• This research demonstrated the potential to continue improving profitability of kabuli chickpea, with one breeding line (CICA1352) showing improved profitability over PBA Monarch. Earlier sowing was significantly higher yielding for all varieties in 2014, increasing economic returns by an average of $220/ha. Similar to previous seasons PBA Monarch ($400/ha) produced the highest net returns of all commercial varieties when sown early.

• Since soil moisture was not limiting, and a soft finish to the season was observed, sowing date trials at Minnipa in 2010 showed no differences in yield between early and late sowing dates under these conditions.

• Grain yield of field peas sown at Hart in 2010 averaged 2.5t/ha across all varieties, similar to
  2009.
• No sowing time response was observed in 2010 due to disease in early sown plots and the
  favourable season finish that promoted yield in later sown plots.
• Early sown plots with uncontrolled blackspot showed a 35% yield loss compared to the
  optimum control (fortnightly chlorothalonil), which yielded 3.6t/ha.
• Recently released early maturing varieties PBA Gunyah and PBA Twilight performed slightly
  below the site mean yield in a year which favoured later maturing types like Kaspa.
• Prospective releases OZP0703 and OZP0903 show a lot of promise, with OZP0703 performing similarly to Kaspa and OZP0903 yielding 10% greater.

• Despite only close to average growing season rainfall, yields in 2011 (average 2.9t/ha) were
  buoyed by stored soil moisture from summer rainfall, low disease levels and generally
  favourable growing conditions, and performed significantly higher than the wetter seasons of
  2009 (2.4t/ha) and 2010 (2.5t/ha) where growing season rainfall was higher but disease was
  more prevalent. These favourable growing conditions are also likely responsible for the lack of
  sowing date response in 2011.

• All varieties yielded highest sown at the early sowing date.
• PBA Slasher and CICA0603 were the highest yielding at each sowing date.
• Lodging was generally worse at the early sowing date.
• CICA0603 and CICA0604 show high yield potential, but are also more prone to lodging,
  especially sown early.

• Under quick dry spring finishing conditions, varieties may not always finish characteristic to their maturity rating. Differences between varieties in terms of early, mid and late maturity rating may not always be clearly defined. Instead, there is a trend of varieties to ‘hay off’ with selected mid-maturing varieties including PBA Jumbo 2 maturing similar to the early maturing varieties.

• Yields were generally too low to draw specific conclusions about varieties and the interactions with sowing date due to the extreme climatic conditions (frosts and dry) in spring.

• Early sowing showed increased lodging across all varieties except for Genesis Kalkee, which remained consistent across the sowing dates, although only Genesis 079, Striker, Neelam and PBA Maiden were found to have levels which might be deemed to be commercially unacceptable.

• The favourable season meant that yields were high, but conditions were also conducive for
  ascochyta blight development.
• Early sown plots were highest or equal highest yielding for all varieties except CICA0604.
• Yields at the early sowing date were compromised by the moderate to high ascochyta blight
  infection. CICA603, CICA604 and Genesis079 were the most severely penalised by this
  disease.

• Very slow or slow maturing wheat varieties sown mid-late April and managed for high HI (harvest index) on average yield 0.8t/ha more than mid-fast varieties sown mid-May.
• Simulations show that including a slow maturing variety in a farm program greatly increases average farm wheat yield (13-47%) and reduces risk.
• Know the optimal flowering window in your location and how to achieve it with different varieties from different sowing dates to optimise whole-farm wheat yield.
• Yield penalties for sowing too late are generally higher than for sowing too early, even at frosty sites.

• The recommended sowing density targeting 120 live plants/m2 maintained high yields for all varieties at both sowing timings across the two sites.
• Lower sowing densities of 100 plants/m2 may be considered for Boomer at Pinery where yields were found to decline as plant density increased.

Yields were increased by 0.4t/ha (15%) in barley and 0.2t/ha (10%) in wheat at Horsham in 2014 by sowing east/west. Sowing direction did not alter grain quality. 

Varietal characteristics (maturity, height and growth habit) were not found to influence the yield response.

Similar findings have been found in NSW, in the presence of weeds, and WA, with or without weeds.

• Light interception at midday was significantly higher under east-west sowing compared with north-south.
• It is plausible that sowing direction may influence weed seed set.
• To establish a competitive crop against weeds and maximise yields, growers should aim for the narrowest row spacing to suit their system.

• Light interception at midday was significantly higher under east-west sowing compared with north-south.
• It is plausible that sowing direction may influence weed seed set.
• To establish a competitive crop against weeds and maximise yields, growers should aim for the
  narrowest row spacing to suit their system.

Early sowing is essential in order to maximise yield of wheat crops grown on long (18 month) fallow. Long fallowing and early sowing are complementary practices, as the fallow reduces weeds and diseases which can be difficult to control in early sown crops, and early sowing with slow developing cultivars allows the crop to better use soil water that is stored during the fallow. Stored soil water also helps to establish early sown crops when there is minimal autumn rainfall. This fact sheet outlines how farmers can maximise wheat yield on long fallow by sowing early with slow developing cultivars, and is based on two years of GRDC funded research conducted by AgGrow Agronomy, CWFS and CSIRO in western NSW.

