caused by removing all leaves at the budding stage.

• Grazing stubble with sheep speeds up N cycling and reduces N tie-up by the stubble. When yield is N limited, this can increase grain yield and quality.
• Over the seven year experiment, grazing and retaining stubble has been the most profitable treatment, with an annual Gross Income 172 higher than un-grazed, stubble retain (assuming a grazing value of the stubble) or $55 higher if no grazing value assumed.
• Over the seven years, there was on average a 0.5 t/ha reduction in wheat grain yield in the 2nd wheat crop where stubble was retained and not burnt – mostly related to N tie-up.

• All pre-emergent herbicides provided excellent early control of ryegrass (≥86%) & good crop safety under the knife-point press wheel system.
• Combination of trifluralin & Avadex Xtra followed by PSPE Boxer Gold provided greatest residual control, controlling more than 98% of ryegrass 12 weeks after sowing.
• Boxer Gold applied PSPE has been shown to provide some additional in-row controlof ryegrass.

• Boxer Gold alone or in combination with trifluralin and / or Avadex Xtra provided consistent pre-emergence control of ryegrass, as did trifluralin & Avadex Xtra.
• Although ryegrass control with new pre-emergent herbicide Sakura was lower than in previous years, its tank mixture with Avadex Xtra provided excellent control (86%).
• Boxer Gold & Dual Gold applied PSPE appeared to provide some additional in-row control of ryegrass.

The trial establishment was variable early due to some non-wetting soil and the crop was sown too deeply due to furrow fill from significant rain after sowing. Early crop vigour as a result was low with blackleg further reducing plant establishment; this coupled with high levels of Vegetable beetle damage also reduced the evenness of the plots.

According to the DAFWA sporacle model spore maturity occurred on approximately the 22nd May which meant this trial was at very high risk of significant disease risk as emergence coincided with high spore levels being released from last year’s stubble.

• Excellent annual ryegrass control (>85%) with propyzamide either as split application (IBS followed by PSPE) or as a mixture with tri-allate.
• Atrazine also gave effective control this season with rainfall assisting activity (>79%).
• Early crop vigour was suppressed with Outlook & the higher split rate (1 kg/ha IBS followed by 1 kg/ha PSPE) of propyzamide.
• UAN at 20 kg/ha caused some leaf burning, however the crop recovered.

• A Predicta B sample taken from the site indicated a medium risk of rhizoctonia although patches did not express during the season.
• Early establishment across the site was severely impacted by non-wetting affected all plots across the trial with the worst of it commencing around plot 215 and increasing in severity throughout replicate 3.  Early dry conditions further staggered the crop emergence.
• Good rains through late July and into early August ensured the crop was growing well albeit patchy across the trial with high levels of disease present at both the Z31 and Z39 applications. Only 48.9 mm of rain fell from the second Z39 application to the end of October reducing the benefits to yield of the different fungicide treatments.
•  Increasing variability in the trial due to the sub-soil issues from plot 215 into replicate 3 was a significant factor. Yield data should be treated with caution due to the variability of the site with disease control is the most accurate assessment of treatment efficacy.

• Control of net form net blotch using effective fungicides resulted in yield increases of up to 1.0 t/ha compared to nil treatments.
• Two strategic fungicide applications during early-mid growth stages (before end of August) – suppressed disease development and provided control comparable to four applications made every 2-4 weeks from early August.
• Tilt, Amistar Xtra, Opera and Prosaro were effective for control of net form of net blotch.

• Control of net form net blotch using effective fungicides resulted in yield increases of up to 1.0 t/ha compared to nil treatments.
• Two strategic fungicide applications during early-mid growth stages (before end of August) – suppressed disease development and provided control comparable to four applications made every 2-4 weeks from early August.
• Tilt, Amistar Xtra, Opera and Prosaro were effective for control of net form of net blotch.

• Powdery mildew infection was observed during the 2015–16 season, although less severe than in previous seasons.
• Powdery mildew infection was found on all soybean varieties except Djakal, demonstrating its known resistance.
• Fungicide applications had no effect on the grain yield of Djakal, N005A-80 or P176-2 varieties, however, the SnowyA variety had a significant increase in grain yield when treated with tebuconazole in a split application regime.

