On-farm trials looking at the effect of nitrogen, zinc and phosphorus applications on the nodulation, biomass and grain yield of mungbeans suggest fertilising the crop is not economical.

The GRDC Board is accountable to Australia's grain growers, through the industry peak organisation and to the Commonwealth Parliament, through the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The GRDC Board normally has between seven and nine directors.

The Chairman is selected and appointed by the Minister. Mr Keith Perrett was appointed by the Minister on 1 October 2007, and reappointed until 30 September 2013.

The Managing Director is appointed by the Board of the Corporation. The Managing Director is the sole Executive Director and holds office at the Corporation's pleasure. John Harvey was appointed as the GRDC’s Managing Director on 1 March 2011.

Five to seven Directors are appointed by the Minister, on advice from a selection committee selected by the Minister. On 22 November 2011 the Minister announced the appointment of 6 directors, until 30 September 2014.

Deep soil testing before mouldboard ploughing or spading is critical, new Western Australian research has revealed.

Berkshire, a high-yielding and highly digestible triticale variety named after a pig breed, is showing promise as a versatile stockfeed on one Western Australian farm.

Soil P and K reserves have declined, and in some situations reached levels limiting crop growth – especially in the 10-30cm layer where most uptake of these nutrients occurs in drier conditions. Soil test after looking at yield maps or soil type areas to identify potential fertility constraints, and make sure you test both the topsoil (0-10cm) and subsoil (10-30cm).

Research on placement and depth of P and K fertilisers is currently underway for grains and cotton, with indications of stronger responses as the volume of fertilized soil is increases (ie. more frequent bands). Initial attempts to examine single nutrient responses can be complicated by the fact that a number of sites appear to have multiple nutrient limits on crop growth. Fixing a low P condition may have little impact unless other limiting nutrients are also addressed (ie. K or S).

Combinations of P, K and/or S in field experiments are producing some strong crop responses. However, if yield potential is increased significantly it is important to remember that more available N (soil reserves and fertiliser) will be needed to meet the greater yield target.

Consider doing some on-farm test strips and/or plant tissue testing to monitor crop status, especially in poorer performing parts of the paddock.

These trials did not show an advantage of liquid Phosphorus over solid forms of Phosphorus.

Good roots are priceless - but can we get them cheaper than we think

Root architecture and management is AS important as canopy architecture and management

Some soil types and locations appear to have multiple nutrient limits on crop growth;
Combinations of P, K and/or S in field experiments are increasing crop responses;
Soil test after looking at yield maps or soil type areas to identify potential risk zones;
Consider plant tissue testing to monitor crop status and doing some on-farm test strips.

Take home messages

• Grass removal in pastures is far more effective than spray topping at reducing soil rhizoctonia inoculum.
• Not controlling volunteer Autumn grasses can lead to severe rhizoctonia build up.
• Low inoculum levels can still lead to high root damage.
• At the Wynarka site this season, early soil disturbance has had greatest impact on disease reduction in the crop.

Take Home Messages
• The amount of added phosphorus (P) fertiliser that is used by the crop increases with increasing rainfall.
• The amount of added P fertiliser that was used by the crop was in the order of 3-30 % of the P added.
• The amount of P fertiliser used by wheat plants was not directly related to whether the soil is deficient or sufficient in P according to soil tests.
• In our experiment, adding fertiliser increased the use of subsoil P, where subsoil P was available.
• Consistent with soil tests, significant gains would have been made at the Karoonda site in 2010 if investment in P was diverted into N applications.
• Topsoil test P is above the critical value for sufficiency at many sites across Australia and the Karoonda site is a good example of this. We are working to provide an economic assessment of the profit and risk of using zero through to replacement P application strategies.