Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Water Quality For Irrigation, P R. George

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

Although irrigation and salinity problems are frequently inseperable, there is a range of management methods that can be used to handle marginal quality water. Freuently these methods are simple, but require careful planning.

The wide range in tolerance of crops to salinity can be exploiter to ensure that appropriate crops are selected for the water available.

Because crops vary in their sensitivity to salt uptake in the leaves or the roots, watering methods can be changed to avoid problems. For profitable production enough water should be applied to ensure adequate water is available for plant growth as well as to …

Salinity Control In Northern China, G A. Robertson

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

China has vast areas of saline land, perhaps as much as six million hectares. Some of this saline land is a result of marine influence in coastal areas and some is the resultof soil formation in areas with saline geological deposits and inadequate rainfall to leach out the salts at that time.

However, most saline soils in China are as a result of secondary salinisation processess induced by a hydrological imbalance resulting from over-clearing of the land or irrigation. This imbalance has produced rising watertables bringing the salt closer to the soil surface.

In this article, G..A. Robertson, Commissioner …

Residual Values Of Australian Rock Phosphates, Michael D A Bolland

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

For years superphosphate has been the cheapest, convenient and most effective way of supplying phosphorus to newly cleared soils in Western Australia's South-West that are acutely deficient in phosphorus. However its effectiveness as a phosphorus source falls markedly after application. Regular applications are needed to maintaine profitable pastures and crops on these soils.

After a big jump in supperphosphate prices in the mid 970s, researchers tested the use of Australian rock phosphates as potentially cheaper alternative phosphorus fertilisers to superphosphate. On the none-leaching sands, as this article shows, none of the rock phosphates was as effective for plant growth as …

Drainage And The Law, G A. Robertson

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

Drainage is being increasingly used in Western Australia as an attempted cure for land salinisation and waterlogging. This is nor surprising as drainage is a technical approach that has, in some cases, improved saline land and reduced the effects of waterlogging. However, drainage is not always successful or cost-effective. A detailed site assessment is required before any large or costly drainage system is attempted. Articles in this issue of the Journal of Agriculture discuss that aspect in detail.

Disease Rating System., M Sweetingham

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Lupin hypocotyl rot trials, 85BA29, 85BA30, 85BA31, 85N054. Lupin root rot trials, 85WH31, 85WH32, 85WH52. Lupin root disease survey - Moora District. Common Root Rot studies, 82M26.

Fisheries Report No 69 - The Western Rock Lobster Fishery 1979 - 1980, R. S. Brown, E. H. Barker

Fisheries Research Reports

The fishery for the western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus one of the most important single fisheries in Australia and an important export earner for the State. Western Australia produced 10 724 tons in 1979/80, out of a total Australian catch of rock lobster of 14 739 tons. The fishery is governed by a complex set of regulations which have been reviewed by Bowen (1971) and Hancock (1981) and which are designed to limit the total fishing effort to acceptable levels and to enforce a legal minimum size. It is thus important to constantly monitor the state of the fishery both …

Fisheries Report No 72 - The Western Rock Lobster Fishery 1980 - 1981, R. S. Brown, E. H. Barker

Fisheries Research Reports

The fishery for the western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus is one of the most important single fisheries in Australia and an important export earner for the State. Western Australia produced 9 957 tonnes in 1980/81, out of a total Australian catch of rock lobster of 15 565 tonnes. The fishery is governed by a complex set of regulations which have been reviewed by Bowen (1971) and Hancock (1981) and which are designed to limit the total fishing effort to acceptable levels and to enforce a legal minimum size. It is thus important to constantly monitor the state of the fishery …

Barley Foliage Diseases, Field Pea Diseases., T. N. Khan, K. Brain, M. Judges, K. J. Young, I. Pritchard, T. Sweeny, J. Hamblyn

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

85BA22, 85MT31, 85N053, 85BA24, 85MT32, 85MT32, 85N052, 85N053, 85BA21, 85MT30, 85BA21, 85BA22, 85MT31, 85MT43, 85KA59, 85KA60, 85M29, 85MT44, 85E22, 85ES22, 85ES23, 85N051, 85BA25, 85WH27, 85C65, 85C69, 85C66, 85C67, 8SKA48, 8SMT34, 85KA47, 85MT33, 85M26, 85ME26, 85KA49, 85KA51.

