AG in Focus

Department ofAgriculture and Food

In this issue

Incorporating research and development news from:

Fending off the Russian wheat aphid

How to manage unmulesed sheep

Breathing new life into biosolids

AG in F CUSWinter 2010

New news on noodle grains

1AG in Focus Winter edition 2010 www.farmingahead.com.au

Corrigin Farm Improvement Group

Sandy Turton, RepresentativePO Box 2, Corrigin WA 6375

P: (08) 9063 2203F: (08) 9063 2005W: www.cfig.asn.au

Evergreen Farming

John Duff, Executive OfficerPO Box 645, Belmont WA 6984

P: (08) 6272 4545F: (08) 6272 4555W: www.evergreen.asn.au

Facey Group

Felicity Astbury, Executive OfficerPO Box 129, Wickepin WA 6370

P: (08) 9888 1223F: (08) 9888 1295W: www.faceygroup.asn.au

Fitzgerald Biosphere Group

PO Box 49, Jerramungup WA 6337

P: (08) 9835 1127F: (08) 9835 1329W: www.fbg.org.au

Liebe Group

Chris O’Callaghan, Executive OfficerPO Box 90, Wubin WA 6612

P: (08) 9664 2030F: (08) 9664 2040W: www.liebegroup.asn.au

Mingenew-Irwin Group

Rachel Bagshaw, Executive OfficerPO Box 6, Mingenew WA 6522

P: (08) 9928 1645F: (08) 9928 1540W: www.mingenew-irwin.asn.au

North East Farming FuturesChris Wheatcroft, Executive OfficerPO Box 151, Morawa WA 6623

P: (08) 9971 1471F: (08) 9971 1284W: www.neffgroup.com.au

Partners in GrainJulianne Hill, Co-ordinator

P: (08) 9780 6108E: [email protected]: www.partnersingrain.org.au

Ravensthorpe Agricultural Initiative NetworkRodger Walker, Project OfficerPO Box 292, Ravensthorpe WA 6346

P: (08) 9838 1018F: (08) 9838 1635

Saltland Pastures AssociationLinda Vernon, Program ManagerPO Box 47, Trayning WA 6488

M: 0427 902 126W: crcsalinity.com.au/spa

SEPWA

Gemma Walker, Executive OfficerPO Box 365, Esperance WA 6450

P: (08) 9083 1134W: www.sepwa.org.au

WA No Tillage Farmers AssociationDavid Minkey, Executive OfficerMO82, UWA, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley WA 6009

P: (08) 6488 1647F: (08) 6488 7466W: www.wantfa.com.au

West Midlands GroupBronwyn Fox, Executive OfficerPO Box 100, Dandaragan WA 6507

P: (08) 9651 4008F: (08) 9651 4107W: www.wmgroup.org.au

Grower Group Contacts AG in Focus is a partnership publication between Kondinin Group and WA’s leading agricultural research bodies and industry experts. A unique publication, AG in Focus delivers the latest research and innovations that are of most relevance to agriculture, with the aim of helping you improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of your farming operation.

AG in Focus is published by Kondinin Information Services

Mailing address PO Box 1107 Bentley DC Bentley WA 6983

P: (08) 6250 4555; F: (08) 9361 5240E: [email protected];

[email protected] (general enquiries)

W: www.farmingahead.com.au; www.kondiningroup.com.au

What is AG in Focus

Contents

9

20

17

Department of Agriculture and Food, WA Main office 3 Baron-Hay Court South Perth WA 6151Mailing address Locked Bag 4 Bentley Delivery Centre WA 6983P: (08) 9368 3333 F: (08) 9474 2405E: [email protected]: www.agric.wa.gov.au

AG in F CUS

www.farmingahead.com.au

DISCLAIMER

This publication is for information purposes only. The publisher and its agents or employees shall not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by any person as a result of reliance on any of the contents hereof, whether such loss or damage arises from the negligence or misrepresentation or any act or omission of the publisher or its agents.

The opinions expressed in AG in FOCUS are not necessarily those of Kondinin Information Services. © Kondinin Information Services 2010. All material appearing in AG in FOCUS is the subject of copyright owned by Kondinin Group and is protected under the Australian Copyright Act (1968), international copyright and trademark law. No portion may be reproduced or duplicated by any process without the prior written permission of Kondinin Group. The Kondinin Group brand is licensed to Kondinin Information Services Pty Ltd from Grain Growers Association.

New leadership and focus to drive agriculture and food 3

Potential emerges for Japanese noodle market 4

WA takes lead in drought reform 5

Forensic biosecurity washes up 7

Managing non-mulesed sheep 8

New biserrula management package 9

WA science drives Australian canola 13

Waste not want not with biosolids for agriculture 17

Promoting, protecting, finessing 20

Plant testing = better fert decisions + $ savings 22

4

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29499-BBL-Ad-Agri in Focus-WA 307x220.indd 1 11/6/10 9:07:50 AM


Rob Delane l Director General

Department of Agriculture and Food

An exciting transformation and modernisation is underway at the Department of Agriculture and Food.


Photo: Catriona Nicholls

New leadership and focus to drive agriculture and food

DAFWA: New direction

At a glanceThe department is targeting those •areas along the supply chain that will make a real difference to the economic success of the sector.

By working closely with industry •partners, the department will be responsive to the changing needs of industry and its markets.

The Department of Agriculture and Food is emerging from its major ‘shake-up’ with a clear focus on building the economic potential of Western Australia’s $6 billion agrifood sector.

A new six-member executive team is now in place to lead the revitalised organisation and support its ongoing transformation to deliver more benefits for industry and the State.

“Our challenge is to be responsive to industry needs to ensure we are targeting those parts of the supply chain that really make a difference to the success of the sector,” Director General Rob Delane said.

From July 1, the department’s new structure comes into effect, comprising three industry directorates for grains, livestock and irrigated agriculture, which will be closely aligned with the industries they represent.

Other broader directorates include agricultural resource risk management (including border biosecurity and invasive species), regional operations and development, and corporate strategy and operations.

Introducing the teamThe new executive directors include:

• Peter Metcalfe, Grains Industries

• Kevin Chennell, Livestock Industries

• Terry Hill, Irrigated Agricultureand Diversification

• John Ruprecht, Agricultural ResourceRisk Management

• Greg Paust, Regional Operationsand Development

• Meg Somers, Corporate Strategyand Operations

Mr Delane said the executive directorshad excellent credentials and would help the department move forward to build industry productivity, profitability and resilience.

“The department is introducing a new business approach to what we do and focussing on innovation and economic development to boost Agriculture and Food’s contribution to the WA economy,” Mr Delane said.

Mr Delane said, in a major shift from thedepartment’s previous structure, the industry-focussed executives would have responsibility for policy, productivity, innovation, biosecurity, food and value adding, trade, sustainability and business development within each sector.

“This new structure and holistic approach will bring together all of the key factors that affect industry development and enable the department to be more responsive to the needs of industry and markets,” he said.

contact Rob DelaneE: [email protected]

Peter Metcalfe, Executive director, Grains Industries

Peter Metcalfe has established his career at the Department of Agriculture and Food in a range of roles during the past 23 years, most recently as Director for Grains Industry Development.

His other roles have included Development officer at Merredin and Northam, District leader at Three Springs, Program manager of Pulses and Oilseeds and Regional manager at Geraldton.

Peter has extensive experience in the grains industry. He has been integral in introducing a farming systems approach to the department’s work and has been heavily involved in the development of effective technology transfer programs to deliver value to industry.

