Narrowing the yield gap is discussed at the GRDC update in Wagga | Video

CSIRO’s Roger Lawes addressed the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) update in Wagga this week and spoke about the national paddock survey.

More than 280 people attended the two-day conference at Joyes Hall in the Charles Stuart University (CSU) precinct. 

Dr Lawes topic was titled The National Paddock Survey – what causes the yield gap across Australian paddocks?

He explained issues of fertiliser inputs and weed control and also outlined the variance in different geographical locations. When considering yield gaps he said there was no one reason for it. Rainfall, disease, weeds and fertiliser programs were all crucial. GRDC senior regional manager (northern region) Jan Edwards said the aim of the update was to inform growers, advisors and industry stakeholders about the latest rural research and development. 

Mrs Edwards said last year NSW and Queensland growers experienced everything from moisture stress to heat and frost and waterlogged paddocks. “This highlights the importance of robust and rigorous research to help underpin profitability,” she said. Wagga researcher Graeme Sandral of NSW DPI presented on day two of the update about improving nitrogen efficiency in wheat using mid-row banding. He said fertiliser cost represented 20 per cent to 25 per cent of variable costs in growing grain crops. 

This meant it was important to assess the requirements and amounts needed by crops. Barry Haskins, AgGrow Agronomy talked about improving productivity in sandy (low fertile) soil. He said an understanding of how different management strategies contribute to overcoming these constraints is important in determining the best way to manage these soils.