S.A. Capacity Planning

SAMS

The SAMS project is funded by NLP and the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation (SA Government Department). The aim of SAMS is to promote MSF research and findings to land holders and encourage the adoption of No-Till to reduce the potential for erosion and recharge.

Regional Trials

Seven Variable Rate trials aimed at matching inputs to land capability were established across the mallee. Locations were Waikerie, Wunkar, Alawoona, Lameroo, Pinnaroo and 2 at Loxton. The trial at Wunkar will also include late nitrogen application applied using variable rate.

The screenings trial at Cambrai has been sown on a new paddock, and will only invovle changing seeding rate sown with a universal low fertiliser rate due to high nitrogen carryover from a previous legume pasture.

Canola has been sown at the Browns Well Systems trial; only one seeder was used at sowing as establishment is a lot better using a notill seeder. Urea will be applied post sowing to high input plots.

Two ryegrass control trials have again been established at Pinnaroo, comparing various pre-emergent herbicides. Ryegrass Seedbank monitoring on 4 paddocks is continuing at Pinnaroo.

Using a local contractor replicated plot trials have been established at the Waikerie coresite testing phosphorus application, rust control options and nitrogen timing. The rust control trial has been repeated at Palmer and the nitrogen timing trial has been repeated at Pinnaroo.

Other trials established at Waikerie include a timing of sowing demo, grazing cereals demonstration and variety demos of Wheat, Barley, Triticale, Durum, Canola and Mustards.