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The future of Australian farming is changing; farmers are placing more importance on the diversification of their farming system and their ability to grow the most profitable crop at the time.

First-year trial results are in from Cotton CRC Research Agronomist Verity Gett’s project, which aims to identify how to increase irrigated wheat yields in northern cotton growing areas.

“While cotton production in rotation with winter cereals is not uncommon, the majority of cereal crops currently grown are achieving low, inconsistent yields and are only in part delivering the profitability and the rotational benefits that are possible”, said Ms Gett.

Trials were conducted last winter on a number of irrigation fields across NSW and Southern QLD, investigating the influence of sowing rate, planting method, row spacing, and phosphorus on wheat crop establishment.

“It was confirmed that the preparation of the seedbed and method of sowing had a significant impact on seedling emergence”, said Ms Gett.

"Wheat yields in northern irrigated cropping zones vary considerably and are generally well below potential when compared to yields in southern regions," she said

In the north establishing 150 to 200 plants/m2, which is common practice for the southern regions, does not necessarily equate to high yields without adequate in season management.

Other critical factors in achieving maximum yields include the management of nutrients and water. An irrigation scheduling demonstration trial was also conducted to look at optimum timing of irrigation in a limited water situation.

“The most effective result from the limited water demonstration was achieved by establishing the crop on a full moisture profile and applying one irrigation at late flower/early grain fill”, said Ms Gett.

A cropping system which combinations a water efficient, highly productive winter cereal crop winter and a summer cotton crop will reduce overhead costs, spread risk, increase the farm's overall water use efficiency, increase the efficiency of storing soil moisture and increase profitability.

Ms Gett said adopting the findings of the trials could help many cotton growers overcome low or inconsistent wheat yields and improve rotational benefits.

The research focus of the project in 2009 will be nitrogen management strategy and its implications regarding crop canopy management, lodging and maximising grain yield.

Interested in participating in this season's trial work, or those wanting further information, including a copy of the 2008 trial results contact Verity Gett,
(02) 6799 2409, 0437 406 430 verity.gett@dpi.nsw.gov.au