Coomandook Agricultural Bureau Compendium of previous agricultural works
A SUMMARY OF HISTORICAL WORK CONDUCTED AROUND THE REGION
COMPILED BY THE COORONG TATIARA LOCAL ACTION PLAN UPDATED JULY 2015
This project is jointly funded through the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board and the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.
Table of Contents:
Map 2
Soils Coomandook Soils: Soil Characterisations and impacts on productions 3 Soil Type Characterisation and Moisture Probe Installation Project 4 Spading and Ploughing Trial with Organic Matter 5 Measuring and Managing soil water in Australian Agriculture 6 Continuous Improvement of soil management to support resilient farming systems 7 In-furrow wetter trial 8
Land Management and Dryland Salinity Coorong District Local Action Plan 9 Land Management in the Cooke Plains area 10 Salt Sand Success Field Day series 11 Dryland Salinity Information Sheets 12
Precision Agriculture Increasing the economic returns of agronomic management using precision agriculture 13 Training and demonstration of PA in practice 14 Increased sustainability and profit from improved application of precision technology 15
Broadacre Agronomy National Variety Trials (NVT) – Barley 16 Fungicide control of Rhizoctonia 17 Microbial Products Trial – Coomandook 18 Development of cost effective management strategies for the control of summer growing weeds 19 Silver grass control in Lucerne 20
Pasture Establishment and root morphology of eight diverse Lucerne populations in a low rainfall environment 21 Developing annual medics tolerant to residues of sulfonylurea herbicides 22 Field evaluation and development of advanced strand medic lines 23 Susceptibility of annual medics to powdery mildew 24 Developing sustainable shrub-based forage systems for profitable mixed farming 25
Appendix 26
Acknowledgement:
This project is jointly funded through the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board and the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.
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Map of Target Location
The target area is shown in Figure 1 below. It is predominantly the cropping regions of the area from Coonalpyn through to Cooke Plains, North to Moorlands and Geranium, and west to include Field and the Malinong ranges.
This area varies in annual rainfall from 350mm – 450mm annual rainfall. The area is characterised by extremely variable soils and limestone is often a feature in the landscape.
Edited by Felicity Turner1 and Tanja Morgan2 for the Coorong Tatiara Local Action Plan.
1Turner Agribusiness, Meningie, 2Tanja Morgan Project Services, Jabuk.
Editor disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is offered solely to provide information. While all due care has been taken in compiling the information, the editors take no responsibility for any persons relying on the information and disclaims all liability for any errors or omission in the publication.
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Coomandook Soils; Soil Characterisations and impacts on production
Project Summary: Project details This project ran alongside the Soil Type Characterisation Funding Body (if applicable) and Moisture Probe Installation Project. This project is jointly funded In addition to the characterisations, a comprehensive through the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural report was produced on each soil. This report includes Resources Management useful references and information about soil nutritional Board and the Australian levels and what drives water holding capacity and Government’s National Landcare Programme available soil moisture within the soil. Project Duration Key Outcomes: July 2015 – June 2016 • Assessments conducted on four soils; two Project Location different soils at each location • Positive primary production aspects of each soil T. Freak, Coomandook identified A. Thomas, Moorlands • Soil constraints, limitations and barriers to crop production identified with recommendations to overcome these addressed.
Contact for further information:
Rebecca Tonkin, Rural Solutions SA [email protected]
Full Report available at: http://www.msfp.org.au/wp- content/uploads/Coom-Soil-Pit-field-day-report-final.pdf
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Soil Type Characterisation and Moisture Probe Installation Project
Project Summary: Project details This project improved the Bureau’s knowledge of the constraints and barriers to primary production linked Funding Body directly to the regions shallow stoney soil types. A weather station and four moisture probes were This project is jointly funded installed in the region providing publicly available through the South Australian climate and soil data to the group. This data is Murray-Darling Basin Natural accessed from the Natural Resources SAMDB network, Resources Management with the Coomandook weather station being through Board and the Australian the SENRMB network. Government’s National Key Outcomes: Landcare Programme • Four predominant soil types in the region were selected to help gain a better understanding of Project Duration their production potential. At each site; 1st Feb-30th June 2015 o Soil moisture probes were installed. o Soil profile classification and Project Location characterisation conducted including assessment of chemical and physical T.Freak, Coomandook properties and constraints at each site. A.Thomas, Moorlands • Field Days with soil pits were held at each site. • Report prepared identifying the current primary production aspects of each soil, any constraints or limitations to production, management options for
each site and future research opportunities.
