Agricultural Science Commons^™

Bulletin No 4176 - Agroforestry With Widely Spaced Pine Trees, Richard Moore, Peter Jenkins, Geoff Anderson, Phil Scott

Bulletins 4000 -

Combining a softwood timber crop with other forms of agriculture on the same land can make better use of available space, soil and water, and lead to higher productivity from farms.

This Bulletin outlines the potential benefits of, and a programme for, the growing of pine on farmland in Western Australia in conjunction with either pasture or another crop. The agroforestry system described has been well researched in Westem Australia.

The main objectives of agroforestry are to produce high quality timber while maintaining adequate pasture for either grazing or fodder cropping until the timber is harvested.

Farm Management Memo - Advice To Help Farming Through The Rural Downturn, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

Farm Systems and Economics published reports

Historically, commodity prices cycle between a "boom and a bust" every few years. Farmers are often able to adjust their operations to reduce the impact of a downturn in commodity prices by:

• Increasing efficiency through reducing or maintaining input costs while maintaining or increasing production levels.

• Maximising returns through seeking price premiums on commodities (protein, noodle quality, finer wool, increased clean wool yield).

• Reducing overhead costs

• Seeking cheaper finance or refinancing costly loans

• Careful planning and management with a high degree of attention to detail.

• Seeking advice

The Australian Lupin Collection - Passport Data For Wild And Semi-Domesticated Accessions Introduced Into Australia To 1990, J. C. Clements, W. A. Cowling

Grain and other field crops published reports

This report contains passport (including collection site) data and Commonwealth Plant Introduction (CPI) numbers for all wild and semi-domesticated Lupinus accessions introduced into Australia to 1990 (a total of 1071 accessions with CPI numbers between 10650 and 122692). Scientists or plant breeders with an interest in the characteristics of wild lupins from certain natural environments, such as high soil pH or low rainfall, will find this information invaluable when they select accessions for their experiments. The majority of the accessions were introduced by Western Australian scientists following collecting missions in the Mediterranean region, and the remainder were donated from institutions …

Comparative Phosphate Requirements Of Yellow Serradella (Ornithopus Compressus) Burr Medic (Medicago Polymorpha Var. Brevispina) And Subterranean Clover (Trifolium Subterraneum), Blakely Paynter

Grain and Other Field Crops Research Articles

The phosphate (P) requirements of burr medic (Medicago polymorpha) on marginally acidic, medium-textured soils and yellow serradella (Ornithopus compressus) on acidic, light-textured soils in the low rainfall (< 400 mm) wheatbelt of Western Australia are not known. The hypothesis that yellow serradella, subterranean clover (Trifolium suhrerraneum) and burr medic have the same external requirement for applied P was tested in a glasshouse trial on 2 P-deficient soils. Species were compared on an equal total seed weight and similar maturity length basis. It was found that yellow serradella required less soil applied P to achieve 90% maximum shoot production or total plant (shoots + roots) growth and had a greater curvature co-efficient from fitted Mitscherlich functions than either subterranean clover or burr medic. Burr medic was the most responsive to applied P and had the largest external requirement for applied P. These differences in external P requirements were related to differences in ability of the 3 legumes to absorb P and to transport it to their shoots and were not due to differences in internal efficiency of the shoots. Yellow serradella was able to take up more P (total plant P content) per g roots than subterranean clover, and subterranean clover more than burr medic. The same relationship applied to the translocation of absorbed P from roots to shoots.

Bulletin No 4191 - Inputs For Beefin, D. J. Barker, P J. May, R. G. Grieve

Bulletins 4000 -

BEEFIN is a computer model (Barker et at. 1986) that calculates profit maximizing diets for finishing cattle to a specified carcass weight and fat thickness. It predicts cattle growth, feed conversion ratio, final liveweight, number of days on feed and amount of available feedstuffs to finish the cattle to specification.

BEEFIN calculates an enterprise profit and loss budget and performs a sensitivity analysis on cattle and feed price changes. A sensitivity analysis of returns to assets, variable costs and per tonne of feed fed is also calculated.

Land Management Manual. Merredin Advisory District, F. Frost, M Howell

Natural resources published reports

Farming by soil type recognizes that each major soil unit has specific land use capabilities. 'When developing a farm management programme, understanding and appreciating the productive potential and degradation hazard of each soil unit ensures that production systems can be developed which are 'sustainable. The aim of this land management manual is to describe the climatic and geological features of the district and provide definitions of each of the major soil units and 'current management recommendations. The material is designed to be used as an information base for farm planners.

