Irrigated wheat in southern cropping systems

Introduction

This manual provides an outline of the best management practice principles to consider for high-yielding irrigated wheat production in south-eastern Australia. It is an output of the ‘Southern irrigated cereal and canola varieties achieving target yields’ project (2014–17) that aimed to demonstrate an increase in irrigated cereal and canola production.

A series of research experiments were conducted to identify the optimum cereal and canola varieties and their associated agronomic management practices to maximise production in irrigated farming systems in south-eastern Australia. An overview of the project including outputs and experiment locations can be found in Appendix 1.

Organisations that have conducted research experiments for the project are NSW DPI (Murrumbidgee Valley, NSW; Murray Valley, NSW), Irrigated Cropping Council (Northern Victoria), Southern Farming Systems (Tasmania), MacKillop Farm Management Group (southeast South Australia), Central West Farming Systems (Lachlan Valley, NSW) and Ag Grow Agronomy & Research (Lachlan Valley, NSW).

Regionally relevant variety specific agronomy packages (VSAPs) containing detailed outcomes from each research location have also been produced.

The project (DAN00198) had joint investment from NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).

Key project outcomes

Key outcomes of the irrigated wheat component of the irrigated cereal and canola project include:

• Varietal selection has a highly significant effect on irrigated wheat grain yield. Select varieties that are proven to consistently produce high yields in your area.
• Nitrogen rate and time of application will affect grain yield and quality, as well as lodging. Avoid high nitrogen levels early in the growing season to prevent excessive dry matter accumulation and lodging later in the season.
• Plant population affects crop establishment and grain yield. Irrigated wheat plant populations should generally be between 150 and 200 plants/m2 but should be adjusted to suit each location, irrigation system and target grain yield.