Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons^™

Double Cropping Fodder Maize: Broome 2022, Carla Milazzo, Christopher Ham, Geoff Moore

Grain and other field crops research reports

• While it is logistically feasible to grow and harvest two short-season maize crops during the dry season in the West Kimberley, growing a single crop with high yield potential is a more efficient use of machinery, labour and inputs.
• Total biomass yield from a double cropping trial east of Broome generated 20.8t/ha dry matter and 59.7t/ha of silage over a seven-month period but this did not exceed the yield achieved from growing a single crop with a longer-season phenology and best practice agronomy.
• Plant population density was highly correlated with yield, underscoring the importance of achieving the target plant population …

Nitrogen-Use Efficiency Of Irrigated Rhodes Grass In Northern Wa, Carla Milazzo, Christopher Ham, Geoff Moore

Grain and other field crops research reports

Cultivation of irrigated fodder and forage crops to intensify northern beef production in the west Kimberley and Pilbara has seen significant private investment over the past decade. To support this growing investment, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) carried out replicated, randomised trials on irrigated Rhodes grass near Broome.

High nitrogen (N) inputs are required for subtropical grasses to achieve annual growth rates of up to 40 t DM/ha and there is growing scrutiny of these systems to prevent nutrient losses to groundwater and downstream ecosystems. The research aimed to establish N (urea) response curves to five …

Evaluation Of Subtropical And Tropical Perennial Grasses For Irrigated Fodder In Northern Wa, Carla Milazzo, Samuel Crouch, Christopher Ham, Geoff Moore

Grain and other field crops research reports

• Under irrigation, varieties of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) and panic grass (Megathyrsus maximus) grew more than 110 kg/ha dry matter per day, when averaged over a year, equal to more than 40 t/ha dry matter annually. Digit grasses (Digitaria spp.) were significantly lower yielding.
• Daily growth rates were affected by seasonal conditions and ranged from 60–90 kg/ha in Barrgana season (June–August) to 110–170 kg/ha in Wirlburu-Laja (September–November). Panic grass was slightly more sensitive to cool temperatures than Rhodes grass.
• Subtropical grasses outperformed tropical grass varieties such as Jarra grass, which had very low growth during the cool months (June–July).
• Crude …

Fodder Maize Variety Trial: Broome 2021, Carla Milazzo, Samuel Crouch, Christopher Ham, Geoff Moore

Grain and other field crops research reports

• High yielding, highly digestible maize can be produced under irrigation on Pindan sands in northern Western Australia.
• Using high inputs, the biomass and digestibility of all trialled varieties equalled or exceeded varieties used in well-established maize growing regions of Australia.
• Eleven hybrid maize varieties were trialled near Broome. The average dry matter yield of all trialled varieties was 24t/ha at 10.5MJ/kg of dry matter.
• The impact of fall armyworm on yield was successfully reduced by using integrated pest management combining NPV virus (nucleopolyhedrovirus) with strategic insecticide applications.

Micronutrients (Trace Elements) For High Rainfall Pastures In Western Australia, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

Micronutrient deficiencies can result from removal of agricultural products over many years, changes in soil acidity, or from large increases in plant biomass production and export. This page is specific to high rainfall pastures (more than 600mm average annual rainfall) in the south-west of Western Australia.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development recommends tissue testing to check plant micronutrient nutrient needs.

Potassium For High Rainfall Pastures In Western Australia, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

Potassium (K) deficiency can lead to a decline in clover content and severely limit pasture productivity in high rainfall pastures. Large amounts of potassium can be lost each year through leaching and removal of potassium in hay or silage.

This information is specific to high rainfall pastures receiving more than 600mm average annual rainfall in the south-west of Western Australia.

Soil Sampling High Rainfall Pastures In Western Australia, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

Soil sampling and testing is an essential part of making good fertiliser decisions. Fertilisers are a large cost to farming pastures in high rainfall areas. This page is specific to sampling high rainfall pastures (more than 600mm average annual rainfall) in the south-west of Western Australia.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development recommends soil sampling and testing as part of a plant nutrient management program.

Sulfur For High Rainfall Pastures In Western Australia, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

Sulfur deficiency can substantially reduce pasture yield on sandy soils, particularly in wet years where the sulfate form of sulfur leaches below the root zone of pasture plants, making it unavailable.

This information applies specifically to high rainfall pastures (over 600mm average annual rainfall) in the south-west of Western Australia.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development recommends basing fertiliser decisions on good evidence (soil and tissue test results)

Tissue Sampling And Analysis For High Rainfall Pastures In Western Australia, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

Tissue testing helps identify nutrient deficiencies that impact plant health. In high rainfall areas ( > 600 mm), pastures are highly productive and have greater demand for both macro- and micronutrients. Micronutrient status is best assessed through plant tissue, as soil levels are difficult to measure accurately.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development recommends tissue testing to assess the effectiveness of fertiliser and soil testing programs, and diagnose emerging macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies that could cause production losses.

