Greenhouse gas research
Researchers at The University of Western Australia have found farmers can boost grain yield without big increases in greenhouse gas emissions by raising their soil organic carbon levels.
Increasing soil organic matter in agricultural soils can increase crop productivity and is a well-known strategy for sequestering carbon dioxide to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. However, it may enhance nitrous oxide emissions.
Louise Barton from UWA’s School