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Summary Of Medic-Rhizobium Field Experiments 1983 – 1984, J G. Howieson

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Trials 83ME9, 83ME87, 82ME22, 82ME22A, 82ME23.

Method.

Comments

Soil Acidity And Legume Nodulation, J G. Howieson, M. A. Ewing

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Nitrogen is a basic constituent of protien and is essential to all forms of life. Many agricultural plants are legumes - a group of plants which, in co-operation with specialised soil bacteria, fix their own nitrogen from the air. When the legume dies, the organic matter breaks down anf the nitrogen becomes available to the following crops.

Soil acidity is a major factor limitimg the successful association between legumes and their beneficial soil bacteria in Western Australia.

Breeding Wheat Varieties For Acid Soils, I R. Barclay

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Wheat varieties with improved tolerance of acid soils cold increase yeilds be perhaps 20 per cent or more over a substantialarea ofWestern Australia's eastern wheatbelt.

Aluminium toxicity is probably the main cause of poor root growth and therefore reduced yields on these soils.

A Land Unit Survey Of The Proposed Kings Park Botanic Garden Annex, Wungong, M R. Wells

Resource management technical reports

No abstract provided.

Rabbits North Of Carnarvon, D R. King

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

In Westeern Australia rabbits are mainly a pest along the south-western coastal parts of the State, but there are populations north of the Tropic of Capricorn. Rabbits after crossing the Nullarbour plain from South Australia and colonising the South-West of the State, were reported to have reached the west coast near Geraldton by 1912 and then spread northwards.

There is little information on the biologhy of rabbits in the northan parts of their range, but pastoralists in some areas are concerned about erosion and damage to vegetation on their stations when rabbits reach high numbers.

The Agricultural Protection Board undertook …

Myxomatosis In Western Australia, D R. King, S. H. Wheeler

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Since myxomatosis was introduced to Western Australia in the early 1950s rabbit plagues have ceased. However, myxomatosis has not proven to be the whole answer to the rabit problem.

Rabits continue to damage crops and pastures in many areas and resurgences of rabbit populations are reported from time to time.

Drs D.R. King and S. H. Wheeler of the Agricultural Protection Board's research section have been studying the way myxomatosis epidemics occur and spread in rabbit populations in a range of Western Australian environments. This research will provide data for planning effective control strategies intergrating the various control options available …

Algal Problems Of The Estuary, E. P. Hodgkin, P. B. Birch

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The Peel-Harvey esturine system study began in 1976 because people living near Peel Inlet complained about the accumulation of water weeds and algae on the shores and the smell of hydrogen sulphide (rotton egg gas) that resulted from their decomposition. From 1974 efforts had been made to control this 'algal problem' by raking up the weed with tractors and carting it away. This 'cosmetic activity had little impact on the problem.

The immediate cause was obvious: a carpet of green algae covering about 20square kilometres of the bottom of Peel Inlet. From time to time this 'goat weed' floated to …

Modifying Fertiliser Practices, J S. Yeates, D. M. Deeley, M. F. Clarke, D. Allen

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

If modified fertiliser practices are adopted phosphorus losses from the Peel-Harvey catchment can be reduced. Farmers can save money on fertiliser applications and the need for more expensive catchment management measures to reduce algal pollution of the estuary will be avoided.

Research data available so far indicate that, with farmer co-operation and the use of the new slow release fertiliser New Coastal Superphosphate, long-term phosphorus application rates can be reduced by 30-40 per cent - and possibly even halved - without lowering agricultural production. This will also reduce phosphorus loss to drainage water.

Although much of the research since 1982 …

Tackling The Problem Off The Farm, C M. Croft

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Methods of redusing phosphorus losses from the catchment soils of the Peel-Harvey esturine system have been discussed in other articles in this Journal.

This article briefly discusses a range of 'off the farm' techniques to improve phosphorus flushing from Peel Inlet or Harvey Estuary to the sea and to treat the phosphorus and the algae. These techniques were among more than 100 management options evaluated by the Peel-Harvey Study Group.

Causes Of Soil Acidity, W M. Porter

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The introduction of agriculture into australia has caused many of our soils to become more acid faster than they would have otherwise.

