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An Introduction To The Soils Of The Albany Advisory District, T C. Stoneman, National Soil Conservation Program (Australia)

Bulletins 4000 -

With description, illustrations and notes on eight common soils.

The 1989 Saltland Survey, Richard George

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

In March 1989, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) surveyed farmers in Western Australia to determine the area of previously arable land that was now too saline for conventional agriculture. Farmers reported that 443,441 ha, or 2.83 per cent, of the 15.7 million hectares of cleared farm land in south-western Australia, was saline. This was an increase of about 180,000 ha on the 1979 survey figure.

The worst affected areas were in the 350 mm to 600 mm rainfall zone and included the Shires of Tammin (9.26 per cent arable area saline), Katanning (7.96 per cent), Goomalling (7.93 per cent), …

Crop Tolerance To Herbicides., D. Bowran

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

1. Tolerance of New Cereal Varieties to Current Herbicides EX 5506 Trial Nos: 90AL41, 90EC36, 90EB45, 90KA130, 90M85, 90NA100

2. Tolerance of Current Cereal Varieties to New Herbicides EX 5506 Trial Nos: 90M86, 90EC35, 90N74

3. Metribuzin Tolerance of Cereal Varieties EX 5507 Trial Nos: 90EC37

4. Lupin Tolerance to Herbicides EX 5508 Trial Nos: 90EC34, 90EB44

5. Pea Tolerance to Herbicides EX 5509 Trial Nos: 90KA131, 89KA64

6. Pasture Legume Tolerance to Herbicides EX 64522 Trial Nos: 90KA132,

Plant Growth And Survival In Saline, Waterlogged Soils, Ed Barrett-Lennard, Neil Davidson, Richard Galloway

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

Waterlogged soils in Western Australia are often salt-affected. Recent research has shown that the interaction between waterlogging and salinity has a far greater adverse effect on plant groivth and survival than either of these two factors individually. The consequences of the combined effects of salt and waterlogging for most plant species are increased salt uptake, reduced growth, chlorosis (yellowing of leaves), defoliation, and death. Salt sensitive agricultural species (nonhalophytes) are more severely affected by this interaction than salt tolerant species (halophytes).

Shallow Drains For Reducing Waterlogging And Salinity On Clay Flats, Don Mcfarlane, Tim Negus, Arjen Ryder

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

Flooding, waterlogging and salinity are problems which commonly occur together on the broad valleys of the wheatbelt. Drainage lines often become poorly defined once they reach the valleys and flood waters spread out, causing inundation and waterlogging. This excess water needs to be controlled because it contributes to salinity

Waterlogging Limits Growth On Duplex Soils, Bob Belford, Miles Dracup, David Tennant

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

Duplex soils - soils with a sandy topsoil overlying a clayey subsoil -are ividespread in Western Australia's agricultural areas (see map). These soils are potentially highly productive, but crop growth is variable and the soils can become waterlogged. Work on a duplex soil site near Beverley has shoivn that the soil ivaterlogs where the permeability of the clay is low, and that this permeability varies ividely over the site. Waterlogging accounts for an average of half of the variation in wheat yields on this site; surprisingly, lupins have so far appeared less sensitive to waterlogging- The Department of Agriculture and …

Waterlogging : How It Reduces Plant Growth And How Plants Can Overcome Its Effects, Tim Setter, Bob Belford

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

Lack of oxygen is the major cause of limited plant growth in waterlogged soils. When soils become waterlogged less gas diffuses to and from the roots through the soil pores; there are changes in concentrations of mineral elements in soil solutions; and toxic products of roots and soil microorganisms begin to accumulate. These changes adversely affect germination, growth and development of plants.

Integrated Control Of Soil Insect Pests Of Potatoes, Stewart Learmonth, John Matthiesson

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

One of the more difficult aspects of growing potatoes in Western Australia is controlling soil insect pests. These pests have become more troublesome because the highly effective and persistent organochlorine insecticides previously used to control the main soil pests, African black beetle and whitefringed weevil, were deregistered for agricultural use in 1987. Entomologists from the Department of Agriculture and CSIRO in Western Australia are collaborating to develop new management strategies for these pests that rely less on the use of chemical insecticides

A Survey Using 14n:15n Natural Abundance Of The N Fixation By Pasture Legumes In The Field And Of Factors Affecting Fixation, P. Sanford

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Trial 89AL43, 90AL50, 90KO16

A preliminary survey using 14N:15N natural abundance to assess N2 fixation by pasture legumes in the field.

Location: Albany.

1. Develop a sampling methodology for the 1990 farm survey.
2. An initial assessment of nitrogen fixation by pasture legumes in the field.

Trial 90MT70

Using 14N:15N natural abundance to assess N2-fixation by subterranean clover.

