Kaplan, S; Routley, GE; Spillman, MF; Sturtz, JD; Muchow, RC
Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, Vol. 30, No. 3, p 395-403, 1990.
Field experiments were conducted at Berrimah, Douglas Daly and Katherine in the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia during the 1987-88 and 1988- 89 wet seasons to obtain yield data for kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L, cv. Guatemala 4) grown under rainfed and irrigated conditions.
Showing posts with label crops. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crops. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Evaluation of the USDA Curve Number Method for Agricultural Catchments in the Australian Semi Arid Tropics
M. Dilshad and L. J. Peel
Australian Journal of Soil Research, 32, 673-685, 1994
http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/84/paper/SR9940673.htm
Australian Journal of Soil Research, 32, 673-685, 1994
http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/84/paper/SR9940673.htm
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Assessment and Parameterisation of CERES-MAIZE-SAT for the Australian Semi Arid Tropics
J. A. Motha, M. Dilshad and L. J. Peel
Department of Lands Planning and Environment,
Department of Lands Planning and Environment,
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Improved Pastures in the Douglas-Daly
B. Lemcke
Livestock Production, Primary Industry,
A report, which studies different ways of improving pastures, with fertiliser usage and supplementation being two possible methods. Discussed is the combination of grasses and legumes to increase the weight gains. Also covered in the report is weed management, stocking rates, pasture management and sustainability.
The report provides comparisons on live weight gains and costs between the different methods, it also takes into consideration the need for weed management, if introduced pastures are going to be used.
Pasture legume nutrients for yellow earth soils: the effects of potassium, zinc, copper and molybdenum on pasture legume growth on yellow earth soils
B. J. Ross and A. G. Cameron
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries
Comparison of no-tillage and conventional tillage in the development of sustainable farming systems in the semi-arid tropics
K. Thiagalingam, N. P. Dalgliesh, N. S. Gould, R. L. McCown, A. L. Cogle and A. L. Chapman
Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 36, 8, 995-1002, 1991
The results of 5 short-term experiments and farm demonstrations in which no-tillage technology was compared with conventional or reduced tillage in the semi-arid tropics of the Northern Territory and far north Queensland, during the mid 1980's to mid 1990's, are reviewed. The importance of a surface mulch in ameliorating soil temperature, moisture and fertility, and in reducing soil movement and loss in crop production in the semi-arid tropics was confirmed.
doi:10.1016/0167-1987(91)90044-X
Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 36, 8, 995-1002, 1991
The results of 5 short-term experiments and farm demonstrations in which no-tillage technology was compared with conventional or reduced tillage in the semi-arid tropics of the Northern Territory and far north Queensland, during the mid 1980's to mid 1990's, are reviewed. The importance of a surface mulch in ameliorating soil temperature, moisture and fertility, and in reducing soil movement and loss in crop production in the semi-arid tropics was confirmed.
doi:10.1016/0167-1987(91)90044-X
Crop gross margin budgets for the Katherine-Daly region 1999-2000
S. Murti
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries
Simulating maize growth and the hydrological responses of red earths in the Northern Territory semi-arid tropics
J. A. Motha, M. Dilshad and R. J. Bateman
Conservation Commission of the NT, 1994
A new version of the CERES-Maize model, enhanced to make it user friendly and modified to include physical and climatological conditions unique to the SAT of Australia has been tested for Red Earths in the Northern Territory. This paper presents some preliminary results from the simulation and parameters for the model. Comparison of predicted and measured hydrologic and agronomic results show good agreement. Further work is necessary to test the model for different physical and climatological conditions to accomplish a complete evaluation of the model.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Striking the Balance: Sustainable Farming and Grazing Systems for the Semi-arid Tropics of the Northern Territory
F. O'Gara
Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries
Early research in the NT highlighted the disadvantages of conventional farming methods. In the 1980's various government departments began investigating ways of overcoming the problems by using conservation tillage, pasture levy systems and by managing soil surface cover. The work showed that conservation tillage gave more reliable yields and greatly reduced soil loss. Conservation farming is a practice and philosophy which strives to protect the soil, minimise land degradation and environmental pollution and improve the conditions for plant growth. It is now recognised as one of the most important innovations in modern agriculture. Experience suggests it is not only desirable but essential for the long-term protection and productivity of NT soils. This book provides information on the physical environment, what is conservation farming, Herbicides: part of a more flexible system, crops for the top end, pastures in farming systems, levy farming systems, crop and pasture nutrition, field crop irrigation in the top end, weeds, insect pests and disease management and economics of conservation farming.
