|
Protein Trials Background | |
|
Home About SEPWA Calendar of Events SEPWA Trials Membership Variety Info Contact Useful Links SEPWA News |
Nitrogen Management for Grain Protein Protein levels have declined in the SE of W A by about 0.5% over the last seven years. Increased intensity of cropping rotations, less frequent legume phases in rotations and higher yields, are suggested reasons for the decline. Low protein attracts a price discount and grade penalty. In paddocks with low N fertility, crop nitrogen requirements can vary greatly, depending on seasonal conditions and yield. The Nitrogen management for grain protein project was initiated by SEPWA in association with RAIN and PASE and gained GRDC funding for four years. The aim of the project is to develop grower skills in the Esperance port zone for managing grain protein. This is being done by testing and verifying existing decision models for nitrogen management through various trials and demonstrations in the area together with group workshops. Existing models and decision support systems will be adapted for the South-East areas and a Nitrogen Management manual will be published at the conclusion of the project. The project currently has about 15 farmer equipment sized trials and demonstrations that will be undertaken in 2003. Intensive trials will be run on 3 core representative sites for the Mallee, Sandplain and Ravensthorpe. Measurements at these sites include daily rainfall records, plant, tiller and head counts, biomass cuts, nitrogen uptake and yield and protein. The other demonstrations will be less intensive and include rainfall records, plant, tiller and head counts and grain protein testing. All sites will have soil samples tested and the intensive sites will also have a 1m-soil profile analyzed. The trials include sources of N comparisons, N timing strategies as well as various N rates of selected sources of N. Interested growers from local grower groups are undertaking these demonstrations. Growers were asked to specify their nitrogen management questions and investigations are designed to answer their individual issues. Supporting the trials and demos, a survey will be distributed to establish farmer perception of protein issues and concerns. Following the survey a detailed interview of selected growers will be conducted to determine local fertilizer practices. A number of farmer groups will be engaged in nitrogen management workshops, prioritizing new technologies to investigate and increase farmer skills in nitrogen management. Grain protein and its effect on quality, nitrogen dynamics in farming systems and use of nitrogen decision tools will be some of the workshops conducted. Interest in field walks and workshops is invited. For more information please contact
|
|
|
| ||