Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Soil And Plant Analysis For Mineral Deficiencies, M D. Carroll

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

Soil and plant analysis (testing) has its supporters and its critics. Some of the differences are resolved if the distinction is made between the concept and the practice. Most people would agree with the concept of soil and plant analysis but the practice, or service offered, in any agricultural situation can be subject to valid criticism.

This article defines some of the principles involved and illustrates some of the problems, to provide a better understanding of the usefulness and the limitations of soil and plant analysis as a diagnostic aid in plant and animal nutrition.

Bulletin No 3861 - Kimberley Research Station - Progress Report 1972, J. R. Mcalpine, R. H. Gunn, P. Jakobsen, R. Wetselaar, J. J. Basinski, N. J. Thomson, A. G. L. Wilson, D. H. Mackenzie, A. J. Millington, D. F. Beech, P. C. Owen, B. G. Williams, C. G. Blunt, A. Mcr Holm

Bulletins - 3000 - 3999

The systematic investigations of the potential of the Ord area for irrigated farming began during the Second World War when the possibilities of damming the river were first examined, initial soil survey was carried out, and agricultural experiments started. The Kimberley Research Station was established on its present site in 1945. A year later the State and Commonwealth Governments agreed to finance and operate the Station jointly, with CSIRO and the Western Australian Department of Agriculture being responsible for research.

The construction of the main dam designed to store 5,675 million m" ( 4.6 million acre feet) was completed in …

Plant Cover For Bare And Salt Affected Land, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

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

The contributions made by this State to land reclamation were recognised at an international level last year.

Mr. C. V. Malcolm, a research officer with the Soils Division, presented a paper entitled "Establishing Shrubs in Saline Environments" at a symposium on Useful Wildland Shrubs, Their Biology and Utilisation, at Utah State University, Logan, Utah.

The conclusion to Mr. Malcolm's review, set out below, summarises much of what is known about shrub establishment in saline areas.

Metric Conversion For Agriculture, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

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

Farmers are already becoming involved with metric units and by 1974 conversion of the farming industry will be well advanced. Wool sales converted to metric measurements in August, 1971, and sales by the various grain marketing boards will be largely in metric terms in the 1972 harvest. Weather information to the public has been given in metric terms since September 1.

Frost Injury To Cereals In W.A, M W. Perry, A. G. P. Brown

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

Late spring frosts commonly reduce yields and affect the quality of grain in wheat crops, especially in the southern, eastern and north-eastern districts. The damage is usually localised on individual farms, but is sometimes widespread.

Barley, and oats to a lesser extent, are also affected. Average losses of wheat in Western Australia have been estimated at 3 to 5 per cent, per year, or about 2 million bushels on current production figures.

A Report On The Condition Of The Gascoyne Catchment, D G. Wilcox, E A. Mckinnon

Resource management technical reports

Severe flooding in Carnarvon followed heavy rains on the Gascoyne Catchment in February 1961. The flooding and erosion were extensive enough to suggest that run-off from the catchment was excessive. Lightfoot (1961)* reported that excess run-off was due to degradation of the catchment area. This report will describe the catchment area in terms of the degradation of its rangeland and its susceptibility to erosion.

Summary Of Trial Results 1972 (February 1973), N. R. Mckeown

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

1.0.0. Trials in Progress During 1972 observations were made on 16 small plot legume species trials and 11 grazing trials. In 1973 the small plot trials will be reduced to 10. This report summarizes the results from the grazing trials under the following headings:- 2.0.0. Seasonal conditions 3.0.0. Grazing experiments 3.1.0. 68MO23 - Legume grazing management trial, West Moora 3.2.0. 71LG17 - Comparison of production from Cyprus Medic and volunteer pasture 3.3.0. Comparison of production from tornafield medic,serradella and subterranean clover 3.3.1. 70ME2 - Walgoolan 3.3.2. 71WH13 - Wongan Hills 3.3.3. 69MO17 - Watheroo 3.3.4. 69LG24 - Lake Grace 3.4.0. …

Agriculture And Pollution In Western Australia. Part 2. Pollution Problems In W.A, C V. Malcolm

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

In Part I pollution was defined as a reduction in the usefulness of a resource and its significance in relation to resource fragility was discussed. Pollution problems in Western Australia are here considered in broad geographical regions with further subdivision into pollution types.