Winter wheat can be sown as early as February, flower at the optimum time and yield as well as spring wheat sown in May. Winter wheat provides lots of feed for livestock if used as a dual purpose crop. The Mallee needs adapted winter wheat varieties bred for it!

The 1.6 t/ha pasture residue had no impact on sowing and plant establishment in drier seeding conditions in 2014. • In 2014 there were no differences in wheat establishment, yield or grain quality due to different pre-sowing treatments with pasture residues. • The wheat stubbles have been harvested at different heights and pasture establishment and will be monitored next season.

• Delaying post sowing applications of nitrogen (92 kg/ha N) to the flag leaf stage for both Kellalac and MacKellar at the Gnarwarre site, resulted in the best grain yield and grain quality.
• Application of nitrogen (35 kg/ha N) to barley at the early jointing stage (GS32), gave the best grain yield and quality at Gnarwarre.
• Late nitrogen applications appeared to result in more flower sites (florets) filling with grain for both wheat and barley. 
• For further conclusions please see the attached trial report.

Target hybrid canola sowing rates that will produce no less than 20 and no more than 40 plants/m2.

In this trial both summer sowing and conventional seeding after the break of the season resulted in the successful establishment of serradella into perennial grass pastures. All treatments resulted in serradella seed yields greater than 600 kg/ha, which has set them up for good legume regeneration in subsequent years. The yellow serradella experimental line (87GEH72.1a) shows considerable promise as a companion legume for perennial grasses in this environment. It flowers earlier than Margurita French serradella and has a hard seed breakdown pattern more suitable for summer sowing than current yellow serradella varieties (Yelbini*, Charano* and Santorini*).  Both summer sowing and conventional sowing of annual legumes into perennial grasses after the break require good weed control. Herbicide options and the impact of perennial grass suppression require further investigation. Weed seed set control in the year prior to establishment is recommended.

• There were no measurable differences in 2014 wheat yield in response to two different sowing dates and sowing on-row vs. inter-row.
• On the sandy soil type, there was more plant available water (PAW) in the top 10cm when sowing on-row.
• Rhizoctonia inoculum was higher with on-row compared to inter-row sowing but this did not carry through to an effect on rhizoctonia infection in the crop. 
• In a season where the profile PAW was similar for the two sowing dates (April 30 and May 14) crop establishment was better with the earlier time of sowing but ryegrass pressure on the swale was also higher with the earlier time of sowing.

• In a non-wetting sand, sowing on-row allowed seedlings to germinate in a wetter soil, with increased competitiveness against weed and disease pressures resulting in significant advantages in crop establishment and biomass production.
• Sowing on-row in sands or loam that did not express non-wetting did not capture the same level of benefits.
• Sowing crops on or very near last year’s crop row greatly suppressed grass weed populations and reduced brome grass seed set by over 70% compared to inter-row seeding.
• Early sowing in the last week of April instead of the third week of May helped to overcome the dry spring conditions and resulted in yield benefits of 28% at Loxton and up to 13% at Karoonda.
• When sowing crops on last year’s row, the potential for higher stubble borne pathogen (Take-All and Fusarium) inoculum and a greater likelihood of N tie-up after opening rains needs to be considered. However, impacts on rhizoctonia disease depend upon inherent biological fertility of soil.

• In a non-wetting sand, sowing on-row allowed seedlings to germinate in a wetter soil, with increased competitiveness against weed and disease pressures resulting in significant advantages in crop establishment and biomass production.
• Sowing on-row in sands or loam that did not express non-wetting did not capture the same level of benefits.
• Sowing crops on or very near last year’s crop row greatly suppressed grass weed populations and reduced brome grass seed set by over 70% compared to inter-row seeding.
• Early sowing in the last week of April instead of the third week of May helped to overcome the dry spring conditions and resulted in yield benefits of 28% at Loxton and up to 13% at Karoonda.
• When sowing crops on last year’s row, the potential for higher stubble borne pathogen (Take-All and Fusarium) inoculum and a greater likelihood of N tie-up after opening rains needs to be considered. However, impacts on rhizoctonia disease depend upon inherent biological fertility of soil.

• In a non-wetting sand, sowing on-row allowed seedlings to germinate in a wetter soil, with increased competitiveness against weed and disease pressures resulting in significant advantages in crop establishment and biomass production.
• Sowing on-row in sands or loam that did not express non-wetting did not capture the same level of benefits.
• Sowing crops on or very near last year’s crop row greatly suppressed grass weed populations and reduced brome grass seed set by over 70% compared to inter-row seeding.
• Early sowing in the last week of April instead of the third week of May helped to overcome the dry spring conditions and resulted in yield benefits of 28% at Loxton and up to 13% at Karoonda.
• When sowing crops on last year’s row, the potential for higher stubble borne pathogen (Take-All and Fusarium) inoculum and a greater likelihood of N tie-up after opening rains needs to be considered. However, impacts on rhizoctonia disease depend upon inherent biological fertility of soil.