A.General Notes and Highlights

BARLEY FOLIAGE DISEASES

B. Scald: Screening fungicides

c. Scald: Fungicidal control in Northam district

D. Scald: Effect of seeding rate

E. Scald & Mildew Effect of fungicides and rates

F. Scald & Mildew Seed borne infection and seed dressing

G. Scald & Mildew Effect of seed dressing and spraying

H. Scald & Mildew Effect of Erex and Baytan

I. Mildew: …

Draining A Saline Seep, W J. Burdass

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

Sub-surface drains have dried out a salty seep on farm land in the Katanning district. Capeweed and clovers are now growing on more than three-quarters of the land that was previously bare or carried only patchy sea barley grass.

The drains are still running water after five years. The salt content of the surface soil has been reduced markedly and the salt content of the effluent water is decreasing.

However, to complete the reclamation, further drains will be necessary. Both existing and any new drains will have to be flushed periodically because blockages of pipes cause problems.

A Land Resource Survey Of The Fall Point Coastline, Broome, W.A., P A. Hesp, P J. Curry

Resource management technical reports

The purpose of this study was to find a suitable location for a bird observatory and provide adequate coastal land resource data for the area. The main selection criteria and conditions were: the location was closely adjacent to major wader roosting and feeding sites; all-seasons access was required; the location provided a site of around 2 1/2 hectares to provide space for one or more buildings, camp ground and associated facilities ; anticipated access tracks, site developments and levels of use.

Fisheries Report No 70 - The Western Rock Lobster Fishery 1982 - 1983, R. S. Brown, E. H. Barker

Fisheries Research Reports

The fishery for the western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus is one of the most important single fisheries in Australia and an important export earner for the State. Western Australia produced a record 12 416 tons in 1982/83, out of a total Australian rock lobster catch of 18 192 tons. The fishery is governed by a complex set of regulations which have been reviewed by Bowen (1971) and Hancock (1981) and which are designed to limit the total fishing effort to acceptable levels and to enforce a legal minimum size. It is thus important to constantly monitor the state of the …

Fisheries Report No 68 - The Commercial Fishery For Barramundi (Lates Calcarifer) In Western Australia, Dr N. Morrissy

Fisheries Research Reports

Commercial catch and effort data from the Western Australian fishery for barramundi, Lates calcarifer, over eight years to 1982-83 were analysed. Major stocks and areas of this fishery are Cambridge Gulf (Ord River, port of Wyndham), Kimberley coast, King Sound and Broome coast (Fitzroy River, ports of Derby and Broome), and Pilbara coast (ports of Port Hedland, Roebourne and Onslow) where the Ashburton River is the southern limit to the distribution of barramundi on the west coast. As elsewhere, barramundi stocks are associated with river systems. The Low annual catch of about 30 tonnes appears to be due to the …

Throughflow Troughs For The Measurement Of Shallow Seepage On Hillslopes, C J. Henschke, J A. Bessell-Browne

Resource management technical reports

Throughflow troughs were installed to assess their effectiveness in quantifying shallow sub-surface flows on hillslopes. The majority of flow was found to occur from decayed root channels in clay sub-soils below the lowest gutter. The conclusion at this site is that shallow throughflow troughs installed on a small scale are not capable of quantifying all of the seepage occurring on hillslopes.

Root And Foliar Diseases Of Wheat On Sandplain In The Geraldton Region., J. Wilson

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

A project funded by Wheat Industry Research Council and Wheat Industry Research Committee of W.A. Interactions between stubble, rotation, ripping and nitrogen, ECRS, 85C53. The effect of type of cultivation implement, and time of cultivation, ECRS, 85C54. The effect of fumigation, ECRS, 85C91. Residual ripping responses from 1984, 84C15.

The Ecology Of Skeleton Weed In Western Australia, Afghan Thistle Ecology, Reproductive Biology Of Gorteria Personata., J. Dodd

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

1. The ecology of skeleton weed (Chondrilla juncea L.) in Western Australia. Seed production and water use in the glasshouse, 84PE18. Seed production and water use by field-grown skeleton weed, 84BA17, 84BA18. Seedling root growth 85PE54 2. Afghan thistle (Solanum hoplpetalm) ecology Winter rosette survival 84N050. Regenerative ability of S. hoplopetalum, 85PE51. 3. Reproductive biology of Gorteria personata. Gorteria personata Floral biology Seed content of burrs

