Concentrating stubble into windrowed strips affects subsequent crop production, soil testing and fertiliser decisions. Wayne Pluske (Equii), Ryan Walker ( Apal Laboratories) and John Young (Wyening Mission Farm) looked at nutrient redistribution post-harvest. They measured plant material (dry matter as t/ha) and nutrient content of canola and wheat crops. The […]
A review of the Better Fertiliser Decisions for Cropping Systems in Australia database is set to commence with a series of industry consultative meetings over the next three months. The BFDC database contains yield response curves for many crops, nutrient applications and soil types across grain growing regions and has been […]
Growers in some lucky regions are now considering late, in-crop applications of nitrogen. Crops in Western Australia, south-west Victoria, and parts of Tasmania still have above average yield potential. Given current grain prices, the economic reward from late N application to these crops is likely to be high. But late […]
Variable rate technology (VRT) means matching fertiliser or soil amendment rates to soil types, fertility, and yield potential. Trials in Western Australia (WA) showed a gross margin increase up to $50/ha using VRT. Costs might stay the same but resources are better allocated. This can translate to improved yield. Because […]
Without tests, crop nutrition is best guess. Plant and soil testing guide best practice on the farm. But who guides best practice in the lab? What is ASPAC? The Australasian Soil and Plant Analysis Council (ASPAC) has an inter- laboratory proficiency program (ILPP). Certification under this program means a lab […]
The Diffusive Gradient in Thin-films (DGT) Phosphorus is an alternative P soil test. Colwell-P can overestimate available P on calcareous soils, and acid gravel soils. How does the DGT test work? The DGT is a cylindrical plastic device that uses an iron oxide gel as a P-sink, which attracts available […]
Soil constraints stop crops from growing as well as they might. Yields are often lower than expected from paddocks with soil constraints. In Western Australia, some soils are both non-wetting and have subsoil acidity. Soil mixing or inversion can tackle these constraints at the same time. Soil mixing and inversion […]
Detailed records on crop nutrition help growers and advisors: Plan fertiliser applications Farm records feed into nutrient budgets and future fertiliser decisions. Nitrogen budgets rely on soil test data, yield, and grain protein estimates. Yield and protein expectations are often informed by records from previous, similar seasons. Review performance How […]