Long Term Rotation Trials, I C. Rowland

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

LONG TERM ROTATION TRIALS The results shown are the yield of grain harvested from crops grown under various rotations of pasture ley. W56H, 66M29, 67N4, 67BA6, 68E5, 68SG5, 69GE20

Don't Crop Areas Liable To Waterlogging, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

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

The increasing areas of crops being sown in high rainfall districts make it likely that many crcp areas include sections liable to severe waterlogging.

This report presents results of a 1970 trial which clearly show that sowing such sections is not economic.

Simplified Sheep Skin Tanning, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

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

Most people would agree that a white sheepskin rug adds a touch of luxury to any home.

The following method will produce dressed, woolly sheep skins with chemicals and equipment available to any householder.

Grain Sorghum In The Ord Valley : Three Crops A Year?, P J. May

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

High temperatures and ample irrigation water allow grain sorghum to be grown throughout the year on the Ord River Irrigation Area, and observations in 1969-70 indicated that it may be possible in this area to produce three crops in one year from one planting, by ratoon cropping.

This article describes the technique and discusses its possibilities on the Ord.

The sorghum midge, one of the worst pests of sorghum, could well make ratoon cropping impossible, but the midge has not yet been seen in this area.

Fisheries Report No 9 - The Fauna And Flora Of Monte Bello Islands, A. A. Burbidge Dr

Fisheries Research Reports

Two visits were made to the Monte Bello Islands in 1970 and 1971.

The aim of the visits was to examine the islands for the presence of native mammals and other fauna, and to explore the possibility of re-establishing fauna now extinct,

The first survey was carried out in conjunction with a more detailed examination of the Dampier Archipelago. The fisheries patrols vessel "Dampier" was used to reach the islands and as a base. Personnel were R. Johnstone (W.A. Museum), E.J. Little and J.D. Harman (crew of the "Dampier"), R.F. Dear and A.A, Burbidge, all from the Department of Fisheries …

Fisheries Report No Vii (7) - Results Of A Biological Survey Of The Millstream Area, A. A. Burbidge Dr

Fisheries Research Reports

Millstream has long been recognised as an unique and outstanding area, both scenically and from a biological aspect. The area of prime interest consists of a series of deep pools in the bed of the Fortescue River (about 15 miles long including Gregory Gorge) and the springs and streams which feed them. Most of the springs are in the sides of the river bed but one of the largest is about 1% miles to the south. This feeds a swift flowing stream running north into the river bed.

The first Europeans to see the area were the exploring party led …

Tree Establishment In The Wheatbelt, F Batini

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

Although most of the Forests Department's activity has centred around the State Forests in the higher rainfall areas, the Department has, for many years, encouraged the planting and conservation of trees throughout the farming areas.

Growing Plants With Salty Water, C V. Malcolm, S. T. Smith

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

LACK of good quality water in many parts of Western Australia often forces people to use salty water for irrigation and gardening.

This article gives some hints on how to reduce salt damage to plants when salty water must be used for irrigation or gardening.

It includes a table of plants which may be irrigated with water of varying degrees of salinity and lists precautions which should be taken for each group.

New Varieties Could Extend The Peach Canning Season, S R J Newton

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

THE peach canning industry in Western Australia at present has only a limited period of operation, coinciding with the harvest time of the major variety, Golden Queen.

New canning peach varieties tested at Stoneville Research Station could be used to extend the harvest period of canning peaches beyond that of the present standard variety, Golden Queen.

This would have obvious advantages for growers and a canning industry.

The South African variety Keimoes was the most promising canning peach tested. Tests on other varieties are continuing.

Trickle Irrigation, B Swan

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

THE introduction of trickle irrigation has caused tremendous interest among commercial irrigators. While not a new concept, its application was formerly restricted to glasshouse and nursery use.

Sprinkler Irrigation In Windy Conditions, K S. Cole, G. C. Brown

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

THOSE summer winds—be they cooling afternoon breezes or scorching easterlies—are no help to the irrigationist.

Where sprinklers are used wind can result in uneven irrigation, reduced yields and spoilt produce.

Low Cost Filter For Trickle Irrigation, C R. Coffman, G. L. Godley

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

CLEAR water is essential for a successful trickle irrigation scheme. Most water sources are not sufficiently clean and some form of filtration is necessary.