Peter is still involved with the family farm at Mingenew.

Photo: DAFWA

Photo: DAFWA

AG in Focus Winter edition 2010 www.farmingahead.com.au4

Bill Lambe l Senior research officer


DAFWA: Ramen noodles

Potential emerges for Japanese noodle market

At a glanceResearch has revealed the opportunity •to grow wheat varieties in WA that meet the requirements for the Japanese ramen noodle market.

Several varieties showed good quality •performance and competitive agronomic potential.

WA now has the opportunity to •explore this market, develop supply of suitable wheat and enhance Australia’s reputation as a reliable producer of quality wheat.

The project will also go on to assess whether there is a price premium for such wheat, to help the grains industry consider the possibility of a future segregation.

Ramen noodles represent about 35 per cent of all noodles manufactured in Japan, which are consumed as a soup base by a population of more than 127 million.

Queensland currently supplies the market with Australian Prime Hard (APH) varieties,which are not produced in WA.

However, the research has proven WAhas the capability to grow and supply Japan with wheat that meets market requirements, including Prime Hard type protein levels.

The Department of Agriculture and Food undertook the research with co-funding from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).

The project examined both the quality and agronomic performance of seven wheat cultivars and two APH controls.

A visiting noodle expert from a major Japanese flour mill evaluated the wheats’ quality performance for sheet colour, specks, taste, handling, elasticity, strength and texture.

senior research officer Bill Lambe said the project demonstrated that high quality ramen noodles could be made from selected varieties of wheat grown in WA.

“The results indicate a high degree of confidence that Katana and two crossbreds would meet or exceed the sensory requirements for ramen noodles,” he said.

Two years of field trials were also undertaken at Mullewa, Merredinand Mukinbudin.

Development officer Ben Curtis said Axe,Katana, Sunco, Crusader and Gregoryyielded well, although they were still behind the control varieties of Bonnie Rock, Carnamah and Wyalkatchem.

“Crop yields were down due to the tightspring but this made it a good year for high protein,” Mr Curtis said.

“We realise to achieve the necessary protein we will normally have to have good nutrition to make sure we have the highest chance of getting into that high protein window for ramen noodles.”

Mr Lambe said the encouraging resultspointed to a future opportunity for WA wheat growers.

“Recent changes to variety classification requirements for Australian Hard andAustralian Premium Wheat in WA will facilitate new market opportunities for these varieties in the future,” he said.

“If this wheat can be grown in more locations, it will be good for Australia’s reputation as a reliable supplier of wheat for ramen noodles.”

contact Bill LambeP: (08) 9368 3607E: [email protected]


A research project has revealed potential for Western Australia to supply Japan with wheat for ramen noodles.

Photo: DAFWA

Japanese noodle expert Yosuke Shinkai and DAFWA research officer Dr Larisa Cato evaluate some WA ramen noodles.

Photo: DAFWA

DAFWA Tasting Panel member Peter Marrett and Japanese noodle expert Yosuke Shinkai from Nippon Flour Mills cook some ramen noodles for evaluation.


DAFWA: Drought reform

At a glanceThe Drought Reform Pilot has three •broad aims: to strengthen farm businesses, sustain farming families and build resilient rural communities.

The program will help businesses and •communities respond and adapt to current tough financial times, as well as plan for the future.

The pilot aims to shift landholders’ •response to drought from crisis management to long-term enterprise risk management.

The Department of Agriculture and Food has joined with the Federal Government to trial the new approach to drought assistance, which is intended to replace the existing Exceptional Circumstances(EC) arrangements.

The pilot region has been selected based on previous recipients of EC and extendsfrom Karratha to Esperance (see Figure 1).

Department Senior policy officer Kay Bodman said during the next 12 months, WA farmers within the targeted region, would have the opportunity to develop new skills to help plan for their future.

“The drought reform measures are all about helping farming communities get prepared and build resilient businesses for the long term,” she said.

Ms Bodman said the pilot program wouldalso test a range of new measures, including farm planning, on-farm investment, farmer training, family income support and community grants.

“Under the trial, reimbursement grants of up to $60,000 will be available to eligible

farmers to invest in strategic initiatives to help them adapt to future challenges,” she said.

Farmers sign up for Farm PlanningA series of interactive Farm Planning

Program workshops in the Drought Pilot area are expected to begin during late July.

The program is funded by the WA Rural Business Development Corporation andcoordinated by the Department of Agriculture and Food, while the workshops will be managed by Curtin University’sAgribusiness Management Group.

curtin Agribusiness’s John Noonan said the program would use innovative workshop style modules, focussing on long-term farm planning.

Mr Noonan said participants would gainan indepth understanding of their businesses and learn about options and resources to build sustainable, profitable enterprises.

“Farmers will be asked to identify the issues that are most likely to be important to them, their family, their farm and local community and industry for the next five to 10 years,” he said.

“The process also encourages participants to examine a range of factors that impact on their on farm activities, which also underpin production. We’ve been testing the modules with farmers during recent months and the feedback has been exceptional.”

The training covers risk management and financial planning, personal and business goals, as well as managing the impact of variable climatic seasons on production.

Drought Reform Pilot packages:•Farm Planning: assistance for

farmers to undertake a training program to enhance their business planning skills.

•Building Farm Businesses: grants of up to $60,000 to help farmers better manage and prepare for future challenges.

•Farm Family support: income support to help families meet basic household needs.

•stronger Rural communities: grants of up to $300,000 for eligible local groups experiencing significant hardship due to an agricultural downturn to build the resilience of their rural community and assist the management of future hardship.

• Farm social support: a better coordinated social support network to meet mental health, counselling and social needs of farming families and rural communities.

•Farm Exit support: grants of up to $170,000 to support farmers who decide to sell their farm, including retraining and relocation expenses.

• Beyond Farming: a program for farmers who want to know more about opportunities that arise when they sell up or retire.

John Noonan Curtin Agribusiness

Kay Bodman l Senior policy officer


WA takes lead in drought reform

Photo: Fleur Muller


A pilot of national drought reform measures kicks off in Western Australia this month to help prepare farm businesses and rural communities for future challenges.


DAFWA: Drought reform

AUGUSTA

BUNBURY

PERTH

LEEMAN

DONGARA

GERALDTON

NORTHAM

KATANNING

NARROGIN

DALWALLINU

MT.MAGNET

ALBANY

RAVENSTHORPE

MEEKATHARRA

KALGOORLIE

ESPERANCE

LEONORA

NEWMAN

PORT HEDLAND

CARNARVON

��

Legend

Target shires

Shire boundaries

Highways

MORAWA

KARRATHA

ONSLOWEXMOUTH

MARBLE BAR

FIGURE 1 Pilot of drought reform measures in Western Australia

Source: DAFWA

AUGUSTA

BUNBURY

PERTH

LEEMAN

DONGARA

GERALDTON

NORTHAM

KATANNING

NARROGIN

DALWALLINU

MT.MAGNET

ALBANY

RAVENSTHORPE

MEEKATHARRA

KALGOORLIE

ESPERANCE

LEONORA

NEWMAN

PORT HEDLAND

CARNARVON

��

Legend

Target shires

Shire boundaries

Highways

MORAWA

KARRATHA

ONSLOWEXMOUTH

MARBLE BAR

Farmers in Western Australian agricultural areas now have access to more information about the likely effects of climate change following the release of a series of notes on climate adaptation by the Department of Agriculture and Food.