Thes oil units described are for the Merredin advisory district …

Bulletin No 4187 - Choosing Commercial Beef Bulls, David Barker

Bulletins 4000 -

This bulletin provides a method of placing realistic differences in value on young bulls offered for sale.

The prices paid for young bulls are often based on superficial appearance alone, and this has important financial implications for the purchaser. Different characteristics have either large or small effects on the net value of progeny produced. They are dependent on such factors as: the variability of different characteristics in cattle; differences in reliability of the assessment; the extent to which the characteristic is passed on to the progeny; the effect of the characteristic on realized net value of the progeny; the effect …

Miscellaneous Publication 23/90 - The Economic Implications Of Btec Destocking Part Of The West Kimberley Cattle Herd, Bruce Howard

Biosecurity published reports

Economic implications of destocking infected breeding cows from the West Kimberley region, as part of the Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Eradication Campaign (BTEC) programme, were studied to evaluate effects on herd size, turn-off, cash surpluses and herd asset value.

Bulletin Ma 1/90 - Manjimup/Pemberton Vegetable Variety Planting Guide 1990, J. R. Burt, A G. Mckay, D. R. Phillips, M. A. Hegney

Horticulture published reports

AGDEX NO: 250/30

Manjimup Regional Office

Manjimup and Pemberton vegetable planting guide 1990.

What Are Land Conservation Districts?, Western Australian Department Of Agriculture

Natural resources published reports

Land conservation groups need your support. Land degradation is not just a farming problem. We change the land and waters in many ways, whether it be clearing of precious natural bush or through the fertilizers which leach from our gardens.

By learning about the Land Conservation Districts achievements and understanding the challenges they face we can better see our own place in the scheme of things.

We will learn the ways to organize for Landcare in other rural areas, or in the city, that will be successful.

This is what the Decade of Landcare is all about - providing an …

Bulletin No 4168 - Plants In Australia Which When Eaten Produce Photosensitization In Livestock, T E H Aplin

Bulletins 4000 -

Photosensitization is the term used to describe inflammation of the skin (usually unpigmented) caused by photodynamic compounds, circulating in blood stream, becoming bound to dermal cells and fluorescing when the animal is exposed to ultraviolet light (290-400 nm).

Photosensitization usually occurs when an animal eats certain plants that contain photodynamic compounds. These compounds can be deposited unchanged in the skin after ingestion, the normal liver being incapable of excreting the native fluorescent compound. This is termed type 1 photosensitization and the compounds involved are naphthodianthrone derivatives. Photodynamic compounds can also be produced through aberrant metabolism by the liver due to …

Plantscan, Ted Lefroy, Fritz Droge

Natural resources published reports

PLANTSCAN is a network of schools and landholders throughout the wheatbelt of Western Australia. It aims to speed up the process of testing plants for their suitability to this environment.

This kit contains seed of various trees and shrubs and notes on how to grow them, plant them out into a small plot and record their progress.

Schools and landholders throughout the wheatbelt who have purchased this kit become part of a research network aimed at selecting plants that will:

* overcome soil erosion;

* overcome soil salinity;

* and provide a source of income for farmers.

The following sheets …

Increasing Phosphorus Concentration In Lupin Seed Increases Grain Yield On Phosphorus Deficient Soil, Mike D. Bolland, Blakely Paynter, Mike Baker

Grain and Other Field Crops Research Articles

In a field experiment on a phosphorus (P) deficient soil in south-western Australia, lupin seed ( Lupinus angustifolius cv. Danja) of the same size (157 mg/seed) but with 2 different phosphorus (P) concentrations in the seed (2.0 and 2.8 g P/kg) was sown with 4 levels of superphosphate (5, 20, 40 and 60 kg P/ha) drilled with the seed in May 1988 to examine the effect of seed P concentration on subsequent dry matter (DM) and grain yields. Increasing the amount of superphosphate applied from 5 to 60 kg P/ha almost doubled yields. In addition, lupins grown from seed containing …

Bulletin 4133 - Fungal Diseases Of Pasture Legumes In Western Australia, M. J. Barbetti

Bulletins 4000 -

Subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) is the most important annual pasture legume in Western Australia, forming the basis of some 6.5 million ha of annual pastures. The success of subterranean clover may be attributed to its ability to increase soil fertility as a consequence of nitrogen fixed, to withstand heavy grazing, to control soil erosion and, with some cultivars, to tolerate waterlogging. Fungal diseases have been a major limitation to the productivity of subterranean clover, affecting both the amount of plant matter and the quantity of seed produced.