In Europe and other parts of the world, soil acidification is accepted as a normal by-product of a successful agricultural system. Lime* is widley used to neutralise the acids added as a result of agricultural practices.

In Western Australia, lime applications will be needed more frequently in the future, although maybe not in the same volumes as in Europe.

The Effects On Plant Growth, W M. Porter, J. S. Yeates

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The level of acidity of a soil reflects its chemical and sometimes its biological condition. Changes in acidity mean changes in the availability to plants of some soil elements, and modifications to the biological processes in the soil.

Some elements become more available to plants in acis soils, and in some soils particular elements can reach toxic levels. Other elements can be effected in the opposite way: deficiencies can develop in acid conditions.

It is important to realise, however, that the chemical nature of all soils varies. Beccause of these variations, acidity can affect each soil differently and thus influence …

Soil Acidity On High Rainfall Pastures, J S. Yeates, D. A. Mcghie, I. R. Wilson

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Most soils of the high rainfall area of south-western Western Australia are naturally acis.

The most acid group of soils, the peaty sands. have been routinely limed before subterranean clover pastures were established since research in the 1950s showed that poor Rhizobium nodulation could be overcome with the application of about 2 tonnes per hectare of coastal limesand.

Low Rainfall Pasture Project, M. A. Ewing

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

1. Variety experiments: (a) Rows 84M39. (b) Small Plots 84M40. (c) Large Plots 84M41, 84WH40, 84N22, 84LG39, 84M56, 84M57. 2. Pasture establishment systems: 84TS38, 84M61. 3. Pasture grazing (defoliation) experiments: 84M43, 84LG34, 84LG33, 84M42. 4. Cereals following pastures: 84ME47. 5. Pasture wheat rotaton experiments: 82WH39, 82M47. 6. Medic rhizobial studies - see report of J. Howieson. 7. Lupins - see report R. French.

Summary Of Rhizobium Experiments, J G. Howieson

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

The main emphasis for rhizobial work in 1984 was on the acid tolerance of medic Rhizobium. The experimental programme in the field was greatly expanded to include testing of some 160 isolates collected from Sardinia in May 1984. Broadacre sowings of acid tolerant strain WSM 419 were undertaken as a preliminary step to its commercial release in 1985. Glasshouse work in 1984 was dedicated to a more intensive investigation of the factors contributing to the enhanced nodulating ability of M. polymorpha and M. murex on acid soils. As well, a simple technique for identifying acid tolerant strains of rhizobia in …

Long Term Minimum Tillage Investigations, Stubble Management, Deep Ripping, R J. Jarvis, L G. Butcher

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Direct drilling Long term minimum tillage investigations (1) Continuous cropping – 77A16, 77A18, 77MT15, 77WH17, 77WH13, 78M25. (2) Rotational cropping – 77A43, 77E52, 77M35, 77M56, 77MT51, 77WH8. Stubble management – 79M7, 79WH6, 82M34, 84M1, 82LG4, 82LG46 (82KD1). Deep ripping - 82M35 in Minimum Tillage Rotation section also contains a deep ripping treatment. 77WH17, 80A44, 80NO46, 81M45, 81NO3, 81NO4, 82GE37, 82GE38, 82M30, 82M46, 82M60, 82ME38, 82N32, 82WH49, 84E24, (84C42, 84C43, 84C44, 84C45, 84C46) Eradu Sandplain – ECRS, 84E23, 84E24, 84JE43, 84JE44, 84LG37, 84M38, 84NO58, 84WH2, 84WH3, 84WH39. Additional deep ripping research is included in summaries by W. Bowden, D. Tennant, J. …

Take-All Of Cereals. Rhizoctonia Patch Of Cereals, G C. Macnish

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Part 1. A. Take all of cereals: Effect of nitrogen sources on take-all. 76LG25 (N = 50kg/ha) 82NE34. 77E4 (N = 25kg/ha). 77MT19 (N = 45 kg/ha). B. RHIZOCTONIA PATCH OF CEREALS: Rhizoctonia patch on lupins - 82E17. Abbreviations used: D - Drilled with seed G.S. - Growth stage based on H. Fisher scale NA - Not available N – Nitrogen P - Phosphorus TA - Take-all TD - Topdressed D.D. - Direct drilled T.D.D. - Triple disc drill As - Ammonium sulphate An - Ammonium nitrate (Agran 34) Sn - Sodium nitrate Ag1 - Agras No. 1 Ag2 - …