Contact for further information: Natural Resources South Australia Murray-Darling Basin – Sustainable Farming Team Berri: 08 8580 1800 Murray Bridge: 08 8532 9100
Soil Moisture probe data available at: Username: samdb http://aqualab-data.dyndns.info/secure/livedata/list.jsf?template=trend Password: demo
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Spading and ploughing trial with organic matter
Project Summary: Project details This trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of different soil modification treatments in overcoming water Funding Body repellence on sandy soil and improving soil fertility. State Natural Resources Treatments were applied in 2013 and included Mouldboard ploughing and spading. Nutrition Management Program 2013-14 treatments included applying pig manure, cereal straw, silage and vetch hay, composted grape marc and high Community Grants for land analysis fertiliser. care, coast care and water
care Key Outcomes: • The cost of spading took 2 years to recover.
• Mouldboard ploughing costs less to implement but the yield benefits are smaller. Project Duration • The profitability of compost, manure or plant matter depends on the cost of the product; the 2013-2014 cheapest closest source of nutrition is the most profitable. Project Location • Adding organic matter with no soil modification Paul Simmons, has not shown an increase in profit.
Coomandook
Contact for further information: Rebecca Tonkin, Rural Solutions SA.
E-mail: [email protected]
Full Report available at: http://www.coorong.sa.gov.au/sitedata/unity/resources/file s/Page%204%20Spading%20and%20ploughing%20trial%20wi th%20organic%20matter%202013.pdf
http://www.coorong.sa.gov.au/sitedata/unity/resources/files/Page%204%20Spading%20 and%20ploughing%20trial%20with%20organic%20matter%202014-1.pdf
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Measuring and managing soil water in Australian Agriculture
Project Summary: Project details This project aims to engage with groups in areas where Project ID (if applicable) soil water hasn’t previously been a major focus and fill CSP00170 some gaps in both grower and consultant knowledge and gaps in the APSOIL database by increasing the Funding Body (if applicable) number of soils that are characterised in these areas. GRDC
Key Outcomes: Project Duration
• 10 sites in the Upper SE region have been 2014 - current characterised and are in the process of being Project Location included in the APSOIL database. • Difficult to characterise soils have been identified South-East of South Australia and links between researchers and growers achieved to work towards a validation process around these soils. • Growers and consultants across the region have improved their soils knowledge, and knowledge around the APSIM model and potential uses.
Contact for further information:
Mark Thomas, CSIRO [email protected]
Other Resources: www.apsim.info/Products/APSoil.aspx
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Continuous Improvement of Soil Management to support resilient farming systems
Project Summary: Project details The project aimed to assist land managers throughout Project ID (if applicable) the SE NRM region to build healthier, more robust soils by innovative management of soil constraints, leading to OC11-01079 the adoption of more sustainable farm management Funding Body (if applicable) practices. The activities at each location across the Australian Government region were determined through consultation with (DAFF) through the Caring landholders. for Our Country Program Key Outcomes: Project Duration • Six soil pits were dug and data sheets established 2009-2013 for these sites • Workshops were held to disseminate the Project Location information to the local community and to South-East NRM Region discuss management options for each of the soils Kernick’s and Edmonds-
Wilson Farms, Coonalpyn
Contact for further information:
Mel Fraser, Rural Solutions, Struan
Email: [email protected]
Data sheets available at:
https://www.coorong.sa.gov.au/sitedata/unity/resources/files/Soil%20profile%20descripti ons%20from%20the%20greater%20Coomandook%20Region.pdf
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In furrow wetter trial
Project Summary: Project details The in furrow wetter trial was established in a non- Funding Body wetting soil to compare the effectiveness of three State Natural Resources different soil wetter products. The products were Management Program 2013-14 applied before and after sowing and at 3 different rates. Community Grants for land care, coast care and water Key Outcomes: care
• Wetters spread on the surface were variable in Project Duration results. 2013 • Results were inconclusive in terms of yield benefit and it is questionable whether soil wetters are Project Location cost effective in a broad acre situation. Paul Simmons,
Coomandook Contact for further information:
Rebecca Tonkin, Rural Solutions SA.