Location Mount Barker Research Station

To examine symbiotic nitrogen fixation by subterranean clover, in detail, through one season in a productive pasture. To better assess the point in the season at which as one time sampling would most accurately determine the proportion …

Yield Potential Of Barley., J H. Moore, G R. Dean

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Barley yield potential demonstration, 89A130. Barley yield potential, 89A131. Logan herbicide mixtures, 89AL28. Logran herbicide mixtures for wheat and barley, 89AL29. Darnel control in cereals, 89AL38. Fumitory control in peas, 89AL37. Freezer pea herbicides, 89AL36. Post emergence weed control in processing peas, 89MC16. Post emergence weed control in processing peas, 89MC17. Diuron + 2, 4-DB effect on Zodiac Medic, 89AL41. Bladex, Diuron, 2, 4, DB and pursuit on doublegee in pasture. Diuron + 2, 4-DB for sheep thistle control in pasture. Bracken controlwith brush off, 89AL40.

Herbicide Resistance In Weeds., G. S. Gill

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Trial 90WH76

Alternative herbicides for diclofop-methyl resistant annual ryegrass in wheat.

Location: Wongan Hills Research Station.

To investigate the performance of alternative herbicides for the control of diclofop-methyl resistant annual ryegrass in wheat.

Trial 90WH80

Alternative herbicides for diclofop-methyl resistant annual ryegrass in lupins.

Location: Wongan Hills Research Station.

To investigate the performance of alternative herbicides for the control of diclofop-methyl resistant annual ryegrass in lupins

Trial 90A15

Alternative herbicides for Diclofop-methyl resistant wild oats in wheat.

Location: Avondale Research Station.

To investigate the performance of alternative herbicides for the control of diclofop-methyl resistant wild oats in wheat.

Trial 90A17 …

Long-Term Rotation Trials., I. Rowland, W. Hawkins

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Trial 66M29

Location: Merredin Research Station.

An old land site, cleared in 1909. First sown to Cyprus Barrel medic in 1955, grazed and topdressed. Cropped, 1962 and 1964. Medic resown in 1965.

Trial 67C13

Location: Chapman Research Station

An old land site, cleared in 1903. Sown to Dwalganup sub clover in 1964, topdressed each year until the start of the trial in 1967. In 1981 to 83 all plots were reseeded with Northam at 20 kg/ha. In 1988 rotations were altered to allow inclusion of grain lupins, the following changes were made:

1. The 4 plots of 2 crop :2 …

Field Pea Agronomy., G. H. Walton, T. R. Trent

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Trial 90M64

Site and variety effect on ovule abortion.

Location: Merredin Research Station CSIRO lease block.

To understand the causes of ovule abortion in field peas.

Trial 90M65

Response to seeding rates of peas with different plant architecture.

Location: Merredin Research Station, paddock 8CW3

To compare the yield responses of different pea types to seeding rates.

Trial 90A26

Nitrogen fixation in field pea.

Location: Avondale Research Station, paddock 1C

To compare the growth, N-fixation and yield of 'nodulating' crossbred material against the commercial cultivars of Dundale, Alma, Wirrega and Dinku.

Trial 90A18

Chickpea germplasm introductions.

Location: Avondale Research Station, paddock …

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

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Evaluation of soil test for phosphate on sandy soils.

Results presented for this project, commenced in 1988, which started as a joint project between the Department of Agriculture and Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, School of Agriculture, University of Western Australia.

In the field experiments, 10 levels of superphosphate (three replicates) were applied in May 1988, and 10 levels of superphosphate (also three replicates) were applied in May 1989 onto an adjacent area to the 1988 treatments. Colwell P I(soil test values) and yield data are presented for 1988 and 1989 for the 1988 treatments layed out in 1988, and …

Cranola Rapseed Variety Assessment. Cranola Agronomy. Linseed. Tillage., J. D. Warren

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Trial 90AB15. 90N68, 90EB39

Canola : assessment of early maturing Stage 2 lines.

Location: Katanning, Newdegate Research Station, East Beverley Annex

Production of Canola in medium rainfall zones offers the opportunity for a rapid expansion of the industry. However presently recommended varieties take too long to mature for the area's shorter growing season. The Stage 2 trials assess Canola lines selected on the basis of earliness from the remnants of Dr Roy's now defunct rapeseed breeding programme as well as selections from Eastern States breeding programmes. The trials arc conducted at three sites to account for environmental effects on cultivar …

Getting The Best Out Of Our Wheats., Brenda Shackley, L. Lambert

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Trials: 90KA82 (TOS1), 90KA83 (TOS 2), 90KA84 (TOS 3)
90LG4 (TOS 1), 90LG45 (TOS 2), 90LG46 (TOS 3)
90LG47 (TOS 1), 90LG48 (TOS 2), 90LG49 (TOS 3)
90N42 (TOS 1), 90N43 (TOS 2), 90N44 (TOS 3)

Variety * time of sowing (TOS)

Locations: Wagin, Tarin Rock, Newdegate Research Station and Lake Varley.