The Ecology Of Skeleton Weed (Chondrilla Juncea) In Western Australia, Demographic Aspects Of Wild Radish (Raphanus Raphanistrum) Populations In Lupin Crops And Identification Of Populations Of Mesquite (Prosopis Spp) From The West Pilbara Region., F. D. Panetta

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

To determine what forms of skeleton weed are present in Western Australia and to map their respective distribution. To determine, on the basis of climatic characteristics, the suitability of various areas within the Western Australian wheatbelt for infestation by skeleton weed. To determine the amounts, viability and dormancy status of seeds produced by field-grown plants during summer and autumn months. To determine the effectiveness of conventional tillage practices in limiting establishment of skeleton weed seedlings. To determine the regularity with which seedling establishment occurs under field conditions and how the probability of establishment is affected by the time of germination. …

Impact Of Petroleum Exploration Activity On Range Resources And Pastoral Pursuits In The West Kimberley, N Klepacki, S J. Black, M H. Marchant

Resource management technical reports

No abstract provided.

Phosphorus Nutrition Of High Rainfall Pastures, Sulphur Nutrition Of Pastures And Sulphur - Low Rainfall., J S. Yeates, D. M. Deeley, M. F. Clarke, R. A. Deyl, G. T.B. Cockerton

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Phosphorus nutrition of high rainfall pastures - Peel Harvey Estuarine System Study and related phosphorus work. (1) Sources, rates, time of application of phosphorous on high rainfall pastures. 81AL5, 81AL6, 82AL10, 82HA32, 83HA26, 83HA27. (2) P sources and rates on sandy soils of the high rainfall areas. 84AL33, 84AL34, 84HA18, 84HA25. (3) Maintenance rate of P on pastures on sandy soils. 84AL32, 84HA17, 84HA24, 84 HA28. Sulphur nutrition of pastures A. Sulphur - high rainfall (2684 EX/4054EX) (1) Sources, rates, time of application of sulphur to pastures. 80AL4, 80AL4B (2) S sources and rates on pastures on sandy soils of …

The Tolerance Of Cereals To Herbicides., D. G. Bowran

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Herbicides affect not only the weeds present in a crop, but also the crop itself. In the absence of weeds, both positive and negative responses to herbicides have been reported in the literature. The negative responses are the most important, especially if yield is decreased below the economic threshold for herbicide use. Factors which are important in determining the level of crop response to a herbicide include the crop species and variety, the timing of the herbicide, the rate of herbicide and the environmental conditions under which the crop is growing.

Pasture Species Investigations., D. A. Nicolas

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Screening of alternatives to cv. Woogenellup clover. N. Bannister, 81NA37. Byford, 81PE6.

Screening 83MA7, Wilgarup, 83AL49, Hazelvale, 83BU22, Bramley 84V7 - Vasse Research Station.

Screening of early to midseason maturing lines of subterranean clover. 85N056, Beverley, 85M043, W. Calingari.

Screening of early maturing lines of subclover. Tarwonga, 84NA27. Wongan Hills Research Station, 84WH35. Dangin, 85N055. Wongan Hills Research Station, 85WH33.

Doublegee- Seed Dormancy And Longevity, Lupins- Pre And Post Emergence Grass Control, Radish Control, Peas- Metribuzin Bladex, Pre And Post Emergence Grass Control And Post Emergence Weed Control., D. J. Gilbey, R. Klemm

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Doublegee seed longevity x depth. Effect of burial on longevity of doublegee achenes, 76C9, 76KA8. Lupins, Peas, pre-emergence grass control cynch, 85BA42, 85WH53, 85BA43, 85BA44, 85BA45, 85WH60, 85N078, 85N078, 85KA61, 85JE18, 85ME54, 85KA86, 85JE66, 85KA88, 85 KA 92, 85KA85, 85ME52, 85ME53, 85KA87, Weed control in peas - metribuzin - 84ME41

Soil Acidity In The Eastern Wheatbelt., W. Porter, S. Carr, P. Bourne

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Effect of profile acidity on nutrient and water use by wheat, 85M48. Effect of liming a wodjil soil prile on lupin production, 82ME10 and 82M5 . Lime banding in acid subsoils for wheat, 81M54. Liming topsoil. Rates of lime on wheat, 80M30. Residual value of lime (lupins 1985) 80M31. Survey Survey of extremely poor eastern wheatbelt yellow earth soils, 85ME92

Underground Water Supplies In The Wheatbelt, T T. Bestow

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

Underground water originates from rainfall. The size of the underground recource in any region is broadly related to the amount of rainfall. However, rainfall intensity and seasonal distribution are just as importent as the quality. A relatively small annual fall which consists of a series of heasvy showers or storms close together, may be a more effective source of recharge to underground water than a larger fall that is more evenly distributed over a longer period.