Evaluation of Irrigated Fodders at Douglas Daly Research Farm
F. O'Gara, C. Collins and P. Shotton
Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines
The main objective of this report was to determine the yield potential and agronomic requirements of various irrigated forage crops under centre pivot irrigation and assess their suitability as rotational crops with peanuts in the Daly basin. While this evaluation was not conducted under ideal conditions, it revealed that achieving optimum forage sorghum populations can be difficult. High seeding rates are necessary to achieve sufficient plant numbers. Establishment of 40 to 50% is poor and usually results in inferior stands. Rolling to achieve better seed-soil contact may improve establishment on Blain soils and should be investigated.
Rainfall variability and agriculture in the semi arid tropics, the Northern Territory, Australia
W. S. Mollah and I. M. Cook
Agricultural and forest meteorology, 79, 1-2, 39-60, 1996-03
Analyses of historical rainfall records for four sites for up to 103 seasons, 1888-1889 to 1990-1991 at Darwin and Katherine NT, address the three themes of climatic change, time scales and assessments of impacts on agriculture in marginal areas of the semi arid tropics. The mean for the period from 1951-1952 at Darwin represents a 10% increase over the mean for 1974-1975 and similarly at Katherine a 7% increase. Tightening the time scale to periods within seasons does not reveal similar changes, emphasising the higher variability of rainfall within seasons. Crops sown each season should recognise the timing of the occurrence of the sowing rains to minimise the risk to each landholder by seeking the best possible crop establishment. Drying conditions after each event limit the time over which soil conditions will remain suitable, so the area of crop sown will vary according to seasonal conditions.
Agricultural and forest meteorology, 79, 1-2, 39-60, 1996-03
Analyses of historical rainfall records for four sites for up to 103 seasons, 1888-1889 to 1990-1991 at Darwin and Katherine NT, address the three themes of climatic change, time scales and assessments of impacts on agriculture in marginal areas of the semi arid tropics. The mean for the period from 1951-1952 at Darwin represents a 10% increase over the mean for 1974-1975 and similarly at Katherine a 7% increase. Tightening the time scale to periods within seasons does not reveal similar changes, emphasising the higher variability of rainfall within seasons. Crops sown each season should recognise the timing of the occurrence of the sowing rains to minimise the risk to each landholder by seeking the best possible crop establishment. Drying conditions after each event limit the time over which soil conditions will remain suitable, so the area of crop sown will vary according to seasonal conditions.
Grain Sorghum Varieties for the Douglas Daly Region
P. Shotton
Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines
The main objective of this study was to grow and trial new and commercially available grain sorghum varieties at the Douglas Daly Research Farm (DDRF) to determine those suitable for the Douglas - Daly District. Over the past ten years replicated sorghum variety trials were conducted at DDRF. During the past six years sorghum seed supplied by the Pioneer and Pacific seed companies has been used. Among the varieties evaluated are those which have shown promise in past years and new varieties, which may suit the Top End climate. Trial results will provide yield and suitability information on commercially available varieties.
The report shows the results of different grain sorghum characteristics grown in the Daly Region
Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines
The main objective of this study was to grow and trial new and commercially available grain sorghum varieties at the Douglas Daly Research Farm (DDRF) to determine those suitable for the Douglas - Daly District. Over the past ten years replicated sorghum variety trials were conducted at DDRF. During the past six years sorghum seed supplied by the Pioneer and Pacific seed companies has been used. Among the varieties evaluated are those which have shown promise in past years and new varieties, which may suit the Top End climate. Trial results will provide yield and suitability information on commercially available varieties.
The report shows the results of different grain sorghum characteristics grown in the Daly Region
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Irrigated Maize Production on Blain Soils at Douglas Daly Research Farm
F. O'Gara, S. Lucas, C. Ham and M. Hearnden
Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines
The main objective of this research was to determine the yield potential and agronomic requirements of irrigated maize in the Daly Basin. Maize is a minor crop in the NT but one of the few field crops that lend themselves to centre pivot irrigation in the dry-season. It is a good rotation crop with peanuts and is capable of producing high yields and moderate to good returns under good management. In the past, commercial maize yields have been disappointing due to grower inexperience with the crop under tropical conditions. For the past four years the Department has been evaluating commercial lines of maize under irrigation at Douglas Daly Research Farm (DDRF). The objective was to develop agronomic experience with the crop, to ascertain its potential under irrigation in rotation with peanuts and provide growers with specific recommendations on its production and management in this environment.
Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines
The main objective of this research was to determine the yield potential and agronomic requirements of irrigated maize in the Daly Basin. Maize is a minor crop in the NT but one of the few field crops that lend themselves to centre pivot irrigation in the dry-season. It is a good rotation crop with peanuts and is capable of producing high yields and moderate to good returns under good management. In the past, commercial maize yields have been disappointing due to grower inexperience with the crop under tropical conditions. For the past four years the Department has been evaluating commercial lines of maize under irrigation at Douglas Daly Research Farm (DDRF). The objective was to develop agronomic experience with the crop, to ascertain its potential under irrigation in rotation with peanuts and provide growers with specific recommendations on its production and management in this environment.
Evaluation of Wynn cassia (Chamaecrista rotundifolia) as a pasture and hay crop for the Douglas Daly area of the Northern Territory: Douglas Daly prod
F. O'Gara
Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development,
A producer initiated project was conducted to investigate the management of Wynn cassia (WC) and its value as a pasture and fodder crop under commercial conditions. Pure swards of WC consistently resulted in lower animal performance than alternative pastures, giving 20-30% lower live weight gain than other improved pastures. This could result in potential losses of over $200/ha depending on stocking rate and cattle prices.
Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development,
A producer initiated project was conducted to investigate the management of Wynn cassia (WC) and its value as a pasture and fodder crop under commercial conditions. Pure swards of WC consistently resulted in lower animal performance than alternative pastures, giving 20-30% lower live weight gain than other improved pastures. This could result in potential losses of over $200/ha depending on stocking rate and cattle prices.
Some Practical considerations in no-tillage farming at Douglas/Daly
P. Hausler
Australian Institute of Agricultural Science, Northern Territory Zone, Several trials using no-tillage techniques for crop establishment were conducted at Douglas-Daly Research Farm, NT between the years 1989 and 1993. During these trials, some observations on practical aspects of no-tillage farming were made and are reported. Although these observations are unsupported by experimental data they form part of the knowledge base now available to producers and researchers.
Australian Institute of Agricultural Science, Northern Territory Zone, Several trials using no-tillage techniques for crop establishment were conducted at Douglas-Daly Research Farm, NT between the years 1989 and 1993. During these trials, some observations on practical aspects of no-tillage farming were made and are reported. Although these observations are unsupported by experimental data they form part of the knowledge base now available to producers and researchers.
Nitrogen supply to no-tillage crops, as influenced by mulch type, soil type and season, following pasture leys in the semi-arid tropics
J. P. Dimes, R. L. McCown and P. G. Saffigna
Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 36, 8, 937-46,
This paper summaries the Nitrogen (N) cycle in a system in which pastures provide N for successive crops, and mulch at the time of crop establishment is provided by the killing of new pasture growth. The aim was further to provide a sound foundation for managing N supply in relation to demand in a climate that causes high variation and uncertainty for pasture N2 fixation and sequestering, the amount of early season re-growth, rate of mulch decomposition, nitrate leaching losses, and crop growth anf N demand. The research approach combined field studies with simulation modelling. A series of field studies that included bare fallow and grass and legume pasture leys on clay and sandy loam soils, were conducted at Katherine over 4 wet seasons to study subsequent mineralisation of N. Experimental results were used to test the performance of a simulation model for predicting the observed variations consequent upon the various management options.
Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 36, 8, 937-46,
This paper summaries the Nitrogen (N) cycle in a system in which pastures provide N for successive crops, and mulch at the time of crop establishment is provided by the killing of new pasture growth. The aim was further to provide a sound foundation for managing N supply in relation to demand in a climate that causes high variation and uncertainty for pasture N2 fixation and sequestering, the amount of early season re-growth, rate of mulch decomposition, nitrate leaching losses, and crop growth anf N demand. The research approach combined field studies with simulation modelling. A series of field studies that included bare fallow and grass and legume pasture leys on clay and sandy loam soils, were conducted at Katherine over 4 wet seasons to study subsequent mineralisation of N. Experimental results were used to test the performance of a simulation model for predicting the observed variations consequent upon the various management options.
Observations on the early growth and water relations of Leucaena leucocephala established for alley cropping on a red earth at Katherine, NT
A. L. Chapman and R. L. McCown
Australian Institute of Agricultural Science, Northern Territory Zone,
Observations on the establishment, growth, chemical composition and water relations of the leucaena were made over a 3 year period to determine the feasibility of dryland alley cropping in the semi-arid tropics. It was concluded, from these and other studies, that the erratic rainfall at Katherine makes dryland establishment of leucaena hazardous on both clay loam and sandy soils but that, once established, the plants persist and can survive for up to 8 months without rain.