Practices and system innovation manager Dr David Bowran said climate change was already affecting agriculture through drier seasons, but individual growers have shown a strong ability to adapt.

“Computer modelling indicates the next two decades will present many climate challenges in all agricultural regions,” Dr Bowran said.

“We hope these publications will promote planning for climate

change and greater discussion of both the risks and opportunities.”

The climate projections used by the department are based on worst case scenario modelling by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and CSIRO as atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions are tracking to this scenario.

During the next 20 years, rainfall from May–October is modelled to be 10–20 per cent less over most agricultural areas. This would follow similar percentage declines that occurred from 1976–2008 as compared to the period from 1910–1975.

The overall effect was shifting existing climate zones with the south and west, Dr Bowran said. This meant that future farming systems at Manjimup might look like Boyup Brook today; that

Information on adapting farming systems to climate change

Localised group workshops will be held over five sessions with an additional one-on-one session with a facilitator.

To be eligible to participate, the farm business must be located in the Drought Pilot region and at least one member of the business must contribute at least 75 per cent of their labour to the enterprise. Participants must also derive at least 50% of their income from the farm business.

“Eligibility to participate in the workshops is not means tested, so interested parties in the Drought Pilot region should register their interest as soon as possible,” Mr Noonan said.

“Where possible, as many members of the farm’s business decision making process are encouraged to participate, including accountants and consultants.”

There is no charge to participate in the program and up to $1000 is available for costs associated with attending.

For more information about the Farm Planning Program and a list of the local government areas included in the Drought Pilot visit www.daff.gov.au/droughtpilot.

contact Rita RosmanP: 1800 198 231E: [email protected]: [email protected]

Carnamah might resemble Morawa; Corrigin may be like Merredin now; and Katanning’s climate might be more like Nyabing.

“Mean temperatures are mostly expected to be 1 –2 degrees warmer,” he said.

“The combination of increased warmth plus less rain has the potential to have a significant effect on plant and animal production.”

A broad range of impacts have been identified in the Farmnotes and a range of possible adaptation responses also outlined.

Farmnotes 411 to 415 can be downloaded from the department’s website at www.agric.wa.gov.au/publications.

Photo: Megan Hele


DAFWA: Biosecurity

At a glanceA scoping study to identify the •potential risk of exotic fungal spores being introduced into WA via interstate and overseas visitors has commenced.

The project is now examining how •washing can remove or reduce fungal spores from different fabric types.

Forensic science is being used to •collect samples off clothing and mass spectrometry is being assessed to see if it can be used to identify spores.

The second phase of a research project is about to commence to detect and identify potentially damaging fungal spores coming into Australia or moved around the country via clothing on overseas or interstate visitors.

The Department of Agriculture and Food, in partnership with MurdochUniversity, is leading the joint initiative for the Cooperative Research Centre forNational Plant Biosecurity with funding from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).

Researchers have been using forensic evidence tape, commonly used by police in crime scenes, to collect samples from colleagues who have been in the field within and out of the State.

All in the washPlant pathologist and project leader

Dominie Wright said the project would now

examine whether washing clothes successfully removed spores from clothing.

Ms Wright said the research had alreadyexamined how different fabrics attract and retain spores.

“The research so far has found the size of the fibres and the weave of the fabrics have different attraction properties for spores,” she said.

“It appears really tight fabrics will not hold onto spores, stretch poplin attracts and releases spores easily, while there is a variable performance from different spores on fabrics such as denim and fleece.

“The washing experiments will examine whether and how many of the spores are removed during washing. Further work will be needed in the future to determine spore viability after it has travelled on fabric and been through the wash.”

Together with Murdoch university the researchers have also been investigating whether mass spectrometry can be used to identify spores to genus or even species level.

“While the work has been successful, more research is needed to see if a mixture of spores can be identified and how we can use this technology and information,” Ms Wright said.

Still more to knowShe said as the project progressed it was

generating more questions about the influence of fabrics and spore transfer.

“There is potential that someone visiting the countryside overseas or interstate could return with spores from a disease, such as leaf rust, stem rust or stripe rust, which could potentially cause significant losses to Australia’s grain crops,” Ms Wright said.

“This research will provide a better understanding of the situation so that effective tools and advice can be developed for travellers to minimise this biosecurity risk and protect Australia’s valuable agriculture and environmental resources.”

The researchers are expected to report on their findings in 2011.

contact Dominie WrightP: (08) 9368 3875E: [email protected]

Dominie Wright l Plant pathologist


Forensic biosecurity washes up


A research project is underway to identify how to reduce the risks from potentially damaging fungal spores being brought into Australia via clothing on overseas or interstate arrivals.

DAFWA plant pathologist Dominie Wright is researching how to reduce the risks from potentially damaging fungal spores being brought into Australia on the clothing of visitors from interstate or overseas.

Photo: DAFWA


DAFWA: Sheep health

Julia smith l Research officer


Managing non-mulesed sheep

At a glanceManagement changes to sheep •husbandry have achieved effective flystrike control of the Department of Agriculture and Food’s non-mulesed sheep flock.

Worm and dag control, timing of •shearing and crutching and the strategic use of chemical treatments in association with breeding are being used.

Planning is essential to best manage •operational challenges, such as treatment withholding periods and seasonal variation.

The department is currently expecting the third drop of non-mulesed lambs, since it announced it would cease mulesing in order to develop the best information and recommendations to manage flystrike.

More than 10,000 lambs have been born atdepartment research stations since it stopped mulesing and about 5000 lambs have been monitored as part of this program.

The flocks have been managed to replicate a commercial sheep operation and mulesing alternatives, like clips, are not being used.

Conditions during 2008 were extremelyconducive to flystrike, while the dry spring of 2009 minimised the risk (see Table 1).

Worm and dag controlControlling scouring and dags can be the

most important factor influencing breech strike.

At one research site, lambs with a dag score of 4 were seven times more likely to get breech strike than a lamb with a dag score of 1.

During 2009, Mount Barker hoggetsscoured during winter and had high dag scores by crutching time during September. A long-acting chemical had been applied at the end of July, which successfully managed the risk of breech strike until crutching.

A key activity for the department is minimising dags through effective worm control at all of the sites.

Management strategiesThe department has found it is beneficial

to coincide time of shearing or crutching just before or at the start of the fly season.

The strategic use of chemical treatments has also proven to be effective.

However, the challenge has beenmanaging the different protection lengths and withholding periods in association with time of shearing and crutching and export turnoff.

During 2008, shearing was delayed due to a wet spring so chemical treatments during this time were limited. Wet weather also affected the protective period. As a result, last year’s shearing was brought forward at some sites to better manage this high-risk period.

Breech wrinkleResearch has shown there is a strong

relationship between breech wrinkle and flystrike. A scoring system has been developed for breech wrinkle, which indicates an increased prevalence of breech strike for animals with scores of 4–5.

During 2009, the flocks had an average breech wrinkle score of less than 2.5 meaning they were generally plain.

During 2008, the wrinkliest sheep were culled from the 2008-drop mob as weaners at Avondale research station. The ewes from this mob were further selected for plainness and are expecting their first lambs.

Australian Sheep Breeding Values for breech wrinkle have been developed to help farmers breed sheep that have a natural resistance to flystrike.

Where to?The researchers are looking forward to

the 2010 season and the first opportunity to manage non-mulesed ewes over pregnancy and lactation.