• Boxer Gold IBS + PSPE or Trifluralin IBS + Avadex Xtra IBS + Dual Gold PSPE gave the best pre-emergent annual ryegrass control in 2009.
• Boxer Gold or Dual Gold applied PSPE significantly improved ryegrass control in the crop row.

Controlled traffic farming leaves permanent wheel tracks when growing crops. There are large savings in
costs, especially due to lower horsepower requirements, and also minimisation of compaction layer effects
on the crop. Machinery with different configurations and widths of wheel tracks presents one problem for
controlled traffic.

• Observations in N.S.W., Victoria and Western Australia clearly show that tap rooted crops have excellent straight tap roots when grown on beds when compared to flat paddocks. 
• These initial considerations suggest narrow raised beds may offer a better overall soil water exploration throughout different depths of the profile and a better depth of rooting by crops. 
   

• Vetch production in a very tough season was little affected by trafficking imposed in 2015.
• After three years of crop production, low levels of trafficking have had little impact on grain yield on a Minnipa soil, multiple trafficking on wet soil (in 2015) increased grain yields in the second and third crops.
• Ripping conducted in 2015 lifted the soil substantially but has not benefited production in any of the following three crops.

This work has demonstrated that N2O emissions from trafficked soil were consistently and significantly greater (by an average factor of 2.2) than those from non-trafficked soil. At the same time, soil CH4 consumption was significantly increased in the CTF beds compared to random-trafficked or permanent traffic lanes, although overall CH4 fluxes were small. Permanent traffic lanes normally represent only 10%–15% of field area on controlled traffic farms, compared with ∼50% or more trafficked area on non-controlled traffic farms. Thus, the results indicate that adoption of controlled traffic should reduce soil emissions of C2O-e by 30%–50%, and this effect would be greater if N fertiliser could be excluded from permanent traffic lanes.  The reduction in emissions also indicates that less N has been lost by denitrification, an effect which might be in the range of 3 – 20 kg/ha.

The work has demonstrated that CTF will reduce the GHG emissions from grain production, in addition to providing economic and other environmental benefits.
 

• A single application of Uragan (bromacil) plus paraquat in May gave complete control of all weeds at all sites over both rates. However, the additional expense, soil erosion risk and irsk to remnant vegetation need to be considered.

• A two spray or double knock strategy (including cultivation or another non-herbicide treatment) is often required for complete control in fencelines with the first application early in the season followed by another one later in the season (after the seeding and post-harvest operations are over).
• Tank mixes of residual herbicides plus a knockdown give the best control for the first application.
• A single application of a mixture of Uragan® (bromacil) and paraquat early in the season gives excellent weed control on fencelines.
• The addition of Alliance® (mixture of amitrole and paraquat) as the knockdown gives good broadleaf control.
• Glyphosate can still be used but intensive monitoring and complete seed set control is required to prevent resistance from developing.

 

• In the 2001 season there was no benefit from the application of an alphacypermethrin insecticide application to barley and lentil crops.
• The dry summer of 2000/2001 resulted in very few host plants for aphids and virus diseases and threshold levels for disease carry over potential were not reached.
• In wet summers with many host plants surviving it is possible that preventative spraying with alphacypermethrin could be worthwhile.

In the 2001 season there was no benefit from the application of an alphacypermethrin insecticide application to barley and lentil crops. The dry summer of 2000/2001 resulted in very few host plants for aphids and virus diseases and threshold levels for disease carry over potential were not reached. In wet summers with many host plants surviving it is possible that preventative spraying with alphacypermethrin could be worthwhile.

In the 2001 season there was no benefit from the application of an alphacypermethrin insecticide application to barley and lentil crops. The dry summer of 2000/2001 resulted in very few host plants for aphids and virus diseases and threshold levels for disease carry over potential were not reached. In wet summers with many host plants surviving it is possible that preventative spraying with alphacypermethrin could be worthwhile.

• Roundup alone will not control Flaxleaf fleabane. 
• Addition of Surpass and Ally to Roundup provided the most effective control.
• To avoid the need to use more expensive chemicals and spray more than twice, control fleabane before it begins to elongate (>40cm in height).

• Metribuzin added to Precept® gave good control of all weeds.
• Affinity Force® did not perform to the standard expected.

Medic must be controlled prior to sowing lentils because there are no in-crop herbicide options available.

