Managing micronutrient deficiencies in cropping systems of eastern Australia
This project will address these increasing concerns and speculation in a three pronged approach for all six micronutrients named in the tender (Mn, Zn, Cu, B, Mo, Fe) for all cropping regions in Australia except for those in WA. This project will liaise closely with a separate bid being prepared by Dr Ross Brennan of DAFWA to address issues in WA specifically, should that bid be successful. This project will produce clear guidelines for management of micronutrient disorders for the major crops in the southern and northern regions of GRDC based on existing knowledge which has been objectively tested for its relevance to modern cropping systems and modernised for current technologies and economic circumstances where necessary.
IPNI-2014-AUS-020
Zinc Trial - Wheat Harden 2014
Summary:
A range of delivery strategies for Zn were evaluated at this site, and these were assessed as responses in establishment, youngest expanded blade (YEB) dry weight, shoot dry weight, grain yield, screenings and grain protein concentration. The nutrient concentrations in the YEBs were assessed as well.
Mean site yield was 3.0 t/ha, YEB Zn concentrations are within the range of 16-20 mg/kg, which is above the critical values of 8-10 (Reuter and Robinson).
There were no statistically significant differences due to the treatments.
Details
Site selected for reported history of zinc deficiency. Collaboration with FarmLink Research (field operations and communication) and Charles Sturt University (field assessments).
Trial site summary: 62 plots x 12m treated length x 2m centres (1.5m wide plots). 18 treatments, 13 treatments x 4 reps and 5 x 2 reps (see Table)
Growing season rainfall was 151mm which is lower than the long term mean of 270mm for the same period. (BOM data)
Table 1: Treatment list for Zn trial in Harden, NSW. 2014.
Soil test results
0 – 10cm for reps 1 to 4 from Zn site, Harden, NSW.