Grain growers can learn how to get their pulse and legume crops to fix nitrogen to their full potential and benefit following crops by attending a free technical workshop this month.

The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Boosting On-Farm Nitrogen Fixation in Pulses pre-sowing workshops will give growers and advisers across South Australia and Victoria access to the latest research into maximising pulse and legume production.

The workshops will feature leading researchers and will cover topics including inoculation, nodulation and nitrogen fixation of crops such as chickpeas, lupins, lentils and faba beans. A useful interactive session will involve participants examining nodulated plants to support and improve field nodulation assessments.

Researchers with Primary Industries and Regions SA’s research division the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), Liz Farquharson and Ross Ballard, together with independent consultant Dr Maarten Ryder, will discuss best practice inoculation methods, dry sowing and acid tolerance challenges and ways to optimise nodulation.

Each workshop will also feature a region-specific presentation on optimising pulse crop production covering chemical inputs, disease management, fertiliser, soil types and constraints from a local adviser.

SA workshops will be held at Wudinna on March 13, Clare on March 19, and Pinnaroo on March 23.

Victorian workshops will be at Pyramid Hill on March 24, Lake Bolac on March 24, and Nhill on March 25.

All participants will receive copies of Inoculating Legumes: A Practical Guide and Inoculating Legumes: The Back Pocket Guide.

Go to AgCommunicators to register.

Contact Details

For Interviews

Bridget Penna, AgCommunicators
0429 676 413

Contact

GRDC Adelaide office Communications Manager – South
(08) 8198 8400
media@grdc.com.au