For the latest information on managing non-mulesed sheep visit www.agric.wa.gov.au/mulesing.

contact Julia smithP: (08) 9892 8450E: [email protected]

TABLE 1 Percent of breech strike during 2009

Research station Year/ drop No. in flock No. breech strike % breech strike

GSARI(Katanning)

Hoggets 380 0 0

Lambs 364 6 1.6

Mt Barker Hoggets 1000 8 0.8

Lambs 225 6 2.7

Esperance Lambs 145 2 1.4

*Monitored in DAFWA’s ‘Transition from Mulesing’ project

Source: DAFWA

Photo: DAFWA


The Department of Agriculture and Food is successfully managing its flock of non-mulesed sheep on its research stations as part of its ‘Transition from Mulesing’ project.

2009 drop non-mulesed lambs at DAFWA’s Esperance research station. Note the score 4+ wrinkled breech on the left lamb, compared with the score 2 on the right.


DAFWA: Pasture

At a glanceA comprehensive management •package will soon be available to help farmers grow biserrula and assess its economic value.

Biserrula is an extremely hard-seeded •annual pasture legume that can be used for grazing, improve soil fertility and assist weed management.

Biserrula is a robust, deep-rooted •pasture with high nutritional value.

Biserrula was domesticated in WA •and is now sown across southern Australia and exported to some Mediterranean countries.

The new publication, Growing biserrula to improve grain and livestock production is an improve grain and livestock production is an improve grain and livestock productionextensive guide to pasture establishment and management, livestock grazing, crop rotations and economics. It outlines the key management steps to ensure the success of this species in mixed farming systems.

A feature of the package is eight farmer case studies, which highlight farmers’ experiences with biserrula throughout the agricultural area. One section is dedicated to the issue of managing biserrula to avoid the risk of photosensitivity in sheep.

Biserrula is a native Mediterranean plantthat was domesticated 15 years ago by the Cooperative Research Centre for Legumesin Mediterranean Agriculture (CLIMA),where department research officer Dr Angelo Loi played a leading role.

A work in progressDuring 1997, the first cultivar Casbah was

released, followed during 2002 by the later flowering Mauro. Now thousands of hectaresof biserrula have been planted from

Geraldton to Esperance, with 50–100 tonnes of seed (15–20,000ha) sold each year.

Biserrula has gained favour as a valuable early and long season feed source for livestock, for its nitrogen fixation characteristics and its role in the management of herbicide resistant weeds in cropping systems.

casbah is suited to intensive cropping systems and should be cropped in its second year, while Mauro is better suited to longer pasture phases.

Both cultivars germinate upon autumn rain, providing a source of early feed, and remain green for up to four weeks longer than traditional sub-clover pastures during spring. During summer biserrula provides a good feed source with a higher nutritional value than cereal stubbles.

Biserrula is suited to a range of soil types (pH 5–8), but performs best on loamy soilsand clay loams. Avoid deep sandy soils. Biserrula does not tolerate extended periods of waterlogging.

The flexibility of biserrula is demonstrated by the case studies in the package, which illustrate different strategic uses of the pasture on properties at Morowa, Dowerin,Tincurrin, Ravensthorpe, Chapman Valley,York and Carnamah (see case study onpage 10).

The Growing biserrula to improve grain and livestock production package will be available livestock production package will be available livestock productionon request from department offices or online at www.agric.wa.gov.au by searching for ‘biserrula’.

contact Natalie HoggP: (08) 9690 2081E: [email protected]

A comprehensive agronomic and economic management package for biserrula pasture will soon be available from the Department of Agriculture and Food.

Photo: DAFWA

Photo: DAFWA

Natalie Hogg l Development officer

Angelo Loi l Research officer


New biserrula management package


A new management package for biserrula pasture is soon to be released by the Department of Agriculture and Food.

Photo: DAFWA


DAFWA: Pasture

Farmer information

Farmer: Michelle and Phil Bear

Location: Dowerin

Property size: 3000ha arable

Annual rainfall: 300mm

Soil types: Sand, loam, gravel, clay

Enterprises: Crop 50%; pasture 50%; 3500 sheep

Area sown to biserrula: 900ha

Phil and Michelle Bear started growing biserrula on their Dowerin property nine years ago.

The couple decided on the annual legume instead of a serradella mix because it was much cheaper.

Since then Casbah biserrula has become an integral part of their whole farm operation.

The Bears sow biserrula on their lower performing paddocks, with the vision of using its nitrogen fixing ability to increase their crop production.

Phil said biserrula established well, even in dry years, and continued to perform — even better than sub-clover paddocks.

“If we get summer rains the clover comes up quickly but then dies off. Whereas, the biserrula comes up and usually holds on until the proper break comes,” he said.

“It managed to establish well in dry years, when nothing else did. It would have been a disaster in these years if we didn’t have biserrula. It has helped me to maintain my flock size, as it provides good quality feed.”

The operation’s stocking rate is fairly high and the sheep are grazed on biserrula on a three or four week rotation during spring when photosensitivity can be a problem.

Biserrula case studyIn one year the Bear’s ewes

and some lambs experienced photosensitisation in one paddock.

“It wasn’t that much of an issue,” Phil said.

Herbicide costs have been cut by using stock to graze radish on biserrula paddocks, while weed wipers are used to control ryegrass without impacting too much on the biserrula.

The only challenge is keeping on top of aphids during spring, which are easily controlled by an insecticide treatment.

Phil said the long-term benefits of biserrula meant he was able to carry more sheep and improve wheat yields.

“It’s a sustainability thing,” he said.

“If we can get half the farm in it, it will make life easier.”

At a glanceDAFWA has commenced on-farm •audits of GM canola growers.

The audits seek to verify that on-farm •handling processes conform to the required protocols in the stewardship and licensing agreements

Four new DAFWA • Farmnotes have been produced on GM canola

This is the first year WA growers have been able to grow GM canola commercially, afteran exemption was announced by the State Government during January.

More than 300 farmers from throughoutthe agricultural region have planted GMcanola this season, across 70,000 hectares.

Department practises and systems innovation manager Dr David Bowran said the audits would give the grains industry and the community confidence in this first year of commercial GM canola production.

“The audits support the private sector’s endeavours to manage Roundup Ready®

canola effectively throughout the supply

chain to protect the integrity of both GMand non-GM canola,” he said.

“Most people will be growing GM canolafor the first time, other than the trial participants last year, and they will not have been exposed to the very extensive licensing requirements. Department officers have been trained to assist growers through this process and ensure they satisfy the audit requirement checklist.”

The audit covers records and administration, seed receipt and planting, crop growth and harvest and grain delivery.

An overall report on outcome of the audits will be provided to State Parliament early next year. No growers will be identified in the document.

“This process will help growers follow the comprehensive crop management and herbicide resistance management plans,” Dr Bowran said.

“There are also detailed procedures for grain storage and delivery for GM grain.The audit will underpin the WA grains industry commitment to supply GM canolaand non-GM canola to meet customerspecifications.”

GM farm audits start

“The department is committed to providing information on GM crops togrowers and the community to improve the sustainability and profitability of the WA grains sector,” Dr Bowran said.

The department has also produced four new GM Farmnotes to assist growers as the Farmnotes to assist growers as the Farmnotesseason progresses:

• Canola variety guide in WA 2010Farmnote 406Farmnote 406Farmnote

• Roundup Ready canola in WAFarmnote 407Farmnote 407Farmnote

• Weed control in non-GM canolaFarmnote 408Farmnote 408Farmnote

• On-farm segregation of GM and non-GMcanola Farmnote 409Farmnote 409FarmnoteThe department has also developed a map

documenting the number of properties and the number of hectares sown to GM canolain each shire.