Soil Acidity In The Eastern Wheatbelt, W Porter, S Carr, J Garlett

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

1. Surface incorporated lime: 80M30 - Wheat. 82ME54 - Lupins. 82TS33 - Wheat. 80M31 - Wheat. 81M5 - Medic. 2. Subsoil banded lime: 81M54 - Lupins. 3. Whole profile incorporated lime: 82M5 - Wheat. 82ME10 - Wheat. 4. Acid tolerant species: 84ME50 - interaction with N. 84ME51 - interaction with PP. 84ME52 - growth on non-acid sand.

Pasture Species Evaluation In The Medium Rainfall Zone, C W. Thorn, C K. Revell, S Davies, I Rose

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

The effect of mechanical defoliation on the production of legume species in the Katanning region - 84KA26. The effect of grazing on the seed production of legume species - 84KA27. The effect of gypsum and establishment techniques on Circle Valley medic - 84KA29. The effect of gypsum, tillage and nitrogen on cereal yields in a continous crop system - 84KA28. The effect of gypsum on cereal crop yield - Katanning, E. Garlick Kwobrup, D. Webse. Pasture probe evaluation. Aim: To determine the suitability of the Vickery single probe earth plate capacitance meter for determining pasture production.

Sulphur Nutrition Of Pastures. Potassium Nutrition Of High Rainfall Pastures On Deep Sands, J. S. Yeates, M. F. Clarke

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

A. Sulphur - High Rainfall. 1. Sources, rates, time of application of sulphur to pastures - 80AL1, 80AL4, 80AL48. 2. Sulphur nutrition of pastures - 83PE36. 3. S sources and rates on sandy soils of the high rainfall areas - 84HA20, 84HA27. 4. Maintenance of S on pastures on sandy soils - 84AL35, 84HA19, B4HA26. B. Sulphur - Low Rainfall. 1. Sulphur on pastures - 82AL9, 82KA4. C. Potassium. 1. Sources, rates, time of application of potassium on high rainfall deep sand pastures - 80AL6.

Soil Acidity - High Rainfall Pastures. Lime On Old Land Pastures - Field & Glasshouse Experiments, J S. Yeates, M. F. Clarke, C S. Fang, D A. Tooke

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Soil Acidity - High Rainfall Pastures (funded by the Australian Meat Research Committee). Lime on old land pastures. 1. Field experiments - 80BU13, 80BU14, 81AL10, 81AL12, 81AL16, 81BU18, 81BY18, 81BY19, 81BY25, 81BY26, 82AL4, 82AL5, 82AL55, 82BU7, 82BU8, 82HA35, 82HA36, 82PE1, 83AL7, 83AL9, 83AL10, 83AL11, 83AL13, 83AL14, 83BU25, 83BU26, 83BY29, 83HA19, 83HA41, 84BU9, 84BY36, 84BY37, 84HA21. 2. Glasshouse experiments - 84GL4. Investigation of factors involved in lime responses on a new land acid peaty sand. 84GL7, 84GL8. Investigation of factors involved in lime responses on old land high rainfall area pastures.

Soil Conservation Research In New South Wales And Its Significance To Research On Water Erosion In Western Australia, D J. Mcfarlane

Resource management technical reports

No abstract provided.

Sources Of Lime In The South-West, I M V Brown

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Many Western Australian farmers topdress or incorporate lime into their acid soils to neutralise them and to improve crop or pasture yields. Most use pulverised limestone or limesand which is cheap and relatively easy tospread.

Agricultural lime isdefined as "any fertiliser used principally for the purpose of reducing soil acidity and having calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate, or both, as its main ingredients".

Less extensive sources of liming material are found in scattered inland areas where deposits of calcrete have been formed by the weathering of calcium-rich rock and also in association with internal drainage systems.

