Investment

GRDC Code: LIE2110-001SAX

The WA Stubble Story: Investigating alternative stubble systems for cropping systems in the Western Region

The Grower Network members have raised the opportunity for GRDC to look at the impact of harvesting stubble higher in the Western Region, as they think it may have the potential to change their current farming system. Taller harvested stubble in this investment is referring to taller than current "standard" residue levels for each region within the Western region. Currently most growers within WA, would harvest around 15cm (beer can height) above ground level to maximise HWSC.

This investment is a preliminary step that looks to compare conventional stubble structures and heights, and load (straw & chaff) with taller stubble residue systems, heights and load (mostly only chaff) and in frost risk areas, a no residue system. Treatments will be implemented using grower equipment and will be replicated. Importantly the investment will include monitoring of soil moisture, plant establishment, presence of disease, weed competitiveness and herbicide efficacy, HWSC options, nutrient budgeting and ultimately grain yield responses.

Project start date:

01/11/2021

Project end date:

02/08/2025

Crop type: