Potential Stubble Retention Opportunities for 2005/06
1st December 2005
With harvest approaching rapidly, some thought should be given to the opportunities for stubble retention throughout southeastern Australia. There appears to be no one solution in the approach to complete stubble retention. Everyone has and will have a combination of differing strategies for various reasons. The following list forms components that can help build the stubble retention package:
- Broad spreading of harvest residues, ensuring that the straw choppers and spreaders cover the width of the harvest operation;
- Harvest height cutting down to 200 to 300mm vs left standing which causes unnecessary shading at seedling emergence;
- Post harvest incorporation using discing methods some concern over trafficability at seeding and high energy demands;
- Mulching of the stubble immediately after harvest
- Baling & removal of crop residues for sale or use for livestock purposes;
- Microbial digesters anecdotal evidence suggests such products can reduce stubble loads remaining on the surface;
- Choice of variety at seeding (shorter, softer strawed crops);
- Inter-row seeding using wider row spacings and seeding in the inter-row with 2cm auto-steer, also allowing for relay summer or forage cropping;
- Timing of Nitrogen application less upfront nitrogen producing inefficient biomass and more at stem elongation when needed;
- Rotational management determining the best cropping rotation for stubble retention for all crops in the farming system. An example may include: canola, barley, wheat, then followed by a late pulse crop such as peas, before returning to a cereal prior to canola;
- A change in the mindset that burning is the only viable stubble management tool. Being a non-preferred approach and with proactive research, then this may still allow for its use as a strategic and important tool into the future!
If managed correctly, stubble retention can also be a useful weed management tool. Every season however, will present variances to the alternative approaches.
Burning is not the only tool available to manage crop stubbles and any changes in adopting stubble retention are steps toward increased sustainability.
Throughout 2006, SFS will therefore be running various field days at most branches, with working demonstrations of new seeding equipment and techniques to ensure stubble retention opportunities are well received, discussed and understood.
I look forward to meeting up with you at each of the various days.
Regards,
Rohan Wardle
Research & Extension Agronomist