The best pre-sowing options coming out of this trial were:

• cultivation prior to sowing
• SpraySeed®
• Roundup Power Max® plus Lexone®
• Roundup Power Max® plus Hammer®

Roundup Power Max® alone was not very effective, and Roundup Power Max® plus Dicamba® resulted in extensive lentil damage which resulted in low yields.

Summer rain over the past 3 months has been substantial in some areas; therefore summer weed growth has been vigorous. Rosinweed is a particularly strong summer weed which is very difficult to control. This trial showed that Group B (IMI) herbicides had good control of rosinweed, while Ally® having less control, offered good suppression.

• Group D resistance will develop if trifluralin is consistently used without other control practices.
• Trifluralin used in combination with other herbicides such as Avadex Xtra (Group E) and Dual Gold (Group K), may enhance ryegrass control and could prolong the onset of Group D resistant ryegrass populations.
• BoxerGold was very effective on both sites with added crop safety. This herbicide is expected to be released in 2008 and likely to be expensive but should be included in the crop rotation to reduce the likelihood of developing resistance.

• Group D resistance will develop if trifluralin is consistently used without other control practices.
• Trifluralin used in combination with other herbicides such as Avadex Xtra (Group E) and Dual Gold (Group K), may enhance ryegrass control and could prolong the onset of Group D resistant ryegrass populations.
• BoxerGold was very effective on both sites with added crop safety. This herbicide is expected to be released in 2008 and likely to be expensive but should be included in the crop rotation to reduce the likelihood of developing resistance.

• Trifluralin was more effective at reducing ryegrass numbers in the cereal phase than in break crops.
• There are more benefits from good rotation than improved weed control alone, but benefits (in this case additional nitrogen) may not be apparent until several years after the non-cereal break crop or pasture phase.

This trial looked at protecting the crop from excessive sun and wind during the spring when crops are flowering and setting seed by covering it in shade cloth in early September. It was expected that this would improve yield and grain size but in fact it had the opposite effect with reduced yields and poor grain quality.

• Two years of full wild oat control did not exhaust the seedbank to a manageable level.
• A selective post emergent herbicide or an early hay cut were the most effective strategies for reducing the wild oat seedbank.

Results 4 & 5 years after the initial Cu application on a gravelly soil near Wandering indicate responses to copper but clover persisted without Cu applied.

Zinc applied as a basal.

The Cu concentration in October 1967 was low [possbily due to sampling time].

Design is a incomplete factorial and Cu residual measured as a run down rather than comparisons to new or current applicationa of Cu

• Copper concentrations in tissue on sandy soils declined with the age of the plant, with indications of copper deficiency for older plants.
• Patches of crop with partially empty heads were observed while the rest of the head was still green.
• Suggested that EDTA extractable copper might give indication of likely copper deficiency in sandy soils.
• Deficiency can be overcome by applying copper fertilisers to soil (long term solution) or a foliar copper spray (short term solution).

• Trials on Yellow Duplex Soils at 3 sites in the Southern Wimmera.
• At one site commercial chelated copper was foliar applied.
• Treatments were Nil; 75 or 150 g Cu/ha at late booting; 37.5 or 75 g Cu/ha at late tillering and; split applications of 75 g Cu/ha at late tillering plus either 75 g or 150 g Cu/ha at late booting.
• At two sites formulations of copper were compared, these treatments included Nil; copper oxychloride; copper sulphate and a commercial chelated copper. All were applied at 75 g Cu/ha at late tillering plus 150 g Cu/ha at booting. All plots were sown to wheat. Dry matter cuts were used at anthesis and maturity to estimate crop growth and yield components.
• Since copper is important in wheat for production of viable pollen the late booting treatments (applied after pollen set): resulted in only an 18% increase in grains/ear and grain yield.
• Whereas copper applied at late tillering increased grain yield by 1.55 t/ha or 93% (resulting from 60% more grains/ear and 20% more ears/m2 • Split applications did not result in higher yields.
• Both copper oxychloride and the chelated product resulted in grain yield increases between 0.94 and 1.26 t/ha but the chelated product is approximately seven times as expensive.

