Optimising the yield and economic potential of high input cropping systems in the High Rainfall Zone
The High Rainfall Zone in southeastern Australia has high yield potentials for wheat and canola, but growers are faced with challenges about resource allocation in a relatively new and rapidly evolving cropping system. This project will develop tools that predict the production and economic response as well as the risks associated with applying the level of inputs needed for wheat and canola crops to achieve their potential in this region.
IPNI-2014-AUS-022
24 Mar 2015
2014 Annual Interpretive Summary
The first output from this Grains Research Development Corporation (GRDC) funded research project was a summary document of the current status of cropping in the high rainfall zone (HRZ). The situation analysis of the soil nutrient status across the HRZ of southern Australia indicated a range of varying nutrient deficiencies in different regions. An analysis of nutrient soil test data from the National Land and Water Resources Audit (NLWRA) showed that nutrient status for each nutrient varies, with large areas of land indicated as likely to be responsive to the application of P, K, S, and lime. Additionally, the spatial pattern of where each nutrient is most limited varies considerably across the HRZ. Data collated by Incitec Pivot (soil tests 2010 for the SA and Vic HRZ) suggests that these spatial images are conservative in their prediction of potential crop nutrient response. The Incitec Pivot data showed that 50% of the soils have a pHca of less than 5.0, 40% of soils were low in K and S, and soil and tissue tests showed micronutrient deficiencies of 20% for Cu and 10% for Zn.
Based on these data, nutrient omission experiments will be established for wheat and canola (four experiments each) across the region during 2015.