The map, the Farmnotes and other Farmnotes and other Farmnotesinformation including the areas planted to GM canola are available on the department’swebsite at www.agric.wa.gov.au/gmcrops/

contact Dr Rosalie MccauleyP: (08) 9368 3787E: [email protected]

Photo: Catriona Nicholls


Dr David Bowran l Practises and systems innovation manager


The Department of Agriculture and Food has started conducting audits on farmers who are growing genetically modified (GM) canola in Western Australia.

www.cyoc.wa.edu.auPh: 1800 627 256

Courses at C.Y.O’Connor

Agriculture and Rural Operations courses available:

• Certificate II, III, IV and Diploma in Agriculture • Certificate III in Agriculture (Horse Breeding) RTE30703 • Certificate II, III and IV in Shearing RTE20403, 31503, 40403 • Certificate II and III in Rural Operations RTE20703, 31903 • Certificate II in Wool Handling RTE20303 • Certificate II in Advanced Wool Handling RTE32003 • Certificate III in Wool Clip Preparation RTE31403 • Certificate IV in Wool Classing RTE40303

C.Y. O’Connor College provides a wide range of courses with enrolments taken throughout the year. With flexible study options that fit with your schedule, we can help you get the skills you want.

Gain formal recognition for the knowledge you already have with recognition of prior learning.

C.Y. O’Connor is working with farmers and rural business to improve the training courses on offer in the Wheatbelt both now and in the future.

The College has developed a more flexible training environment that provides students with more options when undertaking training. Many of our agricultural and rural operations courses are offered via flexible delivery. Flexible delivery allows you to study and complete some of your units from home through the internet or via correspondence in your own time.

In many cases, existing knowledge can earn you a qualification, or at least some units of study toward a full qualification. This form of assessment is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). RPL is being offered at a 50% discount on normal course fees until the end of the year.

The College is also working toward offering higher qualifications in the near future. This will give students a pathway from certificate level qualifications leading toward higher level attainment. This will enable you to study in your chosen field without leaving the Wheatbelt.

Flexible and relevant training for the Wheatbelt


W/Prof Kadambot siddique l Director

The UWA Institute of Agriculture

UWA: Canola

At a glanceWA’s canola plantings are the •backbone of the Australian canola industry.

UWA-based innovative research •company, Canola Breeders, has been instrumental in the continual scientific development of canola in Australia.

As a result of this research, during •2009 Canola Breeders released the world’s first hybrid triazine canola variety.

During the past decade the canola industry has experienced a major resurgence. Western Australia’s canola yield per hectare is now 14 per cent higher than the Australian average and the area planted to canola in the State is approaching one million hectares. The University of Western Australia (UWA) and its Institute of Agriculture have played a significant part in providing industry with cutting edge canola technology and research.

canola production in Australia is currently dominated by the consistently high production in WA.

The State has averaged 57% of national canola production during the past five years and exceeded 60% of the nation’s production in three of those years. The five-year average national canola yield has dropped from 1.49 tonnes per hectare to 1.10t/ha since 1993, while during the same period in WA the average yield has increased from 1.05t/ha–1.25t/ha (see Figure 1).

The road to technologyThe agricultural minds at UWA had the

foresight to prioritise canola pre-breeding. The first step on the road to today was in 2001 with the formation of Canola BreedersWestern Australia Pty Ltd (Canola Breeders).Canola Breeders is a unique public-privatemodel for plant breeding in Australia with the technical work based at UWA and an office also in Melbourne. The company isfunded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), the

Council of Grain Grower Organisations(COGGO) and UWA.

During 2002, a leading European canola breeding company, Norddeutsche Pflanzenzucht Hans-Georg Lembke KG(NPZ), also joined Canola Breeders.

During 2000 one of the first jointly supported Australian Research Council(ARC) projects under taken by COGGO andCanola Breeders looked at crossing canolawith Brassica juncea, or Indian mustard, a species with special attributes, including blackleg resistance and drought tolerance. The ‘grand children’ of the original crosses are now producing great results.

Continuing researchFigure 2 shows results from a three-year

analysis of Canola Breeders lines at morethan 30 sites throughout Australia. Three new breeding lines (in yellow) are the ‘grandchildren’ of COGGO-supported pre-breeding research.On the right side (in red) are new generation hybrid triazine (HT™)varieties from Canola Breeders. CanolaBreeders has made rapid progress in the release of varieties adapted to the grainbelt of WA (see Table 1).Canola Breeders nowhas national impact with the 2009 release of the world’s first hybrid triazine (HT) varietyCB™ Jardee HT which was quickly followedby CB™ Tumby HT and CB™ Mallee HT.Canola Breeders released the earliestmaturing hybrid Roundup Ready® canola during 2010, known as CB™ Eclipse RR.

The importance of canola pre-breedingAccording to UWA Institute of

Agriculture Director, Winthrop Professor Kadambot Siddique, there are several reasons for the increase in relative canola production in WA during recent years. One main reason has been the prolonged drought conditions in eastern Australia as well as WA’s increased investment and research into pre-breeding and breeding activities during the past decade.

“Most of this additional investment hasbeen through UWA, for example ARClinkage projects, or through private

FIGURE 1 Annual production (thousand tonnes) of canola in Western Australia*

Source: ABARE Australian Crop Report, Australian Commodity Statistics (various)

* Compared with total Australian production 1982–2009. Five-year average yield (t/ha) in WA compared with national moving average.

Photo: W/Prof Kadambot Siddique

Canola production — Australia vs WA

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Professor Wallace Cowling inspecting hybrid canola development. How many readers of Ag in Focus remember their attitude towards canola in

the year 2000? This was a bleak year for WA canola growers. The State’s canola production was 30 per cent of national production, and yield per hectare was 24% lower than the national average. Today it is quite a different story.

UWA canola science supports rapidly growing canola industry


UWA: Canola

investments in breeding programs aided by significant co-investment from GRDCand growers through COGGO,” ProfSiddique said.

During the past decade pre-breeding activities in WA’s western region have attracted significant amounts of funding.

More than $5.3M in competitive researchfunding (about $2M from GRDC) has beeninvested in canola pre-breeding at UWA. Outputs include introgression of valuable genes (including disease resistance) into B. napus from related species; the discovery of napus from related species; the discovery of napushigh levels of hybrid vigour in crosses from international sources; genotypic responses to macro- and micro-nutrients in canola; the development of molecular genetics to assist pre-breeding, and more than 94 publications in scientific journals.

As a result of this push towards canola research, eight PhD and MSc students have

completed their degrees in Brassica-related research since 2002 and a further seven students have recently submitted their thesis for examination or are currently enrolled in higher degrees.

Joint effortPre-breeding research was initially carried

out with co-funding from the Export Grains Centre Ltd and GRDC, and subsequentlywith funding from GRDC, the AustralianCentre for International AgriculturalResearch (ACIAR), the Australian ResearchCouncil (ARC) and UWA.

Some of the key outcomes of Brassica pre-breeding activities at UWA include:

• New genes transferred from B. junceaand B. carinata to canola quality B. carinata to canola quality B. carinataB. napus and lines made available to B. napus and lines made available to B. napusnational canola breeders for testing.

• Hybrids between canola from Australia,China and India shown to have veryhigh yield potential across countries, and germplasm made available to Australian breeders.

