August 22, 2003

Lucerne Take Two

Southern wheatbelt research showing that wheat produced an 18 per cent higher yield after a
lucerne rotation than when following an annual pasture has helped fuel lucerne’s popularity in WA, where the crop now extends across 150,000 hectares.

To determine whether lucerne maintained its performance edge into a second rotation, the Grains Research & Development Corporation commissioned researcher, Sharon Dawson, to continue comparisons in phase rotation at Borden.

Lucerne and subterranean clover monocultures went head to head and during the establishment year, lucerne struggled to deliver 2.5 tonnes per hectare of legume biomass, which was 2.5 t/ha less than clover. However, during the second year, lucerne pasture equalled the annual pasture production of 4.5 t/ha and produced an additional 1.5 t/ha after the clover senesced.

Peas Peaking

Up to 400 kg per hectare wheat yield increases following a field pea rotation have attracted more
growers back to the crop in 2003/04.

By returning nitrogen to tired soils, a field pea rotation can also lift grain protein levels by two per cent in subsequent wheat crops, while its ability to withstand late season crop topping also provides excellent weed control options.

Growers determined to capture these agronomic and farming systems benefits have driven WA’s field pea crop close to 100,000 hectares in 2003/04, 30,000 ha more than last year.

To support increasing field pea interest, the Grains Research and Development Corporation is sponsoring Pulse Australia’s ‘Field Pea Focus 2003’ in Wooroloo from September 17 - 18. The conference will update growers and advisers on the most efficient production systems and the latest on black spot management.

Those interested should contact Fred Block, Tel 08 9956 8564 to register or find out more.

September 17-18
Field Pea Focus 2003 Western Australia - Pulse Australia - El Caballo Resort, Northam, Western Australia