Project Title
Crop management for reliable canola production in the northern farming system
Project Leader
Mike Robertson
Organisation
CSE
Funding Body
GRDC
Administration Contact
Cathy Simpson
CSE
Ph: 07 3214 2318 Fax: 07 3214 2308
Commencement Date
1 July 2001
Completion Date
30 June 2004
Research Proposal Summary
There is a growing awareness that canola can form a valued part of rotations based on winter cereals in the northern region. There has been a marked increase in the area of canola sown in the northern region during the last 4 years, from around 2700 ha in 1996 to over 25000 ha in 1999. We anticipate a continuing increase in the area of canola sown in northern NSW and southern Queensland based on well adapted varieties, with sound agronomic packages supporting the crop and with a well-founded knowledge of how it will fit into and benefit rotations in the north. We estimate that up to 100,000 ha canola could be grown in northern NSW and southern Queensland within a few years. We also believe that canola could form an important role in controlling soil-borne diseases in winter cereal rotations. In the future, the more drought resistant mustard could become popular, particularly in the low rainfall western margins of the region as canola-quality mustards are developed by plant breeders.
Aims
Potential Outcomes
The outcomes expected for this proposed project are well in line with GRDC five-year program objectives to encourage a wider geographic spread of oilseed production and to develop brassica species for low rainfall environments. As well, the use of these crops will provide all the benefits of a more diverse farming system.
The project will use a combination of three technical approaches. Firstly, detailed field studies will be undertaken to determine the response of canola to the main agronomic variables of interest (e.g. fertiliser rate, sowing date) by measuring crop growth, development and yield; use of soil water and N resources and monitoring crop management. These studies will take place on research stations or on-farm, depending on the aims of the particular study. Studies of soil-borne diseases will be done in conjunction, where possible, with Dr Graham Wildermuth, plant pathologist at the Leslie Research Centre.
Secondly, detailed knowledge from field studies will be incorporated into the canola module of the APSIM cropping systems model. The model can be used to evaluate the risks or long term value of particular management strategies and thus be able to guide agronomic recommendations. Within the current CSC47 project, the use of APSIM has proven valuable in defining frost risks for different variety x sowing date combinations at northern locations.
Thirdly, on-farm monitoring of commercial canola crops and on-farm experiments in association with the Western Farming Systems project will facilitate adoption of sound management practices as well as providing a vehicle for engaging with new canola producers. On-farm work will provide a means for commercial “road testing” of agronomic practices. Simulation modeling and monitoring will allow engagement with growers and extrapolation of findings to different seasons, soil types and management strategies.
Milestones
§ An agronomic package for reliable canola production in the northern region. April 2004
§ A quantifiable assessment of the rotational benefits and downsides of canola in comparison with alternative winter break crops. April 2004
Budget
Resource Requirements & Contributions
Prior Provision of IP & Rights of Ownership
APSIM remains the sole intellectual property of APSRU
Ownership, equity in and use of IP to be developed
Rights of Publication
Strategic Plan KRA Area
Relevance to Strategic Plan