• Identification of many new Brassica host Brassica host Brassicaresistances to diseases including blackleg, Sclerotinia, downy mildew, white leaf spot and white rust.

• Determination of the mechanisms ofBrassica host resistance to diseases Brassica host resistance to diseases Brassicaincluding blackleg, Sclerotinia, and downy mildew; including the first high-level host resistance to Sclerotinia for oilseed Brassicas.

• Research into durability of Brassica host Brassica host Brassicaresistances to pathogens for effective deployment of durable Brassica host Brassica host Brassicaresistances.

• Development of new screeningtechniques across a wide range of Brassicahosts in relation to several pathogens, including downy mildew, Sclerotinia, white leaf spot and white rust.

• Identification of canola genotypes withincreased efficiency in acquisition and utilisation of nutrients (potassium, nitrogen, sulphur and phosphorus).

• Characterisation of plant-microbeinteractions in the rhizosphere soil of canola genotypes differing in nutrient efficiency.

• Creation of completely novelgermplasms such as hexaploid, Super Brassica, and new introgression lines for the exploitation as oil seed producing plants or vegetables.

• Building capacity in canola genetics,breeding and production by training young graduates in plant breeding and crop physiology.

The next stepThere are still major threats and

constraints on future canola production in WA that could change its current buoyant adoption by growers. Threats include blackleg disease in high rainfall regions, Sclerotinia disease in warm moist coastal regions, and increase in frequency and intensity of droughts due to climate change and variability.

However, Prof Siddique predicts two newinnovations will drive WA canola production forward — hybrid triazine tolerant canola, and genetically modified (GM) canola.Theintroduction of HT and Roundup Readycanola during 2010 should provide the basis for another surge of canola production.

“This is only the beginning. The canola industry needs further pre-breeding and variety specific production agronomy research and development in the western region to underpin this increase in production,” Prof Siddique said.

contact Winthrop Professor Kadambot siddiqueE: [email protected]

Professor Wallace cowlingE: [email protected]

TABLE 1 Varieties released by Canola Breeders since incorporation during 2001

2004 B. napus CB Trilogy Triazine tolerant OP canola

2004 B. napus CB Tribune Triazine tolerant OP canola

2004 B. napus CB Trigold Triazine tolerant OP canola

2005 B. napus CB Boomer Triazine tolerant OP canola

2006 B. napus CB Tanami Triazine tolerant OP canola

2008 B. napus CB Argyle Triazine tolerant OP canola

2009 B. napus CB Scaddan Triazine tolerant OP canola

2009 B. napus CB Telfer Triazine tolerant OP canola

2009 B. napus CB Jardee HT Hybrid triazine tolerant canola

2009 B. napus CB Tumby HT Hybrid triazine tolerant canola

2010 B. napus CB Mallee HT Hybrid triazine tolerant canola

2010 B. napus CB Eclipse RR Roundup Ready® hybrid canola

Source: Canola breeders

FIGURE 2 Results from a three-year analysis of Canola Breeders lines at more than 30 sites

Source: COGGO Ltd The Grower and Canola Breeders Western Australia Pty Ltd

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Curtin: Biosolids

Dr Hannah Rigby l Research fellow

Dr Deborah Pritchard l Senior lecturer in agronomy

Department of Environment and Agriculture, School of Science, Curtin University of Technology

Waste not want not with biosolids for agriculture

The old saying “somebody’s waste is another man’s treasure” is being put into practice with Curtin’s investigation of the use of biosolids for agriculture. Looking at the various ways biosolids can be applied to soils, researchers are identifying the benefits and also the risks this sustainable resource offers.

Inside and out: Glasshouse experiments were carried out alongside field investigations.

At a glanceMost of the 21,000 dry tonnes of •biosolids produced in Perth per year are used beneficially with 80 per cent directly land applied to agriculture or forestry, and 17% composted.

Curtin University is continuing to •research the risks and benefits to WA agriculture, of applying various forms of biosolids to paddocks.

To date research has revealed alum •sludge are an effective source of nitrogen and other plant nutrients.

sewage sludge is the solid organic residual remaining after wastewater treatment, and is a sustainable source of nutrients and organic matter and an effective alternative to synthetic fertilisers, acting as a replacement for nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), and improving soil properties and crop yield.

Phosphorus is a limited resource, with world reserves predicted to be exhausted by the end of this century, hence every effort must be made to recycle phosphorusfrom sources such as organic wastes and wastewater. Before use in agriculture, sewage sludge undergoes further treatment or stabilisation to reduce odour and pathogen content, reducing health risks, and is dewatered to produce a less bulky product and reduce transport costs. The stabilised product is referred to as ‘biosolids’, and depending on the level of treatment it has received, may be suitable

for land application in agriculture, forestry, mine-site rehabilitation or in horticulture. Most of the 21,000 dry tonnesof biosolids produced in the metropolitan area in Western Australia annually are used beneficially with 80 per cent directly land applied to agriculture or forestry, and 17% composted.

Working out wasteA number of research programs have

been carried out by Curtin University toexamine the benefits and risks of the land application of biosolids in agriculture in WA including:

• Nutrient availability (predominantlynitrogen and phosphorus)

• The effect on soil acidity

• Bioavailability of heavy metals

• The risk of pathogen transfer.

Investigations carried out by Water Corporation WA, are looking at strategies toreduce fly breeding as well as methods for detection of faecal contamination.

The research has looked at a range of biosolid products, such as dewatered biosolids cake, lime-amended biosolids and pelletised biosolids.

Much of the work has been carried outby the Australian National Biosolids Research Program (NBRP), which investigated the benefits and risks of land application of biosolids for a range of soils and climatic regions within Australia. The research carried out by the NBRP has recently resulted in the proposal of a

new framework to derive soil quality guidelines for biosolids amended soils to account for variation in soil properties throughout Australia.

Watery wasteThe smaller wastewater treatment plants

in inland towns in rural WA frequently discharge treated effluent to inland waterbodies, and it is common to dose the sludge with alum to reduce the concentration of phosphorus and prevent eutrophication. The alum, when added to the wastewater treatment process, forms a precipitate and is removed with the biosolids, the product is typically landfilled with little use made of the nutrients in the sludge. A field trial was established during 2008 at Ucarty, near Goomalling, to investigate the use of alum sludge for cereal production.

The trial was carried out by Deb Pritchard, Hannah Rigby and David Collins of theMuresk campus of the Department ofEnvironment and Agriculture, CurtinUniversity, and was the first WA trial site to receive alum sludge.

The trial was sown with wheat in the first year, and included alum sludge applied as multiples of the standard application rate, in addition to a fertiliser control and an unfertilised control. Barley was sown in the second year to examine the residual effects of plant nutrients from the alum sludge on barley growth and yield in comparison to freshly applied inorganic fertiliser. Glasshouse trials, soil incubations and leaching studies were run alongside field investigation to further investigate aluminium (Al) and phosphorus availability

Photo: Dr Deborah Pritchard


Curtin: Biosolids

Thumbs up: Alum sludge had residual positive effects on early barley yield in the second year.


in soil amended with alum sludge and the effects of soil pH.

Nitrogen the starThe findings of the project indicated that,

in phosphorus deficient soils, the ability of alum sludge to provide phosphorus for cereal growth was limited; at soil pH 5 witha low available soil phosphorus concentration (7mg/kg) there was insufficient phosphorus to produce an equivalent grain yield to inorganic fertiliser applied at district practice. However, alum sludge were aneffective source of nitrogen and other plant nutrients, and there was adequate residual nitrogen for crop growth in the second year following application. The researchers recommended that for cereal growth alum sludge with aluminium concentration of less than 7.4% should be applied to soils with a pH of approximately 6 and soils withan adequate available phosphorus status, such as more than 27mg/kg.

