Improving the early management of dry sown cereal crops

Authors: Amanda Cook

Research Team: Ian Richter and Neil King

SARDI, Minnipa Agricultural Centre

Funded By: SAGIT S419

Project Title: Improving the Early Management of Dry Sown Cereal Crops

Peer Review: Nigel Wilhelm (SARDI)

Key Words: dry sowing, cereals, fertiliser placement

Key Messages

• At Streaky Bay and Cungena in 2019, establishment was similar with dry sowing or sowing at the break, and at Minnipa establishment was better with dry sowing.
• There was a yield penalty if no fertiliser had been applied at Minnipa.
• Dry sowing increased grain yield at Minnipa by 0.2 t/ha compared to waiting for the break in the season.
• Dry sowing at Streaky Bay and Cungena reduced grain yield, by 0.7 and 0.3 t/ha respectively, compared to waiting for the break and sowing into a moist soil bed.
• All three sites showed a decrease in early dry matter with dry sowing.
• The herbicides and fungicides evaluated in the trial did not impact on plant establishment when dry sowing.