Closing the Economic Yield Gap for Grain Legumes in Western Australia

Grain legumes currently contribute in a small and diminishing way to the profitability of Western Australian farming systems. GRDC analysis indicates farmers are aware of the benefits of growing a legume in their rotation but have concerns about pulse reliability and profitability and lack confidence in their consistent production after decades of disappointment. Consequently, Western Australian farmers have been slow to exploit recent advances in grain legume genetics, acid-tolerant rhizobia, management strategies, weed and disease protection products. This situation requires an extensive technical and extension program to change grower sentiment and drive the new capabilities into profitable cropping systems.

The project will define agronomic, financial, and market information to help farmers and advisors decide which pulse to grow and where, and ultimately build confidence in using pulses in WA. It will also identify research gaps and inform future research needs.