E-mail: [email protected]
Full Report available at:
https://www.coorong.sa.gov.au/sitedata/unity/resources/files/Page%207%20In%20furrow %20wetter%20trial%20see%20page%20three.pdf
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Coorong District Local Action Plan
Project Summary:
Grower incentives were established as a result of NHT Project details funding to establish a co-ordinated proactive approach to reduce the level of land degradation Funding Body across the region (including the threat of dryland CARE (Community Action salinity, wind erosion, decline in native vegetation and for the Rural Environment) organic matter, the effect of invasive weeds and pests, and the impacts on water quality) across the whole of National Heritage Trust the district council region. Project Duration Key Objectives of the Coorong District LAP
• To control groundwater recharge (the cause of dryland salinity) through the broad scale planting Project Location of deep rooted perennial plants; Coorong and Districts • To conserve and enhance biodiversity through Council region the protection of remnant native vegetation and wetlands and extensive revegetation using local native species; • To support and promote sustainable agricultural productivity which maintains and enhances the long-tern productive capacity and environmental health of the land; • To improv groundwater resource management. Contact for further • To empower the community through education information: and awareness about the natural resource management issues that face them. Coorong District Local Action Planning • To provide professional support to community Committee conservation groups and individuals.
Full Report available at: www.coorong.sa.gov.au/LAP
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Land Management in the Cooke Plains area
Project Summary: The clearing of native vegetation across the coastal plain of the Murray Basin has resulted in the increase Project details and potential for dryland salinisation. Only on-site options (within farm) were found to be feasible across this coastal plain. These options include recharge Funding Body reduction and discharge area treatment. The land South Australian Centre for management study developed a groundwater flow model to predict the impact on groundwater levels for Groundwater studies varying land management options available to landholders in the Cooke Plains region to control Project Duration dryland salinity. Key Outcomes: 1994 - 1996 • A model was developed to simulate effects for the next 20 years under various land management Project Location scenarios. • The model showed; Cooke Plains Region o Traditional land practices (at that time) would result in groundwater level rises of 20cm over a 20 year period o Recharge reduction (eg. establishing Lucerne) has the potential to reduce groundwater level rises and allow re-establishment of crops on saline land. o Impact of small scale land management is negligible; large scale (whole of landscape) recharge reduction is required. o Discharge enhancement will have little impact on groundwater levels. Contact for further information: Coorong District Council Local Action Plan
Full Report available at:
http://www.coorong.sa.gov.au/sitedata/unity/resources/files/Page%209%20PART%20ON E%20Centre%20for%20Groundwater%20Studies%20Cooke%20Plains.pdf
http://www.coorong.sa.gov.au/sitedata/unity/resources/files/Page%209%20PART%20TW O%20Centre%20for%20Groundwater%20Studies%20Cooke%20Plains.pdf
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Salt Sand Success Field Day Series
Project Summary: Project details Salt Sand Success was a program run across the Upper South East region (The Coorong and Districts, and Funding Body Lacepede-Tatiara Soil Conservation Boards). This series National Landcare Program of field days and subsequent case studies showcased on-farm activities to reduce dryland salinity by reducing Primary Industries, South recharge and establishing tolerant crops in saline areas. Australia (PISA)
Key Outcomes: Project Duration • Around the Coomandook region, a two pronged 1990’s attack is required; both reducing recharge and trying to reclaim and reduce further spread of Project Location saline areas; . Successful Lucerne Establishment at Maratala, Malinong Malinong improved utilisation of water on farm, and reduced ground-water Kilburnie, Coomandook recharge off farm. . Establishing salt tolerant grasses (Puccinellia and Tall Wheat Grass) in combination with saltbush species can provide a balanced feed mix that has the ability to fill the autumn feed gap and reduce the requirement of supplementary feeding.