Australian Institute of Agricultural Science, Northern Territory Zone,
Observations on the establishment, growth, chemical composition and water relations of the leucaena were made over a 3 year period to determine the feasibility of dryland alley cropping in the semi-arid tropics. It was concluded, from these and other studies, that the erratic rainfall at Katherine makes dryland establishment of leucaena hazardous on both clay loam and sandy soils but that, once established, the plants persist and can survive for up to 8 months without rain.
Simulation of a legume ley farming system in northern Australia using the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator
P. S. Carberry, R. L. McCown, R. C. Muchow, J. P. Dimes, M. E. Probert, P. L. Poulton and N. P. Dalgliesh
Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 36 8, 1037-48,
An innovative ley farming system, involving cereal crops grown in rotation with pasture legumes, has been tentatively adopted by farmers in the semi-arid tropics of northern Australia. Yet, after more than a decade of experimental research, the long-term potential of this system remains uncertain. The approach used to answer this question has been to use the APSIM model in conjunction with historical climate records to simulate system performance. The objectives of this paper were to describe APSIM, to test its performance against data from cropping systems experiments, and to use it in assessing the long-term consequences of alternative farming practice in the region of northern Australia. It was concluded that APSIM now provides a useful tool with which farming systems in northern Australia can be further explored.
Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 36 8, 1037-48,
An innovative ley farming system, involving cereal crops grown in rotation with pasture legumes, has been tentatively adopted by farmers in the semi-arid tropics of northern Australia. Yet, after more than a decade of experimental research, the long-term potential of this system remains uncertain. The approach used to answer this question has been to use the APSIM model in conjunction with historical climate records to simulate system performance. The objectives of this paper were to describe APSIM, to test its performance against data from cropping systems experiments, and to use it in assessing the long-term consequences of alternative farming practice in the region of northern Australia. It was concluded that APSIM now provides a useful tool with which farming systems in northern Australia can be further explored.
Evaluation of tropical pasture species as leys in the semi-arid tropics of northern Australia
A. G. Cameron
Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 36, 8, 929-35q,
Characteristics of successful ley pasture plants are discussed. The most important characteristics is the ability to contribute nitrogen to subsequent crops, which has been demonstrated for a number of legumes but not for grasses. Over 2300 legumes and grass introductions have been evaluated as permanent pastures. Field experiments and commercial practice have shown that Centrosema pascuorum is well adapted for use as a ley pasture plant. The grasses are generally not suitable for ley pastures as they are strong perennials which are difficult to control in cropping areas.
Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 36, 8, 929-35q,
Characteristics of successful ley pasture plants are discussed. The most important characteristics is the ability to contribute nitrogen to subsequent crops, which has been demonstrated for a number of legumes but not for grasses. Over 2300 legumes and grass introductions have been evaluated as permanent pastures. Field experiments and commercial practice have shown that Centrosema pascuorum is well adapted for use as a ley pasture plant. The grasses are generally not suitable for ley pastures as they are strong perennials which are difficult to control in cropping areas.
Improvement in soil structure resulting from sown pastures on degraded areas in the dry savannah woodlands of northern Australia
B. J. Bridge, J. J. Mott, W. H. Winter and R. J. Hartigan
Australian Journal of Soil Research, 21, 1, 83-90
The structure of the surface soil under pastures sown on former Themada australis native grassland and on degraded areas in the red earths of northern Australia was examined micromorphologically. All sown pastures showed low hydraulic conductivities equivalent to those in the degraded areas, and this was attributed to trampling during the wet season under the higher stocking rates involved. The improvement and maintenance of soil structure in the S. hamata and A. vaginalis pastures, together with their high sorptivities, indicates that they are stable in the long term.
Australian Journal of Soil Research, 21, 1, 83-90
The structure of the surface soil under pastures sown on former Themada australis native grassland and on degraded areas in the red earths of northern Australia was examined micromorphologically. All sown pastures showed low hydraulic conductivities equivalent to those in the degraded areas, and this was attributed to trampling during the wet season under the higher stocking rates involved. The improvement and maintenance of soil structure in the S. hamata and A. vaginalis pastures, together with their high sorptivities, indicates that they are stable in the long term.
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