The program demonstrated that:
• At some sites where copper deficiency was historically assumed, no response to any form of copper application was observed. Copper response is likely to vary by site and season.
• Yield loss caused by copper deficiency can be devastating to wheat yield.
• Soil and tissue testing can be useful in helping to detect low levels, but are not always definitive. Copper response appears to be dependent on other complex interactions such as soil moisture, yield potential and other constraints (N fertility etc.) and thus soil/tissue tests alone are not a definitive guide to future responses.
• Foliar applications performed better than in-furrow liquids.
• Chelate and sulphate products performed equally well when applied as foliar applications.
• Timing did not appear to be critical, with a wide band of opportunity from mid-tiller to early head emergence providing similar results

Soil DTPA was 0.27 mg/kg soil.

Grain yield increase by 32 % for both granular and fluid applied Cu.  About 1.3 kg Cu /ha was required for maximum grain yield of 3.2 t/ha.

Foliar application reached 85% of the maximum yield when applied at flag leaf before flowering; earlier application at first node was effective but only reached about 75% of the maximum.  

At this site seed coating had a small effect on germination of seedlings and was insufficient Cu for wheat seedling to recover from Cu deficiency.

Flag leaf Cu concentrations were 1.3 mg Cu/kg and grain Cu concentration from nil Cu treatments were 1.3  mg/kg

Soil DTPA was 0.32 mg/kg soil.

Grain yield increased by 2 % for both granular and fluid applied Cu.  About 1.5 kg Cu /ha was required for maximum grain yield of 3.32 t/ha.

Foliar application reached 97% of the maximum grain yield when applied at flag leaf before flowering; earlier application at first node was effective but only reached about 95% of the maximum.  GY

At this site seed coating had no effect on germination of seedlings..

Flag leaf Cu concentrations were 1.5 mg Cu/kg and grain Cu concentration from nil Cu treatments were 1.4  mg/kg

• The addition of copper and zinc fertiliser applied Cu was applied in 1959.

• Barley responded to Cu; applied as Cu ore @ 35 kg/ha.

• ZnO at 3.3 kg/ha depressed yield without Cu for both levels of N, applied as ammonium sulphate

• Cu increased yield by about 30% with nil ammonium sulphate applied.

• Application of Ammonioum sulphate appeared to decrease the respponse to Cu.

• The addition of copper and zinc fertiliser applied Cu was applied in 1957.

• Oats responded to Cu

• Area very Cu deficient as responses in grain yield to Cu in oats are not frequently obtained

• Cu additions in aabsence of Zn induced more sebere Zn deficierncy in oats.

• However, yields showed no Cu x Zn interaction.

• The addition of copper and zinc fertiliser applied Cu was applied in 1953.

• !953 experiment a Cu & Zn experiment on oats.

• In 1959 Cu and Zn reapllied on half plots.

• Zn applied in 1953 had the same grain yield as  Cu & Zn applied in 1959

• Residual value of previous applied Cu & Zn were  good

• No further response  of oats to second addition of Cu and or Zn after 6 years.

• The addition of copper and zinc fertiliser applied Cu was applied in 1957.

• Zn applied in 1957 reduced grain yield where Nil Cu.

• Zn oxide was not reduced until 4 kg/ha was applied

• Cu  applied in 1959  did not increased grain yield of wheat. 

• Residual value of previous applied Cu & Zn were  good

• Copper was applied as Cu ore equivalent to about 5 kg Cu sul/ha.

• No further response  addition of Cu and or Zn.

• The addition of copper and zinc fertiliser applied in 1955.

• Cu  applied in 1959  did not increased grain yield of wheat. 

• Copper was applied as Cu ore equivalent to about 5 kg Cu sul/ha.

• No further response ti addition of Cu and or Zn.

• The addition of copper and zinc fertiliser applied in 1955.

• Cu  applied in 1959  did not increased grain yield of wheat. 

• Copper was applied as Cu ore equivalent to about 5 kg Cu sul/ha.

• No further response ti addition of Cu and or Zn.

• The addition of copper and zinc fertiliser applied in 1952.

• Cu  applied in 1959 increased grain yield of wheat. 

• Copper was applied as Cu ore equivalent to about 5 kg Cu sul/ha.

• THe response of wheat  to Cu in 1959 was not annticipated .

• As there was very large responses to Cu in 1959, doubts arose as to whether Cu was originally applied. However, clover grew well in 1952 suggestion Cu had been applied, along with the plain supper Zinc 

• Conclusion a second application of Cu is required to the soil type.