Environmental Impact Of Nitrogen And Phosphorus Fertilisers In High Rainfall Pasture Areas Of Western Australia, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

The most commonly used nitrogen and phosphorus fertilisers in the high rainfall (>600mm annual average) south-west of Western Australia can be leached into the groundwater and washed into waterways, resulting in serious environmental and economic damage.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development recommends regular soil testing and consultation with FertCare-accredited advisers to reduce leaching losses and increase profit from added nutrients.

Wa Insecticide Guide 2026 - Autumn Winter, Rebecca Severtson, Svetlana Micic, Andrew Phillips

PestFacts WA

Registered chemicals for broadacre crops in Western Australia The insecticides listed in the tables within this guide can be used on any crop appearing on the chemical label, if the rate used does not exceed the highest rate that is registered for use on that crop. There are many products with different trade names that contain the same active ingredient. This list is not exhaustive and does not imply any specific recommendations of brand names. Unless otherwise specified, all insecticides listed are emulsifiable concentrates (EC). Other insecticide formulations are suspension concentrate (SC), wettable powder (WP), capsule suspension (CS), wettable granules …

Wa Insecticide Guide 2026 - Winter Spring, Svetlana Micic, Cindy L. Webster, Rebecca Severtson

PestFacts WA

Registered chemicals for broadacre crops in Western Australia.

The insecticides listed in the tables within this guide can be used on any crop appearing on the chemical label, if the rate used does not exceed the highest rate that is registered for use on that crop.

There are many products with different trade names that contain the same active ingredient. This list is not exhaustive and does not imply any specific recommendations of brand names.

Unless otherwise specified, all insecticides listed are emulsifiable concentrates (EC). Other insecticide formulations are suspension concentrate (SC), wettable powder (WP), capsule suspension (CS), wettable granules …

Wa Insecticide Guide 2025 - Winter Spring, Rebecca Severtson, Andrew Phillips

PestFacts WA

Please note: this second version published in September 2025 replaces the first version published in June 2025.

The insecticides listed in the tables within this guide can be used on any crop appearing on the chemical label, if the rate used does not exceed the highest rate that is registered for use on that crop.

There are many products with different trade names that contain the same active ingredient. This list is not exhaustive and does not imply any specific recommendations of brand names.

Unless otherwise specified, all insecticides listed are emulsifiable concentrates (EC). Other insecticide formulations are suspension concentrate …

Managing Lupin Sclerotinia: Know Your Risk And How To Respond, Ciara Beard, Geoff J. Thomas, Zia Hoque, Sarita Bennett, Pippa J. Michael, Rachael Crockett, Shannah Kanny, Montana Bradley

Grain and other field crops research reports

• Sclerotinia prevalence, particularly basal Sclerotinia (ground level infection) has increased significantly in Western Australia in the last five years. Since 2020, commercial crop surveys have found basal Sclerotinia more common in lupins than in canola, and it is difficult to manage.
• From 2021–2025 extensive research was conducted in the laboratory, glasshouse and field trials by research partners Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Centre for Crop Disease Management (CCDM), Mingenew Irwin Group (MIG) and lupin growers. Key new findings applicable to lupin growers are:
• Sclerotinia infects narrow-leaf lupin via two pathways: canopy and basal. Basal infection is more …

Wa Insecticide Guide 2025 - Autumn Winter, Rebecca Severtson

PestFacts WA

Registered chemicals for broadacre crops in Western Australia.

The insecticides listed in the tables within this guide can be used on any crop appearing on the chemical label, if the rate used does not exceed the highest rate that is registered for use on that crop.

There are many products with different trade names that contain the same active ingredient. This list is not exhaustive and does not imply any specific recommendations of brand names.

Roaded Catchments In Wa, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

Roaded catchments are earthwork structures designed to increase the amount of run-off from the catchment above a receiving farm dam.

Roaded catchments are lined with clay and compacted to make a smooth surface that reduces infiltration and increases run-off. Roaded catchments should discharge into a silt trap and then into a dam (excavated earth tank). This combined structure should be fenced to exclude livestock.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development recommends that roaded catchments are part of an integrated water and salinity management program.

The information in this page is only a guide – seek expert advice before …

Yellow Crazy Ant, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

Yellow crazy ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes) are believed to be native to west Africa or Asia. They are not present in Western Australia (WA) and are prohibited.