Annual medic (Medicago spp., in particular M. polymorpha L.) is also an …

Bulletin Ma 3/89 - Broccoli Growing In The South West, J. Burt, M. Hegney, H Gratte

Horticulture published reports

Manjimup Regional Office

Agdex No. 254/11

Broccoli (Brassica oleracae, variety italica) is closely related to cabbage, cauliflowers, brussel sprouts and kohl rabi. This group of plants may be referred to as crucifers, brassicas or cole crops.

Broccoli originated in Italy. The head consists of well developed green flower buds on a fleshy flower stalk. It is high in protein, calcium, fibre and vitamins A and C.

Broccoli are produced throughout the year for Western Australian markets, but mainly from January to August as there is more competition from Perth producers in spring. There is potential to export broccoli to South …

Bulletin No 4146 - Commercial Production Of Pawpaws In Western Australia, J. R. Burt, B. L. Toohill

Bulletins 4000 -

The papaw (Carica papaya L.) is a native plant of Central America. It produces its highest yields of good quality fruit in tropical regions.

The tree is short-lived and rarely produces crops for more than two or three years. It is quick growing and soon reaches a maximum height of 5 to 7 m. It is usually unbranched, but may branch after either injury to the top or cutting back.

Bulletin 4152 - Sheep In Western Australia, R J. Suiter

Bulletins 4000 -

Western Australia's sheep industry started in the early 1830s when the first flock-owners grazed their sheep on extensive areas of native vegetation, often by shepherding on unfenced country. Later, farm flocks built up as settlers cleared and fenced land for cultivation, and 'pastoral' or 'station' sheep were confined to fenced areas of native vegetation, leased from the Government.

By 1900, more than 75 per cent of Western Australia's sheep were still classed as 'pastoral', but by 1987/88, the pastoral areas carried only 2 million of the 34.1 million State flock.

Today, many former sheep stations carry cattle, which survive better …

Introducing Onslow, Western Australian Department Of Agriculture

Grain and other field crops published reports

Onslow Barley........ a new breed of barley for the southern high rainfall areas (see map VH,H4 &H5). Suited to May plantings, Onslow is the first barley developed specifically for the long growing seasons in these areas.

For the first time barley growers have a variety designed for those 4 t/ha plus yields which research shows are possible with early sowing.

Onslow is the first of a new breed of barley cultivars developed in Western Australia specifically for the southern high rainfall areas which have a long growing season.

Bulletin 4358 - Western Australian Registered Field Crop Scheme Production Rules, Mark Holland, Peter Hill

Bulletins 4000 -

The Western Australian Registered Field Crop Scheme is an industry cooperative scheme entered into voluntarily by the participants. Agriculture Western Australia, through its AGWEST Plant Laboratories business unit, administers the scheme and supervises industry agreed production and marketing guidelines.

The Registered Field Crop Scheme differs from certified seed schemes by reduced direct supervision of the production by Agriculture Western Australia.

Producers agree to abide by the following rules and are responsible for the correctness of the final product to meet the quality descriptions for each seed lot as described on the appropriate seed analysis statement and in these rules.

The …

Miscellaneous Production 23/87 - Animal Production In The Spinifex And Shrubland Regions Of Western Australia, D. Burnside

Animal production and livestock published reports

The role of the Rangeland Management Branch is to promote the sustained economic use of the rangeland resource. It provides research and extension services to the pastoral industry, provides advice on the condition of the range resource to Government and provides technical information on rangelands to other rangeland managers. A principal objective to be met in fulfilling that role is the development and promotion of economically efficient place systems that conserve the rangeland resource. At the inaugural Pastoral Soil Conservation Districts Conference in Meekatharra in May 1987, pastoralist delegates emphasized the importance of achieving that objective within the various soil …

Quarantine Disinfestation A Bibliography With Relevance To Ornamental Plant Material, Kevin Seaton, Daryl Joyce

Biosecurity published reports

This bibliography has been compiled as part of a programme to develop new and improved techniques for the insect disinfestation of export cut-flowers and cut-foliage. The objective of the programme is to identify the most effective disinfestation treatments. Suitable treatments should kill insects in the flowers without directly injuring the flowers or reducing their postharvest life.

The bibliography presents references relating to the disinfestation of ornamental material (i.e. cut-flowers, cut-foliage, and potted plants). However, it also includes references on disinfestation of fruit, vegetables, and stored grain where this information has some relevance to the disinfestation of ornamental materials. The bibliography …

What Rate Of Nitrogen Fertilizer?, M G. Mason

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

No abstract provided.

