AAPSRU PROJECT SUMMARY

 

PROJECT NO.

98

 

Project Title

Improving sorghum yield reliability in water-limited environments

Project Leader

Graeme Hammer

Organisation

DPI

Funding Body

GRDC

Administration Contact

Vicki Battaglia

Department of Primary Industries

Ph: 07 4639 8886     Fax: 07 4639 8881

Commencement Date

1 July 1999

Completion Date

30 June 2003

Research Proposal Summary

The project will involve three components to achieve its aims -

1.       Field research

 Field experiments will be conducted at Gatton and Warwick (rain-out shelter facility) to examine  detailed water use patterns and canopy development patterns of various row/density configurations and various tillering levels.  The experiments will provide basic understanding of root exploration of the soil profile and of factors determining production and survival of tillers.  It may be appropriate to do some less intensive experimentation in the target region (eg Goondiwindi, Central Queensland)

2.       Simulation modelling

Using the results from the field experiments, the sorghum crop simulation model (APSIM-Sorg) will be enhanced to allow realistic simulation of a wider range of row arrangements than is currently possible.  Also, it is not possible currently to simulate tillering in sorghum and this feature will be introduced to the model as part of this project.  Once improved, the model will be used to simulate a range of row configuration density tillering strategies to examine the effect on yield and yield stability in key water-limited environments.  The potential use of seasonal climate forecasting in production risk management will be explored in this simulation analysis.

3.       Communication

Initially, the extension specialist in the project team will discuss project possibilities with key clients and feedback perceptions and needs to target field research and modelling.  Subsequently, they will develop and co-ordinate an extension program to discuss any useful outcomes with grower groups in relevant locations.  Outcomes on tillering will be discussed with the sorghum breeding program leader.

This project builds on the simulation capacity of APSIM Sorg that has been developed over many years, and most recently in the GRDC supported ACIAR project on Overcoming Production Constraints to Sorghum in India and Australia (project ends 30 June 1999).  The model has proved valuable in a range of what-if scenario analyses in a range of projects.  It has been utilised to examine likely consequences on yield from varying a number of management and genetic factors.

Aims

§    To enhance yield and yield stability of sorghum in water-limited production environments by-

§    Determining optimal canopy development and water use patterns, generated by combinations of row configuration, density, maturity, and tillering capacity.

§    Developing relevant management advice tools in association with key public and private advisers, and

§    Delivering advice to the sorghum breeding program on the potential for genetic control of tillering.

Potential Outcomes

§    This project will add to the capability by

§    Improved capacity to simulate wide row configurations and tillering in sorghum

§    Simulation analyses of sorghum management options in marginal environments

§    Interaction and communication with advisers and farmers about improved management options

§    Interaction and communication with plant breeders about tillering.

Milestones

 

Budget

Text Box: GRDC BUDGET 1999/ 2000 2000/ 2001 2001/ 2002 2002/ 2003 Total GRDC Salaries Field Tech (Broad, Harlan 50%) Crop Modeller   40000 20000   41200 20600   42400 21200   43600 21800   250800   Travel 5000 5000 5000 5000 5000 5000 5000 5000 40000 Operating  - Vehicle Experiments Extension 7000 25000 5000 7000 25000 5000 7000 25000 5000 7000 25000 15000 158000 Capital - Computer   10000     10000 Soil Moisture Equipment 10000       10000 Weather Station     10000   10000 TOTAL GRDC $ for project Duration 117000 118800 120600 122400 478800 Non-GRDC Funding           Additional host agency 150000 150000 150000 150000 600000 Additional from other sources 50000 50000 50000 50000 200000 Total Non -GRDC $ for project duration 200000 200000 200000 200000 800000  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text Box: Staff  % / year Dr Graeme Hammer 20 Mr Ian Broad 50 Mr Greg McLean 30 Ms Jayne Kuskie 25  

 Resource Requirements & Contributions

 

 

 

Prior Provision of IP & Rights of Ownership

APSIM remains the sole property of APSRU

Ownership, equity in and use of IP to be developed

B

Rights of Publication

As per standard APSIM Licence Agreements

Strategic Plan Goal No.

1 & 4

Relevance to Strategic Plan

This project addresses the following strategies:

§    encourage farmers, advisers and collaborating researchers to work closely with APSRU staff on conducting research trials on-farm and in jointly analysing and interpreting the results

§    participate with farmers and advisers in action-learning activities utilising APSRU tools and information

§    work with farmers and their advisers to explore options using simulation models, simulation analyses, or derived tools

§    work with clients to explore how they can use/benefit from skills in climate forecasting

§    undertake simulation analyses to evaluate options for improving biophysical resource use efficiency in field crops and farming systems

§    train collaborators in use of simulation models and other relevant methodologies and tools

§    develop appropriate tools for decision analysis from simulation analysis of farming and farming system options

§    enhance the model development environment of APSIM

§    develop and maintain appropriate databases for model inputs & model validation data

§    conduct, and collaborate in, field experimentation to improve performance of APSIM modules

§    develop understanding of key decisions, decision making processes, decision aid possibilities, and effectiveness of researcher/client interfaces