• The addition of copper and zinc fertiliser applied in 1953 was adequate in 1959. 

• Copper was applied as Cu ore

• Further additions in combination or alone had no further effect on grain yileld 

• 6 years of clover ley; Addition N as ammonia sulphate (112 kg/ha) increased grain yield by 300 kg/ha; profitable application

• Nitrogen did not induce Cu & Zn deficiency.

• The addition of copper and zinc fertiliser applied in 1953.

• Cu  applied in 1959  did not increased grain yield of wheat. 

• Copper was applied as Cu ore equivalent to about 5 kg Cu sul/ha.

• No further response ti addition of Cu and or Zn.

• The addition of copper and zinc fertiliser applied Cu was applied in 1957.

• Cu ore, Cu sulfate and zinc chloride source used.

• In 1957 Zn chloride reduced yields. There were no reduction in yield in 1959

• Zn applied in 1957 reduced grain yield where Nil Cu.

• Cu  applied in 1959  did not increased grain yield of wheat. 

• Residual value of previous applied Cu & Zn were  good

• Copper was applied as Cu ore equivalent to about 5 kg Cu sul/ha. There was no difference between Cu ore and bluestone [Cu sulfate] compared at the same rate of Cu applioed.

• No further response  addition of Cu and or Zn.

• The addition of copper and zinc fertiliser applied in 1953 was adequate in 1959. 

• Copper was applied as Cu ore

• Further additions in combination or alone had no further effect on grain yileld 

• 6 years of clover ley; Addition N as ammonia sulphate (112 kg/ha) reduced seedling stands & reduced grain yield.

• Anticipated a response to Cu

• The addition of copper and zinc fertiliser applied Cu was applied in 1953.

• !953 experiment a Cu & Zn experiment on wheat.

• Zn reduced yield in 1953 when applied without Cu 

• Cu & Zn applied in 1953 had the same grain yield as  Cu & Zn applied in 1959

• Residual value of previous applied Cu & Zn were  good

• No further response  of wheat to second addition of Cu and or Zn after 6 years.

• The addition of copper and zinc fertiliser applied in 1956.

• Cu  applied in 1959  did not increased grain yield of wheat. 

• Copper was applied as Cu ore equivalent to about 5 kg Cu sul/ha.

• No further response ti addition of Cu and or Zn.

• The addition of copper and zinc fertiliser applied in 1954 was adequate in 1959. 

• Copper was applied as Cu ore

• Further additions in combination or alone had no further effect on grain yileld 

• 5 years of clover ley; Addition N as ammonia sulphate (112 kg/ha) no effect on  grain yield by 300 kg/ha; profitable application.

• Wheat, rye and triticale were grown in three Australian soils at low and high levels of trace elements.
•  All basal nutrients were supplied in copper and zinc added at 4 mg/pot.
• Addition of copper alone greatly increased pollen viability.
• Addition of zinc alone either decreased pollen viability or had no effect.
• The results confirm the tolerance of rye to extremes of soil pH and to both copper and zinc deficiency.
• In all environments adding zinc alone aggravated copper deficiency.
• Genotypic differences in copper zinc interaction showed up most strongly in soils of pH 7 and 9.

Crop was sown as part of a rotational trial, examining the effects of Group B residues on the following maize crop.

• Zinc sulphate applied as a 1% spray 2-4 weeks after emergence, or drilled with the seed, alleviated the symptoms of zinc deficiency in field trials • Applications five weeks after emergence were not effective.
• The disorder can also be alleviated by double cropping.
• Although responses to residual zinc were apparent it is considered more economic to use sprays each year.

• In poorer seasons there is no positive economic reward for high nitrogen fertiliser inputs.
• Oats and vetch for either grazing or hay consistently provided positive gross margins.
• Wheat crops which followed a chemical fallow provided the best gross margin in both trials.
• Aim to maximise profits, not necessarily yields.

Hundreds of crops have been domesticated and cultivated by humankind during the history of agriculture, utilised for food, forage, fibre and medicine. However, only a small number provide the bulk of the raw material necessary for human survival. The limited diversity has increased the vulnerability of crops to adverse climatic conditions and fluctuating markets.