There was no increase in soluble, toxic forms of aluminium in soil treated with alum sludge even at low soil pH (less than4.5), using alum sludge with an aluminium concentration less than 17%. However, itwas suggested that further research is required under field conditions before alum sludge with aluminium contents >7.5% are used in agriculture. A possible management strategy for these sludges could be blending with sludges with no alum or composting with other organic wastes to dilute the aluminium content.

There was reduced phosphorus leaching from soils amended with alum sludge and alum sludge compost blends in comparison to dewatered biosolids cake and inorganic fertiliser phosphorus.

Mixing it all togetherComposting alum sludge may be a

practical solution for Water Corporationwastewater treatment plants in south-west WA. The composts could be used as a soil amendment for pasture with low nutrient requirements, to improve the structure and nutrient retention characteristics of the soil. The findings of the project will be used to develop the Water Corporation’s guidelines for beneficial useof alum sludge, and will have implications for the use of this type of wastewater treatment residual worldwide.

AcknowledgementsDavid Collins and Ian Ross (Curtin University), Water Corporation of WA, Chemistry Centre, WA and Custom Compost Ltd.

contact Dr Deborah PritchardP: (08) 9690 1554E: [email protected]

Getting it out there: Spreading alum sludge at the Ucarty trial site during June 2008


Mixing it up: Alum sludge were incorporated into the soil to measure the impact on nutrient levels.


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At a glanceMurdo• ch University will soon be home to the newly formed Australian Export Grain Innovation Centre (AEGIC).

Researchers from the university are a •part of a collaborative biosecurity effort to keep the Russian wheat aphid out of Australia.

An innovative new project is helping •make Australian beef more profitable as well as more palatable.

Murdoch university will soon be the home of the Australian Export Grain Innovation Centre (AEGIC), a state-of-the-art grainsresearch centre. With the aim of increasing the competitiveness of the Western Australian grains industry, it will focus on export quality grain, crop protection and biosecurity, crop productivity under climatic and soil constraints, industry productivity and value chain innovation. The Centrewill be WA’s flagship contribution to the National Grains Research, Development and Extension Framework and as such will play a major role in underpinning and expanding Australia’s $9 billion grains industry, almost half of which is produced in WA. The Centre will be partof the program to relocate the Department of Agriculture and Food to the MurdochUniversity campus.

Professor John Howieson has beeninvited by the United States-based Noble Foundation to join the executive of ‘CLASE’a newly formed Consortium for Legumes inAgriculture, Society and Environment. CLASE will have benefits directly relevant toAustralian agriculture.

For more research news from ARI and CaPRI see www.research.murdoch.edu.au/prof i l e/ Ins t i tu te%20news/ARI%20CaPRI%20Bulletin%201.pdf

Safeguarding Australia’s cropsAustralian farmers face significant

biosecurity threats in grain production. Researchers at the Crops and PlantsResearch Institute (CaPRI) at MurdochUniversity recognise the importance of addressing these issues and the benefits of international research collaborations necessary to combat them.

A recent international workshop was attended by 27 scientists from 11 countries in Singapore to focus on the devastating Russian wheat aphid, an invader of all major wheat-growing areas in the world except Australia.

Associate Professor cakir said this aphid is now present in all major wheat and barley growing areas of the world but due to rigid quarantine efforts, it had not spread to Australia.

The Singapore workshop was sponsored by the CRC for National Plant Biosecurityand the Grains Research Development Corporation (GRDC), who have alsosupported Associate Professor Cakir’sAustralian-based research. Assoc Prof Cakirpresented research at the workshop that emphasised his team’s efforts in researching cereal strains resistant to the Russian wheat aphid. Team collaborators include CSIROcolleague, Dr Owain Edwards and researchers from the US, France, Turkey, Syria, Iran, South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia and Argentina.

“This research project is huge with in excess of $3 million in funding, and aims to prevent the Russian wheat aphid from threatening Australia’s grains industry. If established here, it could cause wheat crop yield losses of up to 70 per cent and even higher losses in barley. Developing molecular tools for breeders and resistant cultivars for Australian farmers are main objectives of the project,” Assoc Prof Cakir said.

To further his research on the Russian wheat aphids, Assoc Prof Mehmet Cakir hasvisited several countries, including Argentina, South Africa, Kenya and Ethiopia.

Improving profits and eating qualityResults from a research program, carried

out by members of Murdoch University’sAnimal Research Institute (ARI), students and industry collaborators, could be used by producers to improve beef quality and increase profits.

Part of this research is being carried out by School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, PhD student, Peter

McGilchrist who is supervised by ARImember, Dr Graham Gardner. He saidselecting for muscular beef cattle could consistently deliver better meat with adequate marbling.

“Beef yields were higher from muscular cattle but until now, it was unknown whether selecting for muscular stock in breeding programs was affecting meat quality,” Mr Gilchrist said.

With funding from the CRC for BeefGenetic Technologies, Peter tested the hormone sensitivities of muscular and fat cattle and muscle sugars critical to meat quality. His findings suggest that muscularanimals have more glycogen, a compound that increases the acidity of meat and makes it more tender and moist, as well as giving it the bright cherry-red colour favoured by consumers. Dark, firm and dry beef cost the Australian beef industry $35M a year due toa downgrade in quality.

The research also showed that muscular cattle were more insulin sensitive, allowing them to store more glycogen after eating. They were also less susceptible to stress helping reduce the depletion of muscle glycogen during mustering, transport and yarding before slaughter.

Mr McGilchrist said that while intensegenetic selection for more muscle and less fat in other meat production species had resulted in pale, soft and dry meat unacceptable to consumers, fears that selection for muscular cattle might have the same impact on beef quality were unfounded.

Mr McGilchrist was one of eight earlycareer scientists invited to present their research results at the recent Pathfinders 2010: Challenge and Change Conference,organised by the Cooperative ResearchCentres Association (CRCA).

contact Professor John Pluske Research Institute Director (Animal Research)P: (08) 9360 2012 E: [email protected]

Professor John Howieson Research Institute Director (Crops and Plants Research)P: (08) 9360 2231 E: [email protected]

Murdoch: Grains and beef

Professor John Pluske Research Institute Director

Murdoch University

Photos : M. CakirPhotos : M. Cakir

Promoting, protecting, finessing

In this edition of Ag in Focus Murdoch University explains how it is focussed on increasing the competitiveness of Australia’s grain industry, protecting it from devastating pests and making Aussie beef more palatable and profitable.

Photo: P. McGilchrist

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At a glancePlant testing is a valuable decision •making tool to fine-tune your fertiliser program.

Plant testing monitors nutrient •uptake and diagnoses existing nutrient deficiencies unable to be seen visually at the time of sampling.

Choose a reputable plant testing •service to ensure sampling and analytical procedures are followed.

The power of plant testing is in its ability to diagnose as well as predict problems, which then leads to better fertiliser decisions.

With periodic sampling, plant tests are of a diagnostic nature, because plant testing monitors nutrient uptake and diagnoses existing nutrient deficiencies that may not even be seen visually at the time of sampling. This is achieved by relating nutrient concentration to the weight of the plant.

