Stock and Land Article
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May 2006
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Stubble Matters 2!
By Rohan Wardle – Research and Extension Agronomist
Last week I reported on a couple of thoughts with regards to stubble retention. With design of the seeding toolbar the critical starting point, knowing what other problems that may occur, from full incorporation, to leaving stubble standing in the paddock all needs to be addressed for acceptable field establishment and yield maximisation.
Crops so far this season that are emerging in fully retained systems, do now appear to be suffering some slug affects, especially if broad spectrum insecticides have been used in the past across these fields. These products not only kill the desired targets such as aphids and Lucerne flea, but control predatory insects that feed on pests such as slugs. Understanding this complex is now just being realized and will need continued research to explore these phenomena throughout this stubble and other Grain and Graze projects.
Other concerns when seeding into standing stubble appear to be the phyto-toxic affect. With little or no late summer and early autumn rainfall to leach out these acetic acids from the stubble, the problem becomes significant when dry seeding and emergence on breaking rains occurs. Affects on emergence can be as great as a 30% reduction. This season does not appear to have the concern as the last.
Finally, seeding of the NLP Lake Bolac trial is occurring next week. In addition, reviewing locally built residue managers will also be on display, attached to the new SFS seeder. Further discussions on this topic can continue on the day, however for details of where the seeding event takes place, contact the local branch coordinator.
Any further details about stubble retention and 2005 trial results are been posted on webpage: http://www.sfs.org.au/cb_pages/Pr_NlpStub.php Any suggestions, comments and questions about stubble management or future research can be directed to Ben O'Connor on 03 5265 1685, or emailed to boconnor@sfs.org.au
