Scientists collaborated with local growers at Harden, New South Wales, in a long-term experiment to investigate crop performance and soil fertility under different tillage systems. (3 pages)
This article discusses how both stubble retention and direct drilling consistently reduced early crop vigour despite improved soil conditions and good establishment.
The main problems appeared to be diseases and inhibitory microbes.
Stubble retention and direct drilling reduced yield when rainfall was average or above, but had no effect when rainfall was below average and there was little effect on grain protein.
Early sowing, deep soil disturbance, dry springs and low stubble loads overcame the reduction in seedling vigour.
Read more articles from Farming Ahead: CSIRO and related articles from 2010.
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