• Early sowing has maximised yields of field peas over the last three years at field sites in SA
  representing low, medium and high rainfall pea growing areas.
• Early sowing has been paramount for economical field pea production in low and medium rainfall areas over this period and continues to be the best management strategy providing consideration for black spot, weeds and frost risk occurs.

• Earlier sowing and standing residue was important to maximising grain yield in lentils in the Wimmera.
• Mid to mid/late maturing varieties like CIPAL0803 and PBA Jumbo, where highest yielding in the 2011 season with mild conditions and significant stored moisture.

• Safe application of PSPE herbicides in lentils (metribuzin in this situation) is very reliant on seasonal conditions around the time of sowing. Whilst yield potential is maximised by earlier
  sowing there is increased risk of crop injury from herbicides.
• Winter and spring seasonal conditions were favourable for lentil production in 2010, and lentil
  yield averaged 3.9t/ha across all varieties.
• There was no sowing date response for grain yield at this site in 2010. There was only low to
  moderate levels of disease and so earlier sown lentils were not penalised by disease, and later
  sown lentils were able to capitalise on the late rain.
• Grain weight was equal or higher at the later sowing date for all varieties except Boomer.

• Lentil yields were high in 2011, averaging 4.2 t/ha.
• Favourable growing conditions and minimal disease resulted in equal or higher yields from
  early sown treatments.
• Despite low ascochyta blight foliar infection in lentils a 4% yield response was produced by
  treatments including application of chlorothalonil at early podding. This is most likely due to
  prevention of disease-related pod abortion.
• The recent lentil release PBA Jumbo was the equal highest yielding variety at both sowing dates. The early maturing PBA Blitz was not favoured by the seasonal conditions, particularly
  sown early, and yielded equal lowest.

• Delaying sowing reduced Faba bean yields by approximately 0.8t/ha.
• There was significant difference between varieties and with delayed sowing.
• There was little disease pressure.
• There was no significant yield difference between fungicide treatments.
• The merit of protecting faba seedlings with in furrow fungicide application requires further evaluation in a season with a wet winter.

• The 2011 season was well suited field pea at Wagga, resulting in high yields and little
  disease at either sowing.
• Field pea is less sensitive to delays in sowing compared to chickpea, faba bean & lupin.
• Yield declined by only around 11% when sowing was delayed from late May to early July.
• PBA Oura, PBA Percy and OZP819 were consistently in the top ranking group for both
  yield and seed size.

• This was a very dry but favourable field pea season at “Hillview”, resulting in erect growth, very little disease, blemish-free golden brown foliage, high DMs and grain yield.
• Varieties were only different at the earliest sowing date, where Pearl was the top yielder
• Yield dropped by around 20% as sowing was delayed from 20 May to 22 June
• Seed size increased by around 10% as sowing was delayed from 20 May to 22 June
• Seed size was greatest in Percy & Oura

• PBA Slasher is consistent the highest & most stable yielding variety across different sowing
  dates on acidic red brown soils in southern NSW.
• Target early May sowing in southern NSW to maximise grain yield.
• Low plant populations (<30plant/m2) decrease grain yields. Excessively high populations,
  particularly in favourable seasons, increase lodging and disease risks.

• Large yield reductions occurred from delaying sowing from 7 May to 10 June (34 days).
• There was no significant yield difference between varieties.
• There was little disease pressure.
•  The merit of protecting faba seedlings with in furrow fungicide appli

• Early sowing maximised yield potential resulting in a gain of 20%-120% dependant on the genotype grown. Wider row spacing (>=30cm) resulted higher grain yields for all genotypes.

• Similar to lentils it is important to interpret the grain yield results with caution as it was
  demonstrated that yield loss due to extreme rainfall events was between 0% and 55%.

• It is important to interpret the grain yield results with caution as it was demonstrated that yield loss due to extreme rainfall events was between 27% and 65%.

• No major agronomic interactions were observed in this trial.

• Potential grain yields were likely to be in excess of 3.5t/ha, however due to extreme rainfall events throughout harvest grain yield losses where likely to be greater than 50%.
• The new lentil genotypes, in particular CIPAL0801 continue to show potential in a season
  considerably different from that which we have had for the last decade, which is promising from
  a yield stability perspective.

• This was a very favourable field pea season at “Hillview”, resulting in high DM and grain
  production.
• There were only small differences between varieties
• Yield and seed size dropped by around 10% as sowing was delayed from 20 May to 22 June

• Early sown lentils were generally highest yielding, and average 12% higher yield than the late
  sowing date.
• PBA Blitz and CIPAL0501 showed the least sowing date response in the favourable 2010
  growing season.
• Retaining barley stubble at 2t/ha was capable of increasing yield and delaying maturity.
• Stubble retention improved yields at all sowing dates, while standing stubble was most
  important for grain yield at the later sowing date.