Magnesite, generally formed by …

Phosphorus Nutrition, M D A Bolland, M J. Baker

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Trial No.: 84E31 Location: Esperance Downs Research Station.Results: Fertilizer: TSP = triple superphosphate; NCRP = North Carolina rock phosphate; DRP = Duchess rock phosphate. Cultivation: UC = fertilizer applied to the soil surface and left there: C = fertilizer cultivated into the top 10 cm of soil with a rotary hoe after application to the soil surface. Trial No.: 84M63. Location: South Bodallin (Merredin Research Station). Results: TSP = triple superphosphate; NCRP = North Carolina rock phosphate; DRP = Duchess rock phosphate. UC = fertilizer applied to the soil surface and left there; C = fertilizer mixed in to the …

Rabbit Kitten Survival In The South-West, D R. King

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

In the South-West of Western Australis reliable winter rains allow the rabbit breeding season to extend through winter and spring, and thus a large number of kittens are produced each year.

Studies on the biology of rabbits at Cape Naturaliste (270 kilometres south-west of Perth) and Chidlow (40 kilometres east of Perth in the Datling Range) have shown that at these sites each doe produces about 30 and 27 kittens respectively a year. If all these youg rabbits survived, there would be a 15-fold increase in numbers. Within a short time the State would be covered "wall to wall" by …

Algal Growth And The Phosphorus Cycle, Arthur J. Mccomb, K. S. Hamel, A. L. Huber, D. K. Kidby, R. J. Lukatelich

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Larger algae and microscopic phytoplankton foul the waters of the Peel-Harvey estuarine system, upsetting the fishery and polluting the beaches.

These aquatic plants grow in response to phosphorus runoff from drainage, trapping phosphorus in the estuary and using it in their growth. When they die this phosphorus remains in the system to be recycled for further plant growth.

Algal pollution in the estuary can be lessened by reducing the amount of phosphorus entering the system, increasing phosphorus losses to the ocean, or in some way blocking the trapping and recycling processes.

The Extension Programme, W K. Russell, G. K. Palmer

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

From the start of the Peel-harvey study in 1976, scientific research and extension have been closely linked. Trials, some involving major drainage works, have been set up on about 30 farms and several field days and seminars have been held.

The Peel-Harvey Study Group anticipates that farmer acceptance of the Department of agriculture's recommendations will reduce the phosphorus input to the estuary by 30 to 40 per cent over the next three to five years. At the same time farmers will benefit from modified cultural practices better suited to the sandy soils of the coastal plain.

Molybdenum Deficiency In The Wheatbelt, M M. Riley

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The trace element molybdenum is needed in very small amounts in nitrogen metabolisms of crops and pastures. One of the projects that started as a result of the overall soil acidity research programme was the examination of molybdenum deficiency on acid soils throughout the South-West of Western Australia.

Soil Acidity In The Eastern Wheatbelt, W M. Porter, I. R. Wilson

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

In Western Australia parts of the sandplain of the eastern wheatbelt are very acid and produce poor crops, It was not until the late 1970s that the effect of soil acidity on the productivity of the sandplain soils was examined in any detail.

Since then researchers have learnt a great deal about the nature of soil acidity in the eastern wheatbelt sandplain soils and can suggest management options for farmers.

This article discisses the problem of the very acid soils. It does not deal with the moderately acid, medium textured soils of the eastern wheatbelt. Although the acidity of these …

Barley Production And Soil Acidity, P J. Dolling, W. M. Porter

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

One of the causes of reduced plant yields on acid soils is aluminium toxicity. because barley is extremely sensitive to this mineral, a project started last year to examine the influence of soil acidity on barley production in the main barley growing areas of Western Australia.

This article discusses some of the background information on the project and its aims.

Soil Acidity And Liming In The Lower Great Southern, R N. Glencross, M. G. Clarke

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

In the 375 to 750 millimetre rainfall area of the Lower Great Southern, reports of loss of subterranean clover from established pastures, reduced carrying capacity for sheep and increasing soil acidity lead to the establishment in 1981 of a research programme into the effects of soil acidity on pasture productivity in that region.