• Drought is exacerbating the already complex issues.
• Drought is heightening the uncertainty and risk many farming families are dealing with.
• Individuals, families and communities exhibit anxiety and resilience differently.
• Importance of the wider community for farming families.
• There is a positive feedback cycle that an emerge between issues as well as the rapid rises in optimism that can result from small improvements in conditions.

• 3 field experiments were conducted in the mallee district to calibrate a plant test for diagnosing copper deficiency in wheat  grown over 3 seasons.

 • The results of the experiments of Scaddan Mt Ridley area indicated a diagnostic critical level of 2,2-2. 4 mg Zn/kg  in whole shoots.

For the youngest fully emerged blades (YEB) a diagnostic critical level of 1.2 mg Cu/kg at mid-tillering indicated a critical level.

•The whole shoot appeared less reliable than the YEB over the growing season..

• 5 field experiments were conducted in the Lake Grace - Newdegate district to calibrate a plant test for diagnosing copper deficiency in wheat  grown over 3 seasons.

 • The results of the experiments  indicated a diagnostic critical level of 2.3 mg Cu/kg  in whole shoots while for the youngest fully emerged blades (YEB) a diagnostic critical level of 1.2 mg Zn/kg at mid-tillering indicated a critical level.

•The whole shoot appeared less reliable than the YEB particulalrly of the wheat growth stages.

• 5 field experiments were conducted in the mallee district to calibrate a plant test for diagnosing zinc deficiency in wheat  grown over 3 seasons.

 • The results of the experiments of Scaddan Mt Ridley area indicated a diagnostic critical level of 17-18 mg Zn/kg  in whole shoots.

For the youngest fully emerged blades (YEB) a diagnostic critical level of 12 mg Zn/kg at mid-tillering indicated a critical level.

•The whole shoot appeared less reliable than the YEB over the growing season..

• 9 field experiments were conducted in the Lake Grace - Newdegate district to calibrate a plant test for diagnosing zinc deficiency in wheat  grown over 3 seasons.

 • The results of the experiments  indicated a diagnostic critical level of 17 mg Zn/kg  in whole shoots while for the youngest fully emerged blades (YEB) a diagnostic critical level of 12 mg Zn/kg at mid-tillering indicated a critical level.

•The whole shoot appeared less reliable than the YEB.

A range of field experiments were conducted to calibrate a plant test for diagnosing Zn deficiency in wheat under field conditions • The combined results of 6 experiments conducted over 3 seasons indicated a diagnostic critical level of 11-12 mg Zn/kg in youngest fully emerged leaves. Whole shoot Zn concentration varied with growth stage.  Using whole shoots an growth stage was required to disgnosis the Zn 

A range of field experiments were conducted to calibrate a plant test for diagnosing Zn deficiency in wheat under field conditions • The combined results of 3 experiments conducted over 3 seasons indicated a diagnostic critical level of 12 mg Zn/kg (DW basis) in youngest fully emerged leaves.

A range of field experiments were conducted to calibrate a plant test for diagnosing Zn deficiency in wheat under field conditions • The combined results of 5 experiments conducted over 3 seasons indicated a diagnostic critical level of 12 mg Zn/kg (DW basis) in YEBs (youngest fully emerged blades) of wheat at mid-tillering to boot stage.

• Grain yields were increased 20-30% by the soil or foliar application of zinc, provided that phosphorus was also supplied.
• Critical zinc concentrations determined in the glasshouse and field were the same, being 19-24 mg/kg throughout the life of the crop and 13-15 mg/kg zinc in grain.

• Initial barley growth was increased 40-50% and final yield by 10% when using seed with greater nutrients, even on soils not associated with manganese deficiency.
• Crops can drop into manganese deficiency late in the season with symptoms being pale, floppy leaves.
• Sufficient concentraiotns are Copper 2-3 ppm in grain and 5ppm in leaf, and for zinc 15ppm in grain and 23-25 ppm in leaf.
• Zinc is so cheap thatbit is worthwhile treating than taking any risk, at Wudinna this year a headland area not receiving zinc died while the remainder of the crop which received zinc survived the water stress.
• Trace element deficiencies seem to beexacerbated in dry years.