Contact for further information:
Coorong District Local Action Planning Committee
Full Reports available at:
http://www.coorong.sa.gov.au/sitedata/unity/resources/files/Kilburnie%20Coomandook %20saltbush%20establishment%20and%20management.pdf
http://www.coorong.sa.gov.au/sitedata/unity/resources/files/Maratala%20Coomandoo k%20land%20management.pdf
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Dryland Salinity Information Sheets
Project Summary: Project details This suite of information projects were produced as part Funding Body of the saltland agronomy project run through the 1990’s. They provide farmers with information around the tools, PISA tips and technologies available to manage dryland salinity. National Landcare Program
Key Outcomes: Project Duration
• A series of fact sheets were developed around 1990’s species selection for saline soils and the Project Location management of these species. • Additional information sheets were also collated and written up to deliver information around management of sandhills and surrounding areas to reduce the amount of groundwater recharge going back into the system
Contact for further information:
Coorong District Local Action Planning Committee
Full Reports available at:
http://www.coorong.sa.gov.au/sitedata/unity/resources/file s/Lucerne%20pest%20monitoring%20and%20weed%20management.pdf
http://www.coorong.sa.gov.au/sitedata/unity/resources/files/Puccinellia%20description %20establishment%20fertiliser.pdf
http://www.coorong.sa.gov.au/sitedata/unity/resources/files/Saltbush%20for%20saline% 20and%20non%20saline%20soils.pdf
http://www.coorong.sa.gov.au/sitedata/unity/resources/files/Tall%20Wheat%20Grass%20 description%20establishment%20and%20management.pdf
http://www.coorong.sa.gov.au/sitedata/unity/resources/files/Tagasaste%20description% 20and%20management.pdf
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Increasing the economic returns of agronomic management using Precision
Agriculture
Project Summary: Project details This project aimed to assess various sensors and their Project ID (if applicable) effectiveness on reducing risk and increasing returns to PCT0111 growers at 6 sites across South Australia. The results were
very different based on the local growing environment. Funding Body (if applicable) One of the sites was located at Yumali where there was SAGIT a focus on improving management across limestone soils. Project Duration
2011-2014 Key Outcomes:
• Combinations/ratio’s of the Dual Project Location electromagnetic (EM) layers was effective in Hansen Farms, Yumali predicting the location and depth of soil over limestone. • Gamma Radiometrics didn’t appear to add any additional value over DualEM in this landscape • CropSpec data showed the potential for zonal nitrogen management to increase yields • Matching seeding inputs to potential yields resulted in over $10/ha increase in profit across
the whole paddock.
Contact for further information:
Felicity Turner [email protected]
Full Report available at:
www.sagit.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/PCT0111-Soil-Survey-Decision-Tree.pdf
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Training and Demonstration of PA in practice
Project Summary: Project details The project aimed to take the level of precision agriculture (PA) adoption “beyond guidance” and to Project ID (if applicable) specifically increase the level of adoption of variable SPA00010 rate (VR) by growers by providing training and tools to assist them in achieving economic, environmental and Funding Body (if applicable) social benefits. GRDC
Key Outcomes: Project Duration • Training of growers in software to allow them to 2010-2011 implement PA activities on farm. • Trials and Demonstrations used for extension Project Location activities. • Where soil types vary significantly, economic Kernick’s, Coonalpyn benefits were received by implementing VR across Williams Family, Cooke Plains both base (seeding) fertiliser and top dress nitrogen fertiliser applications. Long Family, Coonalpyn
Harkness Family, Culburra Contact for further information:
Nicole Dimos, Executive Officer SPAA
Full Reports available at: https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.spaa.com.au/files/catalog/spaa_trials_report.satc.ke rnick_2011.pdf&sa=U&ved=0CAYQFjABahUKEwjh57Sq-sPIAhVEyWMKHaXsCRA&client=internal - uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNEM29V1zsBkbK5XehK8KOpUQxkUuQ https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.spaa.com.au/files/catalog/spaa_trials_report.satc.wi lliams_2011.pdf&sa=U&ved=0CAYQFjABahUKEwim593D-8PIAhVIkJQKHZUwDSc&client=internal - uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNGyKnwxmiz8NP_GGzTSYnioB_bykQ www.spaa.com.au/pdf/143_SPAA_Trials_report_Harkness_2012_v2.pdf www.spaa.com.au/pdf/107_SPAA_Trials_Report_SATC_VR_N_Long_2012.pdf
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Increased sustainability and profit from improved application of precision technologies
Project Summary: Project details This trial was part of a larger project aimed at increasing Funding Body the awareness of precision technologies across the Department of Water, Land region. EM38 maps were used to identify three distinct and Biodiversity soil zones within the paddock. Soil sampling in the zones, Conservation (DWLBC) and local knowledge and the CSIRO nitrogen calculator National Landcare Project helped to determine different nitrogen application rates funding for the soil zones.