• Results must be interpreted with caution due to metribuzin damage in this trial. Damage scores
  showed varieties performed in line with our current understanding of relative tolerance, and may complicate the interpretation of Nipper (the most sensitive variety to metribuzin) to the imposed treatments.

• Grain yields - The effects of variety, time of sowing, and plant population as single factors were found to be significant (P<0.005).
• There also was a significant interaction of variety x time of sowing, and sowing time x plant population detected.
• All other interactions were found not significant.

• Later sowings (May) produced maximum yields this season.
• PBA Slasher and Genesis 509 were the best yielding varieties.

• Early to late May was optimum for planting chickpeas at Yenda in 2010. This season was
  one of the most favourable experienced for many years. However, during a normal season in this lower rain zone, greater moisture and heat stresses will occur, later sowings will be
  more exposed to climate stress and yields will be lower. These findings support conclusions
  from the Wagga Time of Sowing trial reported above - late April to early May is the optimal
  window to plant chickpeas in southern NSW. In the drier Yenda environment (compared to
  Wagga), sowings should be targeted more towards the first half of this window.
• PBA Slasher, CICA0603 and Genesis 509 (all desi types) were the best varieties especially
  when sown in May and June. Genesis 090 and Genesis 079 (kabuli) performed well at the
  May planting only.
• Plant population had little or no affect on yield or seed size.

• Late April - early May has proven to be the optimal time to plant chickpeas in southern
  NSW. This finding has been consistent over a range of seasons (2008 to 2010). Sowing any
  earlier runs the risk of producing excessive dry matter, increases disease risk, increases
  flower abortion and consequently lowers pod set. Sowing later increases drought risk and
  reduces yield potential. The kabuli lines Genesis 079 and Genesis 114 were particularly
  sensitive to sowing delays.
• PBA Slasher, PBA Hattrick, Genesis 509, CICA0511 and CICA0603 generally yielded
  similarly and equal highest at all sowing dates.
• Kabuli varieties, particularly Genesis 079 and Genesis 114, yielded well below the desi
  varieties.
• Seed size largely reflected varietal differences, tended to fall in some varieties (particularly
  the kabuli types) at the last sowing date (16 June) and was unaffected by plant population.
• The lower plant populations (25 plants/m2) did limit yield by about 9%.

• Yield of all varieties peaked when sown between mid May and late June during the highly
  favourable season of 2010.
• Performance at the later sowings was unusually good, again due to the favourable finish.
• Early sowings suffered from excessive dry matter production, disease and the classic “selfdestruct syndrome” of peas that are too well grown.
• Yarrum was the best variety, followed by OZP0805.
• Seed size varied mainly with variety and was generally not affected by sowing date or seeding rate.

• Early sowing, concurrent with previous research, was highest yielding in 2011. There appear to be several promising new varieties available for southern Victoria, offering a range of grain types and forage options, associated with excellent yield potential. Crop topping results highlights the importance for growers and advisors to be aware of both weed and crop growth stages, otherwise significant grain yield loss could occur.

• Early sowing, concurrent with previous research, was significantly higher yielding in 2011.
• Varietal differences in this trial were minimal. Yield loss from disease, primarily black spot, was significant and economically viable control measures are important to develop.

• Lentils grew well on acidic red brown soils of southern NSW
• PBA Ace (CIPAL0803) and CIPAL0901 were the highest yielding varieties.
• Sowing from 10 May to 7 June had no significant affect on yield in 2011 growing season.
• These yields (> 2 t/ha) support a viable and profitable lentil industry in southern NSW
• Lentils are more sensitive to commonly used herbicides and considerable care must be taken.

• CIPAL0803 and CIPAL0901 out yielded all commercial varieties.
  The favourable 2012 growing season conditions facilitated high yields at both sowing times.
• Established human consumption markets and yields over two tonnes per hectare suggest that lentil production could be profitable in southern NSW cropping zone
• This trial should be repeated in future seasons in order to compare and validate the 2011 findings across variable growing seasons.
• Lentils are more sensitive to commonly used herbicides and considerable care must be taken.

• Earlier sowing in the Mallee is critical to maximising grain yield in chickpeas.

• The results again highlighted that earlier sowing in field peas is generally beneficial in the Mallee.
• The new varieties, OZP0805, OZP0819, OZP0902 had the highest average grain yields in this trial.
• Results for the forage type indicate that it has significant potential as a dual purpose crop that can produce high biomass and good yields given appropriate seasonal conditions.

• Earlier sowing in the Mallee is crucial to maximising grain yield in lentils. If sowing is delayed it is important to carefully select the variety to grow.
• Early maturing types like CIPAL0901 and early to mid vigorous growing types like CIPAL0803, appear to have better adaption to delayed sowing in this trial.

• Grain yield and profitability was maximised in the Mallee by earlier sowing.
• In particular, in 2012, the larger seeded Kabuli types had very high profits as yields were similar to other varieties and grain size excellent.

• The data highlighted the yield stability of a variety like Sturt in drier seasons and the importance of early sowing to maximise yields in Kaspa. OZP0805, appears to have excellent yield and may provide an excellent replacement for Kaspa into the future.

