Closing the Economic Yield Gap of Grain Legumes in WA
Period: 2023 - 2024
Funding Body: Grains Research and Development Corporation
Funds: $42,000
Project Officers: Ashley Marjoram
This project has been established through investment by GRDC, engaging government, agribusiness, researchers and end-users to work collaboratively to address the poor rate of adoption of grain legumes in WA farming systems. The aims of the project are:
Demonstrate recent advances in the production of grain legumes, across a range of environments and soil types, through 25 user defined farm-scale trials and, where appropriate small plot trials.
Apply statistically rigorous trial results to refine best fit grain legume recommendations.
Produce statistically rigorous economic analysis of grain legumes as a cash crop in the year they are grown and calculate the financial contribution of grain legumes to the longer-term cropping sequence.
Develop and deploy key messages from credible entities to market the improved performance of grain legumes.
Our Trial and Objectives
Delivery of two paddock scale trials.
Inclusion of the trials in a field day or event.
Collaborate with technical experts to publish findings of trials in harvest reviews, regional crop updates, newsletters, media articles, and or multi-media products.
Assist GGA with the promotion of grain legumes in WA through the provision of information and media in relation to the trials conducted.
Year 1 trial: Can Vetch outperform Lupins as a rotation in a farming system
Objectives:
Understand the economic impact of Vetch and Lupins on farm profitability by utilising a multiple farmer case study trial.
Monitor performance, benefits, and limitations of the Morava Vetch and Jurien Lupins from a whole system overview including management of disease and weeds, nitrogen fixation, and harvest yield.
Conduct a trial driven by local growers that is a platform for farmers, industry, and researchers to share information with a focus on grain legume market opportunities.
