FarmTalk #2 – Intensify Cropping, Improve your Profitability!

Fact Sheet #2 – June 2003 (Revised February 2007)

David Roget – CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems

The issue
Over recent years in the Mallee, there has been a strong move towards more intensive cropping practices. Traditionally, Mallee farming systems have been based on low
input systems designed more to manage the RISK of poor seasons than the opportunity provided by favourable seasons. This can result in available moisture NOT being used as effectively as possible, therefore having a significant impact on potential yield and subsequent profitability.

In general, district practice seems to mainly concentrate on water being the major limiting factor. However research investigation has demonstrated that inadequate nutrition is often a greater limitation to yield than many people realise. Therefore, it can really be a lack of adequate nutrition that is holding the crop back from attaining its potential yield.