• When sown early, grain yields of PBA Ace were significantly greater than all released varieties except Nugget. Earlier maturing varieties like PBA Flash, CIPAL0901 and PBA Blitz, generally have less yield decline at the later sowing dates, but this did not result in higher yields than PBA Ace at the later dates.

• Earlier sowing was significantly higher yielding for all varieties in 2014, increasing economic returns by an average of $500/ha. PBA Ace was again highest yielding sown early. The yields of PBA HurricaneXT were lower than expected and reflective of the pod drop that was observed and may also be related to its relatively early maturity.

• CIPAL0803 and CIPAL0901 were the highest yielding varieties and show great potential for
  future lentil production in this region.
• Delayed sowing reduced yields in 2011 at Yenda in most varieties with significant effects in the
  longer seasoned Boomer, and breeding lines CIPAL0803 and CIPAL0901.
• Established human consumption markets and yields over two tonnes per hectare suggest that
  lentil production could be profitable in southern NSW cropping zone
• This trial should be repeated in future seasons in order to compare and validate the 2011
  findings across variable growing seasons.

• PBA Ace and CIPAL0901 were the highest yielding varieties and show great potential for future lentil production in this region.
  Delayed sowing reduced yields in 2012 at Yenda by an average of 40%
• Established human consumption markets and yields over two tonnes per hectare suggest that lentil production could be profitable in southern NSW cropping zone
• This trial should be repeated in future seasons in order to compare and validate the 2011 and 2012 findings across variable growing seasons.

• PBA Pearl continued to show its broad adaption, producing profitable yields at both sowing dates. Earlier sowing was not beneficial for field peas at Pimpinio in 2014, with all varieties showing a yield decline.

• Yields were generally too low to draw specific conclusions about varieties and the interactions with sowing date. Despite the severe weather conditions during spring, most treatments would have produced yields that would have resulted in greater than break even economic.

• The results again highlighted that delayed sowing in field peas will generally reduce yields.
• The new varieties, OZP0805, OZP0819 had the equal highest average grain yields 
• The new forage line, OZP0902, produced significantly more biomass at maturity than Kaspa or Morgan at all sowing dates.

• Bacterial blight had a significant impact on the grain yield of varieties in 2012. Sturt and OZP0805 were highest yielding varieties in this trial, similar to Curyo. Sturt and PBA Percy still seem to have the higher bacterial blight tolerance that needs to be achieved in the semi-leafless types.

• Delays in harvest, due to weather condition particularly for early sown treatments, is likely to have resulted in significant yield loss. Despite these limitations, the results indicate the relative yield benefit of the newer varieties across a range of sowing dates and environments.

• OZP0703 which has bacterial blight resistance was one of the higher yielding genotypes sown early and the highest yielding genotype sown later.

• Genotypes compared in this trial responded differently to sowing dates.
• Early sowing was optimal for all genotypes, particularly for AF05073, which was the highest yield genotype when sown early

In this 2013 trial:

• Applying nitrogen 12 weeks after sowing had a similar effect as the same total nitrogen rates applied earlier.
• Nitrogen had a minor effect on oil%, with rates above 50 kg N/ha tending to reduce oil.
• Applying higher than 50 kg N/ha to ATR Stingray increased yield but was of little economic benefit. 
• Grain yield of Hyola 404RR responded to 150 kg/ha of applied nitrogen, but gross margins were optimised at 75 kg N/ha.

In this 2013 trial;

• Applying nitrogen 12 weeks after sowing had a similar effect as the same total nitrogen rates applied earlier.
• Nitrogen reduced on oil%, and late N reduced it more than early N.
• Applying more than 25 kg N/ha to ATR Stingray increased yield but was of little economic benefit. 
• Grain yield of Hyola 404RR responded to 150 kg/ha of applied nitrogen, but gross margin was highest at 75 kg N/ha.

Spraying small ryegrass with translocated herbicides such as Roundup, the droplet spectrum is not as critical as what was first thought. When spraying Roundup during the time of year when drift is a problem, which occurs mainly at sowing during autumn, nozzles which produce droplets which drift less such as the Air Inducted nozzles (AI) can be used (in our trials water rates were kept at 60L/ha).

Spraying small ryegrass with translocated herbicides such as Roundup®, the droplet spectrum is not as critical as what was first thought.  When spraying Roundup during the time of year when drift is a problem, which occurs mainly at sowing during autumn, nozzles which produce droplets which drift less such as the Air Inducted nozzles (AI) can be used (in our trials water rates were kept at 60L/ha).

• The trial was sown a month too late due to windy conditions not allowing us to get a knockdown herbicide sprayed before sowing. The close proximity to other trials made this process very risky. 
• For further discussion please see the attached trial report.

• The results here and in Tasmania indicate that the later mauturing lines are the only suitable varieties for spring sowing.
• The early maturing lines just did not put on any height before they reached maturity and hence were impossible to harvest.
• Results to date are not positive for most varieties, although the lines that yielded over a tonne to the hectare should give fairly profitable gross margin.