Project Duration Key Outcomes: 2006-2007 • Varying nitrogen rates between zones can increase yield when compared to flat rate Project Location nitrogen application. Gary and Andrew Hansen, • Targeting inputs using variable rate resulted in Coomandook
increased returns of more than 10% in this trial. • Reduced fertiliser inputs or better use of fertiliser is a valuable tool with rising costs of production.
Contact for further information:
Craig Bell, Elders. E-mail: [email protected] Full Report available at:
http://www.coorong.sa.gov.au/sitedata/unity/resources/file s/Page%2014%20Sustainability%20and%20profit%20from%20 precision%20technology.pdf
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Barley National Variety Trials (NVT)
Project Summary: Project details The NVT program was established in 2005 by the Grains Project ID (if applicable) Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). It is a Funding Body (if applicable) national program of comparative crop variety testing with standardised trial management, data generation, GRDC through the NVT collection and dissemination. program NVT allows for the comparison of different varieties at Project Duration the same site, with the same management across Ongoing (annually) different seasons.
Project Location Key Outcomes: Cooke Plains • Data is generated annually around barley variety performance in the region. • Long-term site data is generated to show the performance of varieties relative to each other
over time.
Contact for further information:
Rob Wheeler, SARDI [email protected]
Full Report available at: www.nvtonline.com.au
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Fungicide control of Rhizoctonia
Project Summary: Project details The aim of the trials was to compare the efficacy of Project ID different treatments using liquid fungicides and seed treatments (Uniform®, EverGold® Prime and Vibrance®) DAS00125 to reduce the impact of Rhizoctonia on wheat and Funding Body barley growth. GRDC, SAGIT
Treatments included varying the product, rate, Project Duration placement, timing of application and seeding system 2010-2014 (knife point versus coulter disc). Project Location Key Outcomes: • The largest yield increases were achieved in a 2011 Gary & Andrew knife point system with split liquid fungicide Hansen, Yumali application at seeding. Half of the fungicide was banded at the base of the furrow and half on 2010 Adam, Daniel & David the surface of the furrow. Morgan, Geranium • In crop applications and seed treatments did not perform as well as expected, most likely due to a lack of follow up rainfall and non-wetting soil properties. • Fungicide treatments alone will not eliminate Rhizoctonia patches and need to be used as part of an integrated management program.
Contact for further information: Alan McKay, SARDI. E-mail: [email protected]
Full Report available at: https://www.grdc.com.au/Research-and-Development/GRDC-Update- Papers/2014/02/Rhizoctonia-control-improved-by-liquid-banding-of-fungicides http://www.grdc.com.au/Research-and-Development/GRDC-Update- Papers/2014/08/Rhizoctonia-control-improved-by-liquid-banding-of-fungicides
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Microbial products trial
Coomandook Project details
Project Summary: Funding Body
Two different microbial products were trialed separately State Natural Resources to determine their benefits in a wheat crop. A plant Management Program 2013- growth promoting rhizobacterie (PGBR) as well as a 14 Vehicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi product Community Grants for land were trialed at different application rates. care, coast care and water care Key Outcomes:
• Results showed no effect of any of the Project Duration treatments on wheat yield. • A pea crop was grown in the previous year; 2013
therefore the soil was likely to have increased Project Location fungi, bacteria and N level. Dean Jones, Coomandook • A site low in microbial activity may show a different result.