Determine the optimum sowing date for maximum yield for a range of released and unreleased wheat cultivars.

Trials: 90KA79, 90LG50, 90LG51, 90N62

Nitrogen application.

Locations: Wagin, Tarin Rock, Newdegate Station and Lake Varley.

Determine the response of released and unreleased wheat cultivars to the application of nitrogen.

Trials: …

Seeding Rate For Lupins For The South Coast., M. Seymour

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Trial 90ES1, 90ES2, 90ES3, 90ES4, 90E5

Lupin seed rate x variety.

Location: Kendells Rd Scaddan, Condingup, Mt Ridley.

To evaluate the response of lupin to a range of plant densities when grown in high rainfall/long growing season environments.

Trial 90SG5, 90SG6

Lupin seed rate x variety.

Location: Salmon Gums Research Station.

To evaluate the response of lupin to a range of plant densities.

Trial 90KO1

Lupin seed rate x variety

Location: South Stirlings.

To evaluate the response of lupin to a range of plant densities when grown in high/long growing season environments.

Use Of Soil Water Measurements To Assist Crop Management In Low Rainfall Areas., S. Mckeague, M. Perry, D. Tennant

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Trial 90M9

Trial summary.

Location: Merredin Research Station.

90M9 was established as part of the long term monitoring system to obtain base information on water use from several different soils. A simple rotation experiment was established in T3 on the Merredin Research Station.

Trial 89ME32

Rowspacing summary.

Location: Merredin Research Station.

89ME32 was monitored as part of the long term monitoring system. Previous to 1990 two years of continued measurements had been done on the same soil type. Located on the CSIRO lease block above the Merredin Research Station on Crook's property.

Trial 87M71

Heavyload rowspacing summary.

Location: Merredin Research …

Direct Drilling On Sandplain Soils., Carmel Schmidt

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Trial 90EC29

Effect of depth and degree of soil disturbance on root and shoot growth of wheat on wind erosion prone sandy soil.

Location: East Chapman Research Station.

The long-term fertility and stability of the yellow, grey and white sands which make up 60% of the northern wheatbelt soils can only be safeguarded through strict adherence to conservation cropping practices: notably, direct drilling of both cereal and lupin crops. Work by R. Jarvis has shown a 10 - 15% yield advantage due to cultivation of sandplain soils, and data suggest that it is cultivation depth (degree of soil loosening) rather …

Tactical Nitrogen For Wheat., J. W. Bowden, S. J. Burgess, Ian Fillery

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Trial 90NO104, 90NO111, 90NO112, 90MO53

Associated Work: 90N0105,111,112, 90M053,54, 55 and 56

Wheat responses to levels, sources and times of application of nitrogen.

Location: Southern Brook, Regan's Ford

This project characterizes the dynamics of nitrogen supply to a wheat crop at each of the sites on which various methods of making fertilizer recommendation were tested. It supposedly provides the "optimum" nitrogen fertilizer regime as well as detailed information on nitrogen supply and demand so that results can be made transferable to other situations.

Trial 90NO105, 90NO112, 90M054

Related trials: 90N0104, 105,111,112; 90M053,54,55 and 56

Tactical nitrogen application for wheat.

Location: …

Systems For Very Early Sowing Of Wheat In The Central Wheatbelt Of Western Autralian, A. S. Heinrich

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

To develop the management system for very early sown wheat crops in the central wheat belt of Western Australia.

Trial 90EB34 and 90EB35

Location: East Beverley Annex.

90EB34 3 times of sowing at fortnightly intervals after the 9th April, with 8 varieties of wheat.

90EB35, 4 times of sowing at fortnightly intervals after the 23rd April with 9 varieties of wheat.

Trial 90No77 - 90NO80

Location: York

Each time of sowing has a separate trial number, 90NO77 TOS 1, 90NO78 TOS 2, 90NO79 TOS 3 and 90NO80 TOS 4.

Trial 90NO81

Location: Goomalling

TREATMENTS: - 3 times of sowing 25/4/90, …

Evaluation Of Perennial And Long Season Annual Trifolium Species On A Summer Moist Site At Manjimup., R. Snowball

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Trial 90MC26

Compare existing lines of Strawberry clover with promising lines of long season annual clover species.

Pursuit For Weed Control In Peas., S. Curtin

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

All trials were located in Merredin.

Trial 90ME86

This trial was one of the best demonstrations of pursuits effectiveness against mustard in particular. Other weeds were rough poppy and ryegrass and a small amount of cereal and doublegee.