• Adding imidacloprid to standard seed treatments made a significant (P = 0.05) improvement in yield to most varieties in the absense of any visible BYDV.
• Increasing sowing rates significantly (P = 0.05) improved yield for all vareties.
• Fungicide timing was not as critical as it is in a longer growing season.
• Barley produced the best return on investment when compared to wheat.
• None of the varieties of either barley or wheat made a quality receival standard.

• Yields are quite encouraging despite the dry conditions during spring.
• Silverstar appears to be the better performing variety, possibly due to its shorter maturity.
• There was no significant difference between the sowing rates, although the results would appear to indicate that the higher sowing rate is more effective. 

• The average yield for the spring wheat trial was 1.89 t/ha for the 2009 season.
• The shorter season varieties Derrimut and Beaufort were the highest yielding varieties with 2.78 and 2.38 t/ha respectively.
• The rapid finish to the season due to the unseasonal hot conditions in early November contributed to the shorter season varieties yielding better than the longer season varieties.
• The rapid finish also reduced grain quality where all varieties were downgraded on test weight and screenings.
• Time of sowing was also identified as a key outcome of this trial. Earlier sown Winter wheat and barley varietiy trials achieved greater yields and water use efficiencies.

Pre-sowing comment: surface crusting with adequate moisture at 3cm.

Early season commment: slow chickpea growth. Field peas ok some ryegrass. Adequte moisture.

Pre sowing comment: good rains at end of March, Good knockdown.

Early season comment: trial slow to germinate as weather cooled down. Trial looks good, weeds controlled with sprays.

Mid season comment: dry July, but trial still looks good.

Pre harvest comment: good rains and Aug and Sept finish trial off nicely, trial site clean.

Pre sowing comment: surface crusting with adequate mositure at 3cm.

Early season comment: slow chickpea growth. Field peas ok some ryegrass. Adequate moisture.

Pre sowing comment: good knockdown. Good rains at end of March.

Early seaaon comment: germinated well, looks to be some simazine damage. Good rains keep growing going.

Mid season comment: dry July. Trial clean of weeds.

Pre harvest comment: good rains in August and September finishes off, trial still thin from probable simazine damage.

Yields were increased by 0.4t/ha (15%) in barley and 0.2t/ha (10%) in wheat at Horsham in 2014 by sowing east/west. Sowing direction did not alter grain quality. 

Varietal characteristics (maturity, height and growth habit) were not found to influence the yield response.

Similar findings have been found in NSW, in the presence of weeds, and WA, with or without weeds.

• Think of a fallow as a risk reducing investment for your property.
• Soil testing after chemical fallow is essential to determine the starting point of available nutrients in the soil.
• Good agronomic practices that maximise plant health and growth will allow crops to use water more effectively, improving yield potential.
• Weed free fallows mean increased moisture conservation leading to potentially higher yielding crops for the following year and more profitable rotations.
• The use of a residual herbicide to help suppress weeds over summer will be beneficial.
• If this trial was to be repeated, results will vary given different seasons and different soil types

• Maximise wheat WUE by ensuring as much crop flowers during the optimal period as possible – sow on time or early!
• Early sown, slow maturing varieties (winter and spring) yield as well as or better than faster maturing varieties sown later
• Including an early sown variety in a cropping program can greatly increase whole-farm yield

• Fertiliser nitrogen (N) rates should be tailored to suit paddock history and soil mineral N levels at sowing.
• Sorghum yields without N fertiliser, although high in a favourable season, were still well below those achieved using additional N fertiliser.
• At Tamworth, in-season rainfall ideally suited a split-N application strategy resulting in the highest yields.
• At Breeza, drier conditions meant that neither split N application nor slowrelease N products boosted grain yields above those reached using urea all applied at sowing.
• Gross margins for most alternative N strategies were greater than that achieved when no N was applied.
   

• Fertiliser nitrogen (N) rates tailored to suit paddock history/ soil mineral N levels optimised N2O emissions.
• At Tamworth, withholding N fertiliser on a high mineral N soil reduced N2O emissions, but did not optimise grain yield.
• At Breeza, most strategies of urea + nitrification inhibitor, polymer-coated urea and split N application substantially reduced N2O emissions. Most alternatives produced similar grain yields to the current practice of urea all applied at sowing, so the N2O emissions intensity per tonne of grain produced was also reduced.
• A 1:3 blend of urea + polymer-coated urea all applied at sowing, increased N2O emissions compared with the urea all at sowing treatment. The treatment also reduced grain yield, so potential slow-release treatments need to be carefully evaluated from both an N2O emissions and grain production point of view.

