Non-wetting management options for growers in the Albany port zone

This investment is to improve the confidence in diagnostic methods for delineating and implementing methods to overcome non-wetting in most soil types and improve the of confidence of growers in the decision making for improving soil productivity. Growers want the ability to confidently maximise WUE on various previously repellent soils which will promote more even establishment of both crops and weeds which will lead to better yields and more effective weed control. Additionally, the Albany port zone RCSN members and growers are keen to explore alternative methods of amelioration excluding ripping and other deep soil measures, which they feel can cause more problems.

This investment will assist growers to identify subsoil management zones, know which non-wetting management options are applicable to their situation and use appropriate technologies accordingly after demonstration field site events.

Four (4) demonstration sites in the Albany port zone will be developed to look at a range of non-wetting management options including claying, seed coated with wetting agents, ploughing (Plozza plough, Terraland and Speedtiller), and wetters in furrow/surface applied. Ideally, they will be located near a 2018 Ripper Gauge site (SCF1802-003SAX). A range of major soil types will be included including forest gravels, and extend from the most southern parts of the zone through to the northern and eastern parts.

Two events will be held each year in the port zone – a total of 4 events, ideally located near a demonstration sites (in combination with other field days, or as a standalone event); to extend some of the learnings from other growers and current researchers on best practice non-wetting management tools, (including how to test for suitable clays and how to do an in-field wettability test). This can also include the extension of the ROSA decision support tool.