250 ml applied immediate before seeding (IBS) was by far the best treatment with 100% control of mustard and poppy and good ryegrass control. This is in contract to 375 ml most emergent which had good control of mustard (77%) and suppression of ryegrass. There was no yield advantage from the post emergent treatment but there was a 55% yield increase from …

Weed Control In Crops And Pasture., J. Buckley

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Trial 90WH74

Crop establishment trial

Location: Wongan Hills Research Station.

To assess the effect of timing of roundup and sprayseed application and cultivation on crop growth.

Trial 90AB19

Ryegrass control in wheat using slow release trifluralin.

Location: Katanning.

To compare 2 experimental formulations of controlled release trifluralin at 4 rates and 2 timings with some commonly used herbicides for the control of ryegrass in wheat.

Trial 90ME84

Early application of 2, 4-D to wheat.

Location: Corrigin.

To assess the use of 2,4-D.amine at early times of application for the control of broadleaf weeds in wheat.

Trial 90WH92

Early application of …

Murex Medic Field Evaluation., D. J. Gillespie, D. R. Mcclements, D. S. Francis

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Trials: 90GE113, 90MO62, 90WH87, 90ME72, 90NO115, 90A24, 90AB17, 90AL35

Locations: Geraldton, New Norcia, Wongan Hills, Merredin, Southern Brook, Avondale, Katanning, Tenderden.

The selection SEP29.1 was outstanding for both dry matter production and seed yield over a wide range of sites varying in both rainfall and soil type. On the basis of these trials, six lines have been selected for further evaluation in 1991.

They are: SEP29.1 SEP26.2.7 GRC69 GRC87.1 87F01.28 87FB2.36

Trials 90A25 and 90NO116

Redlegged earthmite field experiments.

Very low levels of redlegged earthmite and only minor damage to test varieties was recorded in this trial. Damage ratings were …

Stubble Management., R. J. Jarvis

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Trial 79M7

Yellow loamy sand - Mallee scub

Continuous wheat since 1978. Treatments commenced 1979.

Location: Merredin.

The old cultivation treatments carried out since 1979 were removed in 1987. The trial will continue indefinitely with only burnt and unburnt stubble treatments.

Trial 82M34

Salmon Gum/Gimlet clay loam

Location: Merredin.

Continuous wheat since 1981. Treatments commenced 1982.

Trial 79WH6

Grey and yellow loamy sand with gravel.

Location: Wongan Hills.

Grazed blocks grazed to remove approx. half the stubble.

Barley Development Experiment., K. J. Young

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Trial 88ES1

Mechanisms controlling development in barley.

Location: Melijinup Field Station.

A range of barley varieties have been assessed for their level of adaptation to a range of sowing dates across the cereal growing region of W.A. This study aims to determine the mechanisms controlling development in cultivars which represent the range of development responses available. The relative importance of photoperiod and vernalisation response and inherent earliness will be determined for each variety.

Crop Management In Rows., R. Belford, G P. Riethmuller, D. Tennant, D. Mcginnis, S. Mckeague

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Trial 87M71

Effect of row spacing and stubble retention on the yield of wheat.

Location: Merredin Research Station.

Treatments, site management and results from 1987, 1988 and 1989 have been described in previous experimental summaries. Four row spacings (9, 18, 27 and 36 cm) are compared in either burnt or stubble retained plots, on a red brown earth on the Merredin Research Station. There are six replicates laid out in a randomised block design.

Trial 90ME32

Effect of row spacing and variety on the yield of wheat.

Location: duplex site at Crooks (see 1989 Experimental Summary)

This trial was carried …

Systems For Early Sowing Of Wheat In Low Rainfall Zones., Nicole Kerr, Glenn Adam

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Aims:

(i) use available climatic data to determine when breaks are likely to occur, and assess the risk of crop failure from 'false breaks'.

(ii) determine optimum methods of early crop establishment on a number of soil types, particularly massive earth soils.

(iii) determine the yield advantages of early planting of cereals, and sowing date * variety interactions. (iv) increase adoption of early sowing technology throughout the north-eastern wheatbelt.

Trial 90GE7, 90GE8, 90NM1 and 90GE10

Time of sowing * variety trials.

Location: Balla, North Mullewa and Morawa.

All of the trials the following design: 3 sowing dates (mid May, late …

Deep Phosphate Banding., R. J. Jarvis

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Trial 90A1

Lupins sown 26/4. York gum/jam sandy loam 33 ppm bic. P. Wheat in 1989. Cultivation reduced yield (one pass banding points). Deep banding P overcame this reduction. No additional response to banding compared with TD or D. No response to P. Yield 2.0 t/ha.

Trial 90A2

Wheat sown 8/6. York gum/jam sandy loam 42 ppm bic. P. Lupins in 1989. All treatments had deep cultivation in the one pass. No response to deep band cf. drilled. 23% response to P. Top yield was 1.9 Oa.

88EB12 Wheat sown 5/6. Loamy grey sand/clay 27 ppm bic. P. Lupins in …