Dr Martin Harries1, Ms Stephanie Boyce1, Dr Imma Farre2, Dr Dion Nicol3, Ms Brenda Shackley4, Ms Grace Williams3
1Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), 2Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), 3Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), 4Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD)
Biography:
Martin has been involved agronomic research into broadleaf species and their integration into farming systems for the past 22 years. Currently he is Research Lead of the Western Farming Systems Project ($20m), overseeing field trials. Previously he has led other projects such as “Putting the Focus on Profitable Break Crop and Pasture Sequences in WA” ($14m) and “Expanding the sowing window for canola and lupins – what works in WA” ($2m).
Abstract:
In recent years substantial changes to Western Australian broadacre farming systems include large reductions in area of pasture and grain legumes, increased canola production and more frequent cereal plantings. In addition to this use of farm inputs such as pesticide and fertiliser have increased.
To understand the implications of these changes on production constraints across the rotation longer term trials that are managed, as much as possible, as per farmer practice are required.
To achieve this, we have utilised a similar approach as Eastern Australian colleagues, combining sowing time x rotation x nitrogen fertiliser rate treatments to simulate a wide range of current and alternative farming systems. In 2023 three trials of 4-6 hectares each were established at Northampton (Northern medium rainfall), Merredin (Central low rainfall) and Lake Grace (Southern medium rainfall). These will continue for at least another four years.
The aim of the project is to investigate strategies to increase profit across the rotation while managing weeds, diseases, soil fertility and risk. This focusses on a thorough analysis of the opportunities and risk of changing the timing of seeding, identification of system break options that deliver improved profit and acceptable risk and an analysis of management options for maintaining profitability under low greenhouse gas (GHG) emission scenarios.