BCG’s very last trial for the 2016 growing season was harvested on January 4, 2017 making this harvest one of the longest experienced at BCG.
All staff members have put in some hard yards, analysing and interpreting ready for publication in the 2016 Season Research Results compendium which will be launched at Trials Review Day on February 17. With 2016 delivering excellent growing season rainfall, the research team harvested some bumper trials which produced conclusive results, that we are keen to share with our members.
Ahead of the publication of the 2016 Season Research Results, BCG members received grain yield and quality data within 48 hours of harvesting the variety trials. The Trials Review Day on February 17 provides an opportunity for further interpretation and analysis of the trials, and as always, plenty of discussion.
The start of any new year is always a busy time at BCG, with project reporting and planning for the season ahead. This includes identifying and securing 2017 research sites.
Some of the most important things to look for in potential sites are:
- Site topography – the perfect trial site is one which is flat with careful examination/avoidance of old fence lines, undulating surfaces and filled in dams or channels; all of which can compromise the trial’s productivity.
- Paddock history – a record of the herbicides used in the paddock can help prevent sowing a susceptible crop where there are herbicide residues (eg. pulses on Lontrel residue). It is also handy knowing the paddock history rotation and fertiliser applications.
- Weed species prevalence and severity – if a site is weedy to begin with this can be ideal for trials which aim to investigate weed control strategies. For all other trials its means more spraying and in season management.
- Soil testing – all of our BCG trial sites undergo soil testing. These tests provide information about any sub-soil constraints (eg. a hard pan which roots cannot penetrate, salinity or boron toxicity, and so on) and can also determine the presence of any soil borne diseases (eg. rhizoctonia can be picked up via a Predicta B soil analysis).
When planning and designing possible trials, BCG members are consulted through the Mallee and Wimmera BCG Advisory Committees. These committees meet twice a year. The main outcome of advisory committee meetings is to get ideas for the BCG members’ trials. These trials are developed around an issue or topic which is generating discussion within farming communities. The meetings are also a time to discuss thoughts on BCG extension activities and to provide feedback on events and speakers.
BCG members who are interested in joining one of the Advisory committees should contact Linda Walters on (03) 5492 2787.
With most headers now returned to the shed, seeders are being dusted off as maintenance is undertaken before sowing begins for the 2017 season.
Over the summer fallow period summer spraying will be in full swing (avoiding the extremely hot days and the rain of course!). With such a bumper previous season there is potential for a larger weed set than normal, so keeping on top of summer weeds now can help immensely when in season spraying commences.
BCG is also offering soil sampling for growers before sowing in 2017. Soil sampling your paddock will give an excellent indication of the nutrient and moisture availability for the growing season. If you are interested in this service please phone the office on (03) 5492 2787.
We hope everyone has been able to have some time off after the bumper harvest, and we look forward to sharing results with you at Trials Review Day.