Farm Dams In High Rainfall Areas, G C. Brown

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

WATER storage is essential on most south-west farms to ensure adequate irrigation supplies in the dry summers. Government irrigation water supply schemes are limited and most farmers must supply their own water storage.

Testing Grain Crops, H M. Fisher

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

TODAY'S competitive markets for crop products stress the need for greater awareness of buyers' requirements and more detailed knowledge about our ability to supply them.

Crop varieties and their performance in different environments are important aspects of production potential.

Land Levelling With Scrapers, K R. Southon

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

A VARIETY of earth-moving equipment can be used in preparing land for flood irrigation, but the best machine for extensive earth moving over some distance is a power-driven, carry-all scraper.

Trial Results 1971, M L. Poole

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

This report summarizes data for the following trials:

Trial 1. Rape varieties x time of seeding - Mt Barker R.S.

Trial 2. Rape varieties x time of seeding - Gibson

Trial 3. Rape varieties x time of seeding - Badgingarra R.S.

Trial 4. Rape harvesting trial-moisture content - Mt. Barker R.S.

Trial 5. Time of seeding x rates of seeding safflower

Trial 6. Time of seeding x rates of seeding sunflower

Trial 7. Depth control drill trial on rape.

Trial 8. Method of seeding trial on rape.

Trial 9. Sandblast trial - EDRS - Failed.

Trial 10. Rape varieties x …

Irrigating With Underground Water, T C. Calder

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

MANY farmers in South-West areas are looking to irrigation to increase and diversify farm production, particularly on the sandy coastal plain where irrigation in summer is essential for vegetable, fruit and fodder production.

Maintenance P And S For Pastures In The Low Rainfall Areas., Tony Albertsen

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Maintenance P and S for pastures in the low rainfall area. To determine the best rates of Gypsum and a Phosphate Fertiliser required to maintain optimum pasture growth on old land. Stocking rate and rate of super on Cyprus Barrel Medic Pasture 66M30. To determine if topdressing annual medic pasture on heavy wheatbelt land increases carrying capacity or animal production per head. Also to determine the relationship between super rate and animal production. Continuous Cropping with N.P.S. To determine the number of continuous cropping on different soil types using N.P. and S fertilisers. 69NO1 T. HENDERSON· QUELAGETTING 1970, ·1971 MEAN …

Water Conservation Handbook, D J. Carder, G. W. Spencer

Natural resources published reports

This handbook is intended as a practical guide in some of the most common aspects of water conservation in the agricultural areas of Western Australia. It deals mainly with water conserved in dams for stock and domestic purposes on the farm.

the farm. The handbook does not attempt to deal with all aspects of handling and using water for agricultural purposes. This is a vast subject which extends into many fields such as engineering, irrigation and land use.

The guide does, however, touch on some important aspects of good management of agricultural land. It should be read in conjunction with …

Range Evaluation Using Aerial Photography, D G. Wilcox

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

The Department of Agriculture, in association with the University of Western Australia, recently undertook a study of the application of aerial photography to range condition monitoring in three rangeland types in the mulga zone of Western Australia.

The project was financed by the Rural Credits Development Fund and the C.S.l.R.O. Rangelands Research Unit.

This article deals in a general way with the possible use of aerial photography in rangeland administration.

1971 Field Experimental Results, T. O. Albertsen

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Maintenance P and S for pastures in low rainfall areas

66MO6, 67MO1, 68NO5, 68TS1, 65A1, 65C5, 69WH1,66KA7, 66LG1, 68LG1, 65N5, 67GE2, 67NO5, 66NA3, 66ME3, 66NO9.

Stocking rate and rate of super on Cyprus barrel Medic pasture

66M30.

Continuous cropping with N.P.S.

69NO1, 60NA1, 69ME1,69TS1.

Super rates for wheat

71GE5, 71GE6, 71GE40, 71J22, 71N15

Gypsum rates on rape

71GE31, 71TS24, 71TS25, 71NO22, 71NA22,71NA23, 71KA1, 71KA14, 71BY1, 71BR15, 71AL9.

Rates of phosphorus and sulphur on rape and wheat

71A16

Control Of Water Resources In W.A, T C. Calder

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

Use of underground and surface water is controlled so that the supplies are available to the general benefit of all domestic, industrial and agricultural users in a particular area.

Water is a valuable resource and its contamination and wastage must be avoided. This article outlines the provisions of the Rights in Water Act which is designed to protect water supplies from undue exploitation, contamination and wastage.