• Fertiliser nitrogen (N) rates tailored to suit paddock history/ soil mineral N levels optimised N2O emissions.
• At Tamworth, withholding N fertiliser on a high mineral N soil reduced N2O emissions, but did not optimise grain yield.
• At Breeza, most strategies of urea + nitrification inhibitor, polymer-coated urea and split N application substantially reduced N2O emissions. Most alternatives produced similar grain yields to the current practice of urea all applied at sowing, so the N2O emissions intensity per tonne of grain produced was also reduced.
• A 1:3 blend of urea + polymer-coated urea all applied at sowing, increased N2O emissions compared with the urea all at sowing treatment. The treatment also reduced grain yield, so potential slow-release treatments need to be carefully evaluated from both an N2O emissions and grain production point of view.

• Fertiliser nitrogen (N) rates tailored to suit paddock history/ soil mineral N levels optimised N2O emissions.
• At Tamworth, withholding N fertiliser on a high mineral N soil reduced N2O emissions, but did not optimise grain yield.
• At Breeza, most strategies of urea + nitrification inhibitor, polymer-coated urea and split N application substantially reduced N2O emissions. Most alternatives produced similar grain yields to the current practice of urea all applied at sowing, so the N2O emissions intensity per tonne of grain produced was also reduced.
• A 1:3 blend of urea + polymer-coated urea all applied at sowing, increased N2O emissions compared with the urea all at sowing treatment. The treatment also reduced grain yield, so potential slow-release treatments need to be carefully evaluated from both an N2O emissions and grain production point of view.

• Very dry conditions during the 2013−14 summer meant that much of the nitrogen (N) fertiliser applied was not taken up by the sorghum crop, especially if it had been applied in-crop at booting. Between 46–65% of the applied N remained in the soil at harvest in 2013−14.
• A following crop of unfertilised sorghum accessed the remaining N for crop growth and, at rates of 100 kg N/ha and above in the 2013−14 crop, increased grain yield and protein above the control. Late N application by topdressing in the 2013−14 crop gave similar crop production results to treatments where N was sidebanded at sowing.
• Two-year gross margins showed a significant benefit from N application as urea either at sowing or incrop.
   

• In 2017, don’t let stubble compromise the big things (weeds, disease, timeliness)
• If the intent is to retain stubble:
◊ Pro-actively manage the stubble for your seeding system
◊ Diversify (add legumes to rotation), deep band N and manage invertebrates. Mice could also be a major problem
◊ For tined seeders, reduce stubble load by mulching, incorporation + nutrients, baling, grazing and consider sowing at 15-19 degree angle to previous sown row
• If stubbles are too thick to sow through, consider strategic late burn, especially before 2nd wheat crop or if sowing canola into large stubbles
• Early monitoring is essential to see how effective actions are to allow for re-planning

• In 2017, don’t let stubble compromise the big things (weeds, disease, timeliness).
• If the intent is to retain stubble:
• Pro-actively manage the stubble for your seeding systemDiversify (add legumes to rotation), deep band N and manage invertebrates. Mice could also be a major problem.
• For tined seeders, reduce stubble load by mulching, incorporation + nutrients, baling, grazing and consider sowing at 15-19 degree angle to previous sown row.
• If stubbles are too thick to sow through, consider strategic late burn, especially before second wheat crop or if sowing canola into large stubbles.
• Early monitoring is essential to see how effective actions are to allow for re-planning.

• For different 2013 treatments, the amount of stubble ranged from 2.4 to 4.0 t DM/ha at harvest and from 1.6 to 3.0 t DM/ha at the subsequent sowing. The only statistically significant effect of 2013 treatments on 2014 pre sowing stubble was a difference between wheat and vetch stubble, 2.7 t DM/ha and 2.0 t DM/ha, respectively, reflecting faster breakdown of vetch than wheat stubble.
• Despite significant differences in the amount and types of stubble generated in 2013, and remaining at sowing in 2014, there was no statistically significant effect of 2013 treatments on 2014 soil moisture at sowing or 2014 crop yields.
• There were significant differences between crop types in 2014. Significantly more wheat plants established than canola (49 and 15 plants/m2 respectively) and wheat had a significantly higher grain yield than canola (1.2 and 0.3 t/ha respectively). Both wheat and canola were affected by the dry spring and associated frosts, plus canola had poor establishment.
• Research conducted previously at Walpeup in the 1980s found that maintaining 2 t/ha stubble increased the amount of water stored in the soil at sowing, at depth 0–140 cm, by 16 mm in 1 year of 3. This increase in soil water availability was not reflected in increased crop yield.
• The recent experiment at Ouyen, together with the previous research at Walpeup, indicate that Mallee crop yields are unlikely to be increased by retaining higher levels of stubble, although there can be benefits of reduced soil erosion.

• Since soil moisture was not limiting, and a soft finish to the season was observed, sowing date trials at Minnipa in 2010 showed no differences in yield between stubble treatments under these conditions.
• This trial will be repeated in the same environment to validate across seasons.

• In 2007, herbicides applied to burnt stubble were more effective than those applied to slashed stubble. In 2008, there was no effect of stubble management on efficacy or crop safety.
• All herbicide treatments gave adequate control ofryegrassin both years, but TriflurX® 1.5L/ha + Avadex Xtra® 1.6L/ha gave the best control in both 2007 and 2008.
• Improved control of ryegrass did not increase yield, and the most profitable treatments were the lower rates of trifluralin.
• Standing stubble substantially increased grain yield relative to slashed stubble (0.41 and 0.47t/ha in 2007 and 2008 respectively).