• This was a large scale demonstration using Impact applied to the sowing fertilizer at the two label rates of 400m/ha and 200mL/ha. The two other areas were sown with no Impact on the fertilizer but one was sprayed with Impact at 250mL/ha at stem elongation. 
• There were no obvious signs of leaf diseases or other symptoms in the plots but the two Impact in furrow' treatments delivered economic yield benefits. The previous two crops grown in the area were wheat, which may mean Take-all was a factor. 

• Wheat on wheat following canola is an alternative that will enable more cereal crop to be grown in a rotation.
• Raising inputs on cereals to increase yield returns well in $/ha.
• Alternative crops such as canola and lupins are not high income earners compared to cereals with optimum (higher than average) inputs.

• Wheat on wheat following canola is an alternative that will enable more cereal crop to be grown in a rotation.
• Under dry conditions there was no response to additional nitrogen or fungicide treatments.  
• Alternative crops such as canola and lupins yield very poorly in drought seasons.

• Wheat on wheat following canola is an alternative that will enable more cereal crop to be grown in a rotation.
• Barley yields best under dry conditions.
• There were responses to additional nitrogen (N) or fungicide treatments in all cereal crops.
• Alternative crops such as canola and lupins yield very poorly in drought seasons.

• Wheat on wheat following canola is an alternative that will enable moer cereal crop to be grown in a rotation.
• Wheat or cereal after wheat has given a better return than more canola for the trial period 2004 - 2008.
• Barley yields and returns better profits than wheat or triticale under dry conditions.
• There were ersponsees to fungicide treatments and added nitrogen in barley during 2008 and in all cereals during the long term.

• Decreasing row spacing and increasing plant density improved chickpea and faba bean competitive abilities.

• The improved competitive abilities improved yields and reduced sowthistle biomass and seed production, which will improve weed control in subsequent crops.
 

• Crop establishment was not improved by on-row seeding or by increasing seeding rate in 2016.
• Higher seeding rate increased early dry matter but this effect declined during the growing season.
• In 2016 row placement or seeding rate did not affect grain yield or grain quality.
• Sowing on-row may be an advantage on non-wetting soils with low moisture at seeding.

Neither crop establishment, grain yield nor quality were changed by on-row seeding or by increased seeding rate in 2017, similar to results in 2016.

Crop establishment in the non-wetting soil was poor in 2017.

In 2015, with low moisture at seeding, improved crop establishment from on-row seeding in the non-wetting soil increased crop competition and lowered brome grass weed seed set.

• Deeper sowing at 3-4 cm achieved better early dry matter and increased grain yield in a later sowing.
• Frost damage may have lowered yield with early sowing, but inter-row placement at TOS1 had the highest yield.
• TOS 3 placement in row achieved better early plant growth and higher grain yield.
• Later sowing reduced brome grass numbers, and the size of the panicles, so it substantially lowered returns to the seed bank.

• Crop establishment increased with on row sowing. Stubble from the previous season helps soil moisture infiltrate into non-wetting sands and into a position closer to the seed.
• Initial germination of brome grass weeds was higher with inter row sowing.
• Late brome grass weed numbers was also greatest with inter row sowing. Sowing on row may also increase crop and weed competition as will a higher seeding rate.

• Commercial viability has been difficult to demonstrate.
• Field trials demonstrated that the H Senor was able to accurately classify annual ryegrass in several broadleaf crops, including canola, faba bean, lentil and field pea.
• Other grass weeds such as brome grass and wild oats were also correctly identified as grasses in these crops.
• Broad leaf weeds were accurately classified in cereal crops, however this was more difficult due to the overlapping nature of the cereal crops at the time when the broadleaf weeds had emerged.
• Classification accuracy was lower for detection of grass weeds in cereal crops and broadleaf weeds in broadleaf crops, and these scenarios were not pursued for that reason.  

• High rates of applied N increased plant height and leaf area. Multispectral imaging using an unmanned aerial vehicle clearly showed thermal, infrared and NVDI differences between N treatments.
• Grain yield of barley following perennial ryegrass increased with applied N, most likely as N was tied up in stubbles at the start of the season and unavailable for plant growth.
• WUE estimated by computer modelling was high (approx. 20 kg/ha.mm) and similar to the potential for wheat grown in Tasmania. However, grain yield and WUE of barley following forage rape was unresponsive to applied N.

