RESEARCH is underway in South Australia to push the limits of water productivity in cereal yield potential across low (LRZ) and medium rainfall zones (MRZ).
National science agency CSIRO and Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) have teamed up to research how to boost water productivity to boost grain yields in regions which typically see reduced rainfall.
The research project, dubbed “Profitable Yield Frontiers in the Southern LRZ and MRZ”, aims to bring together researchers, farming systems groups, agronomists and communicators to investigate raising yield potential in areas where water is a limiting factor.
CSIRO Farming Systems researcher and project leader Kenton Porker said previous research into high rainfall zones had MRZ and LRZ growers questioning what was possible in their environments.
“Agronomic systems in the LRZ and MRZ differ from high-rainfall areas mainly due to water limitations and greater variability in supply,” Dr Porker said.
“For example, during the 2024 season we have seen conditions deteriorate in many parts of the southern region, which contrasts with previous spring conditions.
“So, the question becomes, how do we manage this seasonal variability where crop conditions transition between high and low water supply?”
Dr Porker said key tactical decisions which drive yield happen early on in the process, which leaves less wriggle room to adjust crop management during the season.
“This demands a fresh approach to managing the yield-determining period before flowering,” he said.
“Growers understand water use efficiency (WUE), but this is usually assessed after the season.
“Traditional agronomy relies on predictable outcomes, often with hindsight, like post-season WUE analyses.
“Our research focuses on tactical agronomy, emphasising real-time decisions at critical points, such as sowing, tillering, and stem elongation.
“Growers need a better grasp of how to set crops up for success, capturing yield potential in good seasons and managing resources if conditions worsen.”
GRDC sustainable cropping systems manager Courtney Peirce said the research will provide valuable knowledge on better tactical agronomic practices during critical periods in variable climates.
“GRDC’s investment in this initiative reflects our plan to propel growers and industry forward by hitting and exceeding yield and profit targets across every paddock and every season,” Dr Peirce said.
“It will give growers confidence to either continue to adapt or to shift from conservative low-input approaches to more ambitious strategies when conditions are favourable, and it will help provide benchmarks to guide tactical decision making, linking agronomy to critical periods and yield changes.”