Contact for further information:
Rebecca Tonkin, Rural Solutions SA.
E-mail: [email protected]
Full Report available at:
http://www.coorong.sa.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/P age%2017%20Microbial%20Products%20Trial%20Coomandook%202013.pdf
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Development of cost effective management strategies for the control of summer growing weeds
Project Summary: Project details Monitoring sites for Caltrop, Innocent weed, Prickly DAS293 paddy melon and Afghan melon were established on Funding Body the Upper Yorke Peninsula and Mallee regions with a trial specific to Afghan melons at Sherlock. GRDC
Treatments included varying timing (early versus late) Project Duration and method (herbicide versus cultivation) of summer 1999-2003 growing weed control. Project Location
Key Outcomes: Afghan melon trial • The control of summer growing weeds can result in increases in soil moisture and nitrogen for the Mark Batten, Sherlock next crop.
• There is no difference in crop response between chemical and mechanical weed control. • Timing of control is critical with early control giving maximum benefits. • Chemical control will reduce erosion risk
For further information: http://msfp.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Farmtalk- no10-Summer-weed-control-options-for-the-mallee.pdf https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.caws.org.au/awc/2002/awc200210631.pdf &sa=U&ved=0CAQQFjAAahUKEwj69dn-_MPIAhUP3WMKHcYbA28&client=internal-uds- cse&usg=AFQjCNG6wf2npUPZVgGti6qnjKmAfRMcPw
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Silver grass (Vulpia fasciculata) control in lucerne
Project Summary:
Silver grass or sand fescue (V. fasiculata) has been a Project details serious problem in crops and pastures in the Southern Mallee and Upper South-East. Funding Body Field trials were established at Meningie in 1989 to assess Department of Agriculture, various herbicide treatments for silver grass (Vulpia Northfield Research fasciculata) control in lucerne. Laboratories This trial was part of a larger program in 1989 that included sites at Parawa, Delaware, Mintaro and Project Duration Marrabel. Other species of silver grass (V. bromoides 1989 and V. myuros) were monitored at these sites. Project Location Key Outcomes: P Saint, Meningie East • A mix of simazine and paraquat was found to give an average of 90% control of silver grass. Hansen Farms, Yumali • The highest rate of simazine tested was satisfactorily tolerated by lucerne.
Contact for further information:
The University of Adelaide Library – Joint Store.
Thesis by Denise H. Sparrow, titled - The biology, ecology and control of the annual grass weed Vulpia fasciculata, (sand fescue). Department of Agronomy, Waite Agricultural Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, March 1991.
Full trial summary available at: https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.caws.org.au/awc/1990/awc199013781.pdf &sa=U&ved=0CAQQFjAAahUKEwjk8b_Y_cPIAhUN8WMKHde8BCU&client=internal-uds- cse&usg=AFQjCNH_Qe0ZklwjfAWQsWYyKMlPhqcYFQ
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Establishment and root morphology of eight diverse Lucerne populations in a low rainfall environment
Project Summary: Project details A field trial was established at Coomandook in 2007 to Funding Body look at the impact of drought conditions on the SARDI Lucerne breeding establishment and survival of 8 diverse lucerne program populations.
Project Duration The establishment and root morphology of each variety was assessed to determine if root morphological traits 2007 could be attributed to survival over the first summer. Project Location
Key Outcomes: Coomandook
• Varieties of lucerne with higher root weights and numbers of crown buds showed a good correlation with better establishment. • Plants with a high root weight also have a higher taproot diameter, root surface area and greater number of crown buds, which helps with establishment in a dry environment.
Contact for further information:
Alan Humphries, SARDI. E-mail: [email protected]
Full Report available at:
http://www.regional.org.au/au/asa/2008/poster/farming-uncertain- climate/6218_marshallem.htm
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Developing annual medics tolerant to residues of sulfonylurea herbicides
Project Summary:
The aim of this project was to test and confirm the ability of Angel strand medic to tolerate sulfonyl urea (SU) Project details residues. Field experiments compared Angel’s performance to a range of herbicide application rates Project ID and situations to gather enough data to bring the new DAS00003 variety to commercialisation.