A large annual rainfall, however, is no guarantee that underground water supplies will be readily available. This is because soils and the underlying rocks …

Hillside Seepages, R A. Nulsen

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

'Hillside seepage' is a local, descriptive term applied to almost any wet patch occurring out of the valley bottom. Depending on their surface appearances, 'hillside seepages' are described as 'springs', 'soaks', 'wet patches', or seeps.

Whatever they are called, seeps can cause problems. The land in the seep is wet, unworkable and non-productive. If the seep is saline and the water flows downhill, further land is lost from production, bared and subject to erosion. Even small seeps, while not affecting much land, break up a paddock and complicate the working pattern for tillage and harvest.

Farm Debt In The Wheatbelt : 1984 Survey Results, Ross Kingwell

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

In recent years many farms in Western Australia's wheat-growing areas have experienced adverse seasons. For example, the 1983-84 season was characterised by a late start, dry spring and wet harvest which resulted in many farms suffering a combination of low yields and the downgrading or dockage of their grain.

Poor seasons and poor profitability prospects for wheat-growing caused some concern about farm indebtedness in these areas.

In late 1983, a Parlimentary select committee was appointed to inquire into rural hardship. The State Minister for Agriculture also announced that the Department of Agriculture would conduct a farm survey to determine the …

Improved Catchments For Farm Dams, I A F Laing

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

The amounts and frequency of runoff from unimproved farmland catchments in Western Australia's cereal and sheep districts are notoriously variable and unreliable. As a result many farmers have constructed improved catchments to ensure better reliability of farm dams for livestock and homestead water supplies.

Improved catchments which are used extensively on these farms are all of the compacted or bare-earth type. These include roaded catchments, flat batter dams and, to a lesser extent, scraped catchments. This article mainly discusses roaded catchments, the most common of the improved catchment types on farms.

Chemical Sealing Of Earth Dams, R G. Pepper

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

Leakage is not a major cause of failure of farm dams in the Western Australian wheatbelt, but it is a problem in some districts where it can limit stock carrying capacity. Leaking dams are especially common in the West midlands, the north-eastern wheatbelt and the 'jarrah-belt' which extends from Bindoon, southward to Manjimup and Mt Barker (see map and Table 1).

Some dams which leaked when first built have sealed themselves over the years. Others have been successfully sealed using sodium tripolyphosphate.

Dam Site Selection In The North-Eastern Wheatbelt, J L. Frith

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

Western Australia's wheatbelt farm dams are dug three to eight metres deep and are generally sited in soils which either are inherently impermeable or can be made so during construction.

In the eastern and north-eastern wheatbelt, however, only a small proportion of the soils meets these criteria. Dam site selection in these areas therefore depends on a good knowledge ofwhich soils aresuitable and on our being able to locate them efficiently by using surface indications such as surface soil, natural vegetation or topographic features.

Drought Proofing The Farm : Case Studies, J L. Frith

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

For many years, Western Australia's north-eastern wheatbelthas suffered chronic shortages of water for stock and domestic use. The area's averageannual rainfall is generally low - less than 300 millimetres - and droughts in the 1970s caused futher problems. manydams in the area leak or have inadequate catchmentsand groundwater is scarce ormofmpoor quality.

In March 982, the Western Australian Government provided $100 000 for the Department of agriculture to demonstrate the potential of establishing permanent, drought-proof water supplies on farms in the north-eastern wheatbelt. The methods were to use exixting techniques to build dams and catchments. In a year of low …

Sub-Surface Drainage Methods For Salinity Control, P R. George

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

Sub-surface drainage can control waterlogging and salinity of arable land by removing excess groundwater.

There are two broad types of sub-surface drainage: interception drainage and relief drainage.

The cost of drainage will depend on the specific design for the site. For relief drains the prime determinate of cost will be the required spacing. In general, clay soils of low permeability or seepage areas will need narrower spacings and will be harder and more expensive to reclaim than sands or areas only needing drainage of local water.