Improved nitrogen management is a common goal for many growers, given its importance in optimising yields and the associated costs. Utilising available data sources is central to this improvement and recent development in grain protein sensing has shown potential for targeting N inputs spatially. This project will assess the utility of this data for improving N applications.
This project aims to demonstrate how commercially available nitrogen management strategies can help to improve on-farm emissions intensity through local replicated plot trials, along with assessing the productivity and economic impacts.
This project will be undertaken by SARDI researchers and will investigate if the pairing of faba bean and semi-leafless field pea will benefit both crops by increased seed and protein yield; reduced lodging, disease and harvestability issues; and improved yield and reduced N fertiliser cost of the following wheat crop. This system could increase faba bean representation in more marginal areas and increase yield in drier seasons as field pea is better adapted to drier conditions.
Grain protein map data and other spatial data layers will be investigated for application in targeting nitrogen (N) inputs more precisely to optimise N use, grain yield and protein and profitability. A combination of spatial data and targeted small plot N response trials will improve understanding of how to utilise available spatial data layers for variable rate application of N.