• In wet years, barley sown into cereal stubble can suffer badly from yellow leaf spot.
• In dry years, this is not a problem.
• However, the barley still performed better where the wheat stubble has been burnt.

• Cereal stubble should be burnt when sowing wheat, barley or canola.
• The smaller the cereal and canola seedlings do not thrive when grown in stubble.
• Larger seeded crops such as chickpeas and lupins performed best in stubble retained situations.

• When superphosphate was the commonly used cropping fertiliser, adequate sulphur nutrition was assured. With the move to high analysis fertiliser such as MAP and DAP sulphur deficiencies have become more common. Of all winter crops canola is most prone to show sulphur deficiency. Canola has high requirements for sulphur.
• It is twice that of pulses and five times greater than wheat for the same yield. At Sea Lake in 1999, a product or group of products that supplied a balanced level of phosphorus, nitrogen and sulphur produced the highest yields, however DAP proved the most economic

• Durum quality wheat was produced at Lubeck, although high soil N levels pushed protein levels above the maximum for noodle wheat. Milling wheat grown at the same site achieved H2 quality. There was no yield response to N fertiliser at sowing. This demonstration highlights the importance of careful paddock selection when producing specialty wheat.
• While it has been demonstrated that durum wheat can be produced in this part of the Wimmera, durum is a high risk option. A basic economic comparison highlighted the high penalty when downgraded to feed quality if durum specifications are not met.

Canola yields in low and medium rainfall regions of south-western Australia are inherently low and variable.  We have shown that although N fertilisation increases the yield of canola, the yield increases are often relatively low.  Nitrogen also reduces the concentration of oil in the seed of canola and the rate of decrease can be rapid in low rainfall areas. 

The combined effect of N on yield and oil, along with the current payment structure for high oil canola, results in uncertain economic returns from N fertilisation in low to medium rainfall areas. 

We found that 90% of maximum gross margin was achieved at an average nitrogen rate of 17 kg N/ha, and the first 10 kg N/ha gave a return on investment in N greater than $1.50 per $1 in 80% of occurrences (experiments x variety combinations).  The next 20 kg N/ha applied gave a return on investment in N of $1.25 for every $1 spent on N in 80% of occurrences, and further increases were most likely to breakeven. 

We have shown that while farmers should continue to plan to apply N onto canola within the first eight weeks, delaying top-up N until 12 weeks after sowing – when the canola crop is near flowering, is a viable second option which provides some level of risk management for canola growers in low and medium rainfall areas in south-western Australia.

The growing season rainfall in 2019 was below average at Perillup, and the summer cropping demonstration did not suffer from water-logging.

Grain growers in this region believe that the soil drying effects from growing summer crops has the greatest potential benefit to winter cropping yields.

In 2019, there was a 770kg/ha barley yield increase above the control from the plots where cowpea was grown in the summer.

There was a 470kg/ha decline in winter barley yield in the plot that was planted to canola between January 30 and May 9, 2019.

Nutritional requirements of summer crops need to be considered when selecting species. Cowpeas fixed useful nitrogen in the 90 growing days.

2019 Demonstration Key Messages

• The growing season rainfall in 2019 was below average at Perillup, and the summer cropping demonstration did not suffer from water-logging.
• Grain growers in this region believe that the soil drying effects from growing summer crops has the greatest potential benefit to winter cropping yields.
• In 2019, there was a 770kg/ha barley yield increase above the control from the plots where cowpea was grown in the summer.
• There was a 470kg/ha decline in winter barley yield in the plot that was planted to canola between January 30 and May 9, 2019.
• Nutritional requirements of summer crops need to be considered when selecting species. Cowpeas fixed useful nitrogen in the 90 growing days.
• The growing season rainfall in 2019 was above average in Williams, and the summer cropping demonstration site was severely water-logged.
• Buster Radish could also be a perfect non-machinery deep ripping tool with its great root system.

2018 Demonstration Key Messages

• The summer cropping demonstration sites were sown at two different timings. The Ryansbrook trial, 35km south west of Kojonup, was sown 4th October 2018 into moisture and the Woodgenellup trial was dry sown on the 30th January 2019 prior to a predicted rainfall event.
• According to our producer rainfall records, since 2003, every 4 out of 5 years they have had summer rainfall events in January and February. Unfortunately, in the 2018/19 summer there was minimal summer rainfall and the summer crops at the Ryansbrook site failed. The C4 grasses (millet and sorghum) persisted better with little to no moisture in the soil profile compared to the broadleaf crop types (canola and cowpea).
• At the Woodgenellup site germination was patchy however, plants have developed reasonable biomass.
• Winter season in-crop measurements will be taken at the Woogenellup site to determine the effect of the summer crop on water logging. Due to the failure of the summer crop at the Ryansbrook site, no further measurements will be taken at this