This comprehensive project will combine extension, trials, technical and economic analysis to support growers to access the benefits of legumes in crop rotations moving forward.
A GRDC funded project, GGA will collaborate with government, agribusiness, researchers, grower groups and growers to address the low adoption of grain legumes in WA farming systems.
Origins of the project stem from GRDC analysis indicating farmers are aware of the benefits of legumes in crop rotations but concerns around pulse reliability, profitability and lack of confidence in their consistent production are causing barriers to integration. Consequently, Western Australian farmers have been slow to exploit the recent advances in grain legume genetics, acid-tolerant rhizobia, management strategies, weed and disease protection products.
Combatting this situation requires an extensive technical and extension program to change grower sentiment, driving new capabilities into profitable cropping systems. The project will see collaboration between government, agribusiness, researchers and end-users to address the current poor rate of adoption of grain legumes in WA farming systems.
Aims
- demonstrate recent advances in the production of grain legumes, across a range of environments and soil types, through 25 user defined farm-scale trials and, where appropriate small plot trials.
- apply statistically rigorous trial results to refine best fit grain legume recommendations
- produce statistically rigorous economic analysis of grain legumes as a cash crop in the year they are grown and calculate the financial contribution of grain legumes to the longer-term cropping sequence
- develop and deploy key messages from credible entities to market the improved performance of grain legumes.
Contact
Enquiries to Mark Holland at GGA