An Inventory And Condition Survey Of Rangelands In The Ashburton River Catchment, Western Australia, A A. Mitchell, A L. Payne, W F. Holman

Technical Bulletins

The inventory and condition survey of rangelands in the Ashburton River catchment, undertaken by the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) between 1976 and 1978, describes and maps the natural resources of the region’s pastoral leasehold land. This survey report provides a baseline record of the existence and condition of the natural area’s resources, to assist with the planning and implementation of land management practices. The report identified and described the condition of soils, landforms, vegetation, habitat, ecosystems, and declared plants and animals. It also assessed the impact of pastoralism and made land management recommendations. The area surveyed …

Miscellaneous Publication 11/88 - Manjimup Horticultural Research Centre - A Guide To Activites, David Johnston

Horticulture published reports

Within the south-west of Western Australia, in the area encompassed by Bunbury, Margaret River, Albany and Manjimup, the horticultural industries have become of major importance to economic viability and employment opportunities.

The Manjimup Shire grows45 percent of the State's potatoes, 50 per cent profits cauliflowers and 32 per cent profits apples. Other important crops are onions, beans and peas for processing and Chinese cabbage. A range of other horticultural crops are produced on a small scale.

The recent establishment of an Edgell-Birds Eye processing plant at Manjimup will provide a further significant boost to the region. By 1992 this plant …

Post-Harvest Research On Ornamental Plant Material, Daryl C. Joyce

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

The rapid growth of commercial enterprises servicing overseas demand for native cut flowers and foliage from Western Australia has created a need for research and extension to support the industry. Post-harvest handling is a particularly important area because cut flowers and foliage are highly perishable and Western Australia is a long way from major markets. Markets such as The Netherlands, Japan and California demand high quality products

Rehabilitation Of Mined Areas And Control Of Dust At Kalgoorlie And Boulder, A E. Peterson

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

One of the lesser known roles of the Department of Agriculture is advising on aspects of managing and rehabilitating non-agricultural land. This advice and research is directed mainly at minimizing the effects of land degradation and providing land resource data and land capability assessment maps to assist regional planners.

Pests Of Native Flowers, W M. Woods

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

For millions of years native insects have used Australia's native plants for food and shelter. Today, we wish to cultivate these plants to produce beautiful flowers and foliage for export. However, the insects that live on the plants in the wild will attack those plants grown in cultivation, and these insects themselves will be attacked by their own predators and parasites. The challenge in floricultural entomology is to use this natural biological control as part of a cheap and effective pest management system.

Looking At Lupins - Lupin Management In The South Eastern Wheatbelt, W. L. Smart, M. M. Ralph, J. M. Liddle, R.. D. Ramm, C. J. Robinson, E. W. Armstrong

Grain and other field crops research reports

In the past couple of years research into lupins has increased substantially particularly in the fields of weed control, seeding rates, and control of diseases such as brown leaf spot and pleiochaeta root rot. This report is a summary of the lupin trials in the Lake Grace advisory area as well as a guide to better lupin farming.

Disease And Insect Resistance Screening Of The National Subterranean Clover Collection, D J. Gillespie, M J. Barbetti

Division of Plant Research : Technical Report Series

This project commenced in May 1981 primarily to identify sources of resistance to clover scorch (Kabatiella caulivora), root rots (Pythium, Fusarium and Rhizoctonia spp.), and bluegreen aphid (Acyrthospihon kondoi) in the National Subterranean Clover Collection. Screening for resistance to red legged earthmite (Halotydeus destructor) was initiated part way through the project. Since commencement approximately 5,250 introductions and crossbred clover shave been tested for resistance to clover scorch, 420 for resistance to rootrots, 690 for resistance to blue green aphid and 160 for resistance to redlegged earth mite (R.L.E.M.). A large number of clovers possessing resistance to clover scorch have been …

An Inventory And Condition Survey Of Rangelands In The Carnarvon Basin, Western Australia, A L. Payne, G F. Spencer, P J. Curry

Technical Bulletins

The inventory and condition survey of rangelands in the Carnarvon Basin, undertaken by the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) between 1980 and 1982, describes and maps the natural resources of the region’s pastoral leasehold land. This survey report provides a baseline record of the existence and condition of the natural area’s resources, to assist with the planning and implementation of land management practices. The report identified and described the condition of soils, landforms, vegetation, habitat, ecosystems, and declared plants and animals. It also assessed the impact of pastoralism and made land management recommendations. The area surveyed covers …