This ‘hidden hunger’ can cause yield reductions. If low levels of nutrient uptake are detected and seasonal conditions look positive, most nutrients can be topped up to exploit the higher yield potential. Plant tests can also be prognostic by predicting nutrient deficiencies that are likely to reduce crop production between sampling and harvest. This is carried out by relating nutrient concentration to subsequent yield potential. CSBP’s NUlogic plant testinterpretations are both diagnostic and prognostic. For most crops all the above ground shoots (whole tops) are the easiest samples to collect and provide the best

overall picture of mobile and immobile nutrient statuses.

The uniqueness of the Nulogic plant testing interpretation is the consideration of three additional characteristics.

NUlogic allows growers to sample at any time throughout the season (from about 3–4 leaf stage in cereals). Rather than having a single ‘critical value’, NUlogic uses many to give the flexibility of sampling any time. In the example in Figure 1 a single critical value of, for example three per cent nitrogen (N) for a tillering wheat plant at two grams dry matter would lead to a wrong decision about late nitrogen applications at stem

elongation, because by then the plant has about 4 grams dry matter and its critical value is 1% lower.

Nitrogen and other nutrients tend to decrease over time as plants invest more in structural biomass and cells are expanding and increasing in water content. Criticalvalues therefore should be represented by a curve, not a single level. The curve of critical values is further adjusted in NUlogic for different sowing dates and rainfall zones in the Western Australian wheatbelt.

Secondly, whole top samples are unaffected by remobilisation and distribution of elements within the plant and therefore NUlogic considers positive and negative nutrient interactions based on an understanding of nutrient behaviour in plants (see Figure 2). Positive interaction means both nutrients have a more beneficial effect together than each nutrient would have on its own such as nitrogen and phosphorus (P), whereas negative interactions means the addition of one nutrient diminishes the effect of another (such as nitrogen and copper (Cu), nitrogenand sulphur (S) or nitrogen and potassium (K)). For example, high supplies of nitrogen can induce copper deficiency and therefore copper levels are interpreted in view of nitrogen concentrations (and phosphorus concentrations) in NUlogic.

Thirdly, the data that underpins the models are based on local CSBP field andother trial data. This is important, because the interpretation of plant test results varies not only with plant part and species, but also with varieties and their growth and yield potentials in relation to sowing dates and rainfall.

FIGURE 1 Calibration curve for critical N concentration values in wheat*

* From seedling to harvest from CSBP field research trials

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

0 2 4 6 8 10

N co

ncen

trat

ion

(%)

Whole top (g dw/plant)

Critical values throughoutcrop development

Single critical value

Source: CSBP

CSBP: Fertiliser decisions

Plant testing = better fert decisions + $ savings

Dr Andreas Neuhaus l Agronomic analyst

CSBP Limited

With profit margins tight, gambling with fertiliser applications this season could prove costly. Collecting, analysing and interpreting plant samples during the season will reveal the nutrient uptake and fertiliser need for this season and beyond.


CSBP: Fertiliser decisions

FIGURE 2 Nutrient interactions in plants

Source: CSBP

Putting power in your decisionsThe decisions that can flow from a whole

top plant test with the above capabilities are numerous. For example, in the case of phosphorus in crops, post-emergent applications are generally inefficient, but plant tests still allow growers to review the efficiency of starter fertilisers, and determine whether a change in phosphorus strategy is required for the following season. With historically high fertiliser prices during recent years, some growers reduced their phosphorus applications to exploit soil reserves.

In some of these cases plant testing showed that growth and yield potential were compromised because of inadequate soil phosphorus reserves and insufficient supply from the starter fertiliser.

Another example for sound, less risky decision making from plant tests is in regard to the management of nitrogen, potassium and sulphur and trace elements (copper, zinc and manganese). Unlike soil tests, plant testing takes into account the seasonal factors affecting root growth and nutrient uptake, such as weed competition, herbicide damage or leaching rains. For example, in regards to trace elements a plant test is often found to be more reliable than a soil test, which poorly distinguishes between the total amount and plant available amount of trace elements. Soil tests are normally limited to the top 10 centimetres in contrast to plant tests, which reflect nutrient availability within their root zones from potentially deeper soil profiles. Hence decisions on rectifyingtrace element deficiencies and on topping up nitrogen, potassium or sulphur in a balanced way without causing deficiencies of major or minor elements (see Figure 2) are best made after testing plants.

All information neededIn-field measurements, such as sap tests,

Greenseeker, are usually carried out at a certain crop stage and do not give the complete overall picture as seen in Figure 3. They only refer to one element (mostly nitrogen), ignoring nutrient interactions and are unable to diagnose other nutrient deficiencies. In the case of Figure 3, a nitrogen application would for example exacerbate potassium deficiencies on all four samples. This would cost the grower nitrogen that will not increase the yield or profit, and in fact is likely to have the opposite effect if potassium deficiencies are not addressed.

Similarly, a plant test can indicate not to apply fertiliser when it is not needed. Such an example is given in Figure 4, for a canola crop that yielded 1.6 tonnes per hectare at 43% oil content. The grower did not apply gypsum, which would have been unprofitable. Plant sampling indicated high sulphur levels and an optimal N:S ratio. It turned out that sulphur was not needed and plant testing saved the grower $10-15/ha.

FIGURE 3 Example of a whole top barley sample*

Get it rightThe purpose-built CSBP Soil and Plant

Analysis Laboratory is the largest agricultural laboratory of its kind in Australia and the quality of the analytical results are monitored independently by the Australasian Soil and Plant Analysis Council (www.aspac-australasia.com). Turn-around times are usually 3–4 working days for plant analysis.

As with any testing service, plant tissue samples need to be collected carefully. CSBP’s NUlogic plant analysis kits comewith detailed sampling instructions for a range of crops and pastures, and include the materials required in a prepaid postage box to send samples to its laboratory. CSBP’sNUlogic plant testing service was launched during 1971 and since then has constantly been improved by qualified agricultural scientists within CSBP’s research anddevelopment group, and accredited advisers in the field working with growers.

contact Andreas NeuhausP: (08) 9411 8749E: [email protected]

Blue arrows are interactions for nitrogen

FIGURE 4 Plant test result for a whole top canola sample in June 2009

Source: CSBP

* The grower received independent advice to apply extra sulphur before this plant test was taken.

PotassiumManganese

Sulphur

Calcium

Copper

Magnesium

Molybdenum

ZincSodium

Nitrogen

Boron

Phosphorus

Iron

Nitrogen

Potassium

Calcium

Sodium

Zinc

Iron

Low Marginal Sufficient High Excess Low Marginal Sufficient High ExcessABC

ABC

ABC

ABC

ABC

ABC

Phosphorus

Sulphur

Magnesium

Copper

Manganese

Boron

ABC

ABC

ABC

ABC

ABC

ABC

* Taken on the September 10, 2009 on four paddocks (A-D) with dry weights between 1.5–2.5g. The left side indicates the status of N, K, Ca, Na, Zn and Cl (top to bottom) of low, marginal, sufficient, high or excess. The right side shows the status of P, S, Mg, Cu, Mn and B (top to bottom)

Source: CSBP

Low Marginal Sufficient High Excess Marginal Sufficient High Excess

NitrogenABCD

PotassiumABCD

CalciumABCD

SodiumABCD

ZincABCD

IronABCD

ChlorideABCD

PhosphorusABCD

SulphurABCD

MagnesiumABCD

CopperABCD

ManganeseABCD

BoronABCD

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