• The Tottenham area seemed to have the best season in the central west.
• The huge seasonal variation across the central west in 2003 overshadowed any other effects in the data.

Overall, the information shown in this report is only a very small portion of what is available from the crop monitoring program. 

Harvest results for this trial show a yield and quality improvement for areas where the TM21 was applied. One of the replications was adversely impacted by mechanical damage incurred during either spraying or fertilizer application in the later stages of crop development.

Paying close attention to this year's program will save on inputs, whilst maintaining the best chances for a good return.

2005 was not an easy year – it started off brilliantly with very good summer rains (1 in 30 year event) in the southern and central Mallee. The Wimmera did get some rain but nothing like the Mallee. Then it stopped raining until the second week in June - there were dire predictions in the media about the season, some learned scientists were even arguing that cropping in our area was not sustainable! Many people took heed from the negative predictions regarding the season and did not sow much crop dry. Sowing started in earnest in the middle of June and by mid July most of the planned cropping area was sown.

Over 3 years of crop production (2009-2011) applying replacement phosphorus (P) rates have been the most economic.

• A replacement P strategy produced similar yields to 10 and 20 kg/ha P rates in 2010.
• The trial indicated an economic benefit in increasing P rates up to 20 kg/ha on a deep sandy loam in 2010.

• The rotation involving peas out-yielded all other rotations.  The continuous barley was not surprisingly the lowest yielding plot. In replicated small plot trials at Riccarton yields from continuous barley have only been 50% of annual clover/barley plots. 
• For further conclusions please see the attached trial report.

• All 4 rotations produced good gross margins for 2014.
• KI rotation plus broad beans’ best gross margin based on 2 year average.
• Need to compare data over 3 years of crop rotation.

• Trifluralin use resulted in significant crop damage at this site.
• Crusader can cause early crop damage, and the label does warn about crop yellowing, but in general the crop with 'grow out' of this damage in a matter of weeks.

Crop selection in 2003 is complicated by the conditions in 2002. The main issues that can affect your crops this year are:

Cereal Root Disease levels in 2002 were very low and disease levels from 2001 will be carried over - 2002 was NOT a disease break year. The last time we saw CCN in the southern Mallee was after the 1994 dry year when eelworm did not hatch but was carried over from 1993 and affected wheat crops in 1995.

Foliar Disease levels were low in 2002 and stubbles from 2001 will be the main source of inoculum outbreak for diseases in 2003.

Residual Herbicides used in 2001 and 2002 can have a large impact on susceptible crops in 2003.

• Legume crops consistently increased pre-sowing soil nitrogen in the year following the break.
• Two-year break phases that included a brown manure vetch phase have generally resulted in the highest pre sowing soil nitrogen levels in the subsequent wheat crops.
• One and two-year break phases reduce Rhizoctonia soil inoculum, however levels increase significantly following the first cereal crop.
• Two-year break treatments generally reduced brome grass populations in the cereal phase, however all rotations relied on Clearfield herbicides for brome grass control by the second wheat crop following the break.
• The benefits from extra soil water following some break phases in this trial have been variable and small.

When sub-soil water is present, growing high value canola and legume break crops can be profitable in the Mallee.

Where brome grass seed bank populations are high, break crop sequences of longer than two years are necessary to decrease numbers, and keep them down.

The application of CLF herbicide chemistry is effective in reducing brome grass populations, but herbicide resistance will develop quickly if they are used repeatedly in the same paddock.

• The choice of legume species and management were found to influence the amount of nitrogen fixed by both crop and pasture legumes byaffecting either legume reliance upon N2 fixation for growth or changes in dry matter accumulation.
• Medium to high soil mineral N concentrations at sowing appeared to suppress N2 fixation by field pea more than lupins or faba beans.
• Pulse legumes grown for grain generally result in lower net inputs of fixed N.
• Available soil N following either legume crops or pastures can represent an additional 40 to 90kg N/ha in the 1st year.
• The increased N uptake by the 1st wheat crop grown after legumes was equivalent to 27-40% of N in the previous year's legum residues.

• Wheat sown after break crops produced up to 1 t/ha more than wheat after wheat
• The greatest benefit of the break crop was produced at the earliest sowing
• Safflower produced the break crop effect but produced low wheat yields, small grain but high protein due to drying out the soil profile.