Key Outcomes: Funding Body GRDC • Angel has increased dry matter production and N fixation over SU susceptible varieties in the presence of SU residues. Project Duration • Angel medic can still be effectively controlled 2003-2006 in crop by a range of commonly used herbicides. • Angel performs identically to its parent Herald with respect to leaf and pod characteristics, Project Location aphid tolerance, Pratylenchus neglectus, boron Lester & Kay Cattle, toxicity and rhizobium group. Netherton • Angel is recommended as a pasture legume for low to medium rainfall (275-400mm), alkaline loamy sands to loams (pH>6.5), including high boron soils and where SU herbicides are used in the farming system.
Contact for further information: Jake Howie, SARDI. E-mail: [email protected]
Full Report available at: https://www.grdc.com.au/Media-Centre/Ground-Cover-
Supplements/Ground-Cover-Issue-62-Pastures- Supplement/A-Herald-Angel-may-be-the-answer-to-growers- prayers
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Field evaluation and development of advanced strand medic lines
Project Summary: Project details The aim of this project was to evaluate the agronomic performance of 25 advanced medic lines with various Project ID combinations of new traits and initiate seed increase in S131OR, S1213 the most promising lines for future commercial release. Funding Body Key Outcomes: SAGIT • SARDI identified six new medic lines with excellent agronomic performance. Project Duration • New lines combine powdery mildew resistance 2010-2013, 2013-2016 with sulfonylurea herbicide tolerance, aphid resistance and larger seed size. Project Location • Larger field scale trials are continuing in a new Lester & Kay Cattle, project in 2013-2016 with the aim to Netherton commercialise one new cultivar targeting low rainfall EP and Murray Mallee dune swale soils.
Contact for further information:
Jake Howie, SARDI. E-mail: [email protected]
Full Report available at: http://www.sagit.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/2014- 11-19-S1310R-Howie- medic-lines-APPROVED1.pdf
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Susceptibility of annual medics to powdery mildew
Project Summary: Project details Fourteen annual medics, including powdery mildew Project ID (PM) resistant strand medic lines, were grown at two DAS00042 field sites in South Australia. At the Netherton site a natural infection of PM developed rapidly in October, S1310R giving excellent testing conditions. Funding Body Key Outcomes: GRDC & SAGIT • The PM2 (PM resistant strand medic) and all of the PM –strand lines (low PM susceptibility) Project Duration displayed less leaf senescence than the susceptible cultivars, Caliph, Angel, Herald, 2011 Toreador, Tornafield and to a lesser extent, Scimitar. Project Location • PM2 and PM-strand lines out yielded susceptible Lester Cattle, Netherton cultivars Herald and Angel with respect to see yield by at least 24%. • The PM-strand lines are also tolerant of SU herbicide residues and blue green aphids. • Future work will involve developing these lines in to a cultivar.
Contact for further information: Ross Ballard, SARDI. E-mail: [email protected], Jake Howie,
SARDI. E-mail: [email protected]
Full Report available at: http://www.regional.org.au/au/asa/2012/pests/8226_ballard.htm http://msfp.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/2012-Powdery-mildew-resistant-medics-for-the- Mallee-and-Eyre-Peninsula-Pastures.pdf
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Developing sustainable shrub-based forage systems for profitable mixed farming
Project Summary: Project details This project used on farm demonstrations to assess the Funding Body effectiveness of different native forage shrub species. Forage shrub stands were planted as a single species or Caring for our Country in a mix. Monitoring of the demonstration sites also focused on grazing management, nutritional value and Project Duration supplementary feed required for livestock. 2009-2013
Key Outcomes: Project Location
• Benefits of well adapted forage shrubs can include Freak Family, Coomandook • an increase to size and stability of the farm’s feed supply, Lester Cattle, Netherton . production of relatively nutritious feed in late summer and autumn, Ian Schmall, Peake . improvement in productivity of either saline or infertile land, . provision of shelter/ shade and windbreaks Vaughan Bernier, Peake . and a reduction in recharge and excessive deep drainage.
Contact for further information:
Coorong District Local Action Planning Committee
Full Report and fact sheets available at:
http://www.coorong.sa.gov.au/foddershrubs
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