Yellow crazy ants were first observed in Australia in the early 1900’s on the Cocos-Keeling Islands and Christmas Island, where they have now caused a massive decline in the population of iconic red crabs. More recently, they have been recorded in Queensland, the Northern Territory (NT), and New South Wales (NSW).

Gorse And Its Control, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

Gorse (Ulex europaeus) is a declared pest in Western Australia (WA). This factsheet describes the nature of the plant with links to requirements that landowners/occupiers must adhere to, pest control methods and how to search, detect and report it.

Gorse is a Weed of National Significance (WoNS) present in Australian states and the Australian Capital Territory; it is not present in the Northern Territory. Gorse is a declared pest plant in WA.

European Wasp Information For Local Government, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

The department’s European wasp surveillance and eradication program is a yearly campaign, aimed at detecting the presence of this destructive pest as early as possible so that nests can be found and eradicated.

The continued success of European wasp surveillance and eradication program relies on surveillance in metropolitan Perth and regional areas, strong community awareness, and participation between residents, business owners, community groups, industry, and government.

2025 Western Australian Crop Sowing Guide, Stacey Power, Brenda Shackley, Blakely Paynter, Mark Seymour, Harmohinder Dhammu, Bronte Wackett

Bulletins 4000 -

The 2025 Western Australian Crop Sowing Guide has been compiled by officers of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. It provides information to support variety decisions for each of the major crops for the upcoming season.

Control The Green Bridge For Pest And Disease Management, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

In Western Australia's climate, the survival of pests and diseases over summer is often critical in determining outbreaks of pest and disease epidemics in broadacre crops during the subsequent cropping season.

Desi Chickpea – Essentials For Growing A Successful Crop, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Chickpeas are a suitable break crop for heavier soils with pH above 5.5 in calcium chloride. For trouble free chickpea growing, select a current variety with tolerance to Ascochyta, have a disease management plan, use an inoculant at sowing, and sow into a clean paddock, as post emergent broadleaf herbicide application can be ineffective.

Calculating Canola Seeding Rate And Recording Sheet, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Canola seeding rate needs to be high enough to get a good establishment to set up the crop for its potential yield and provide insurance against slugs, mites, disease, and other seeding issues. However, there is no point spending more on seed than needed.

This is the companion page for the online Canola seeding rate calculator, which enables you to calculate the seed rate you require for your target plant density.

Field Pea – Essentials For Growing A Successful Crop, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

This factsheet provides essential management practices for growing a successful field pea crop.

Blackleg And Its Management In Canola, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Blackleg, caused by the fungus Leptosphaeria maculans, is the most common and serious disease of canola in Western Australia (WA). Blackleg can cause significant damage by infecting the cotyledons or first leaves early in the season, leading ultimately to crown lesions or cankers later in the season.

Changes in variety choice, crop rotation, earlier sowing times, and stubble retention have extended the risk of blackleg disease. Because of early emergence, later stages of crop growth are more likely to be exposed and infection can occur on all parts of the plant above ground, including canola flowers, stems, and branches (this …

Lupins – Essentials For Growing A Successful Crop, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Narrow leafed lupins are a grain legume crop for the deep sandy acidic soils of Western Australia. Growing a successful lupin crop is not technically difficult. New varieties and machinery are making lupins a more reliable and profitable cropping option.

Oats – Essentials For Growing A Successful Crop, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Oats in Western Australia are grown for grain, hay, grazing, or silage. Each year, between 250,000 and 350,000 hectares are sown for grain production. This page provides essential management practices for growing a successful oat crop.

Hay – Essentials For Growing A Successful Crop, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Export hay fits into most of the accepted cropping rotations and helps reduce weed seed banks, overcome herbicide resistance, provides a break from traditional chemical regimes and good paddock preparation for the subsequent crop, and is an alternative profitable crop.

Talk to your local hay exporter about their requirements for hay produced for export before sowing oats for export hay. Hay exporters have different requirements, which will affect how you manage your crop.

Brome Grass And Its Management In Crops, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Brome grass (Bromus spp.) is one of the most competitive grass weeds in wheat. Over the last 10 years, brome grass has increased in importance to a greater extent than any other weed species in Australia.

Recent changes in crop production systems, increased conservation tillage, a lack of available selective herbicides, and a decline in system diversity have seen an increase in the importance of this weed in Western Australia (WA).

Seed is the main source of brome grass infestation and, as few seeds remain dormant, the most important aspect of management is to reduce its seed bank.

Managing Barley Powdery Mildew In The Face Of Fungicide Resistance, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Barley powdery mildew populations resistant to some fungicide active ingredients are present in the WA grainbelt. Integrated disease management strategies to manage the disease include growing varieties with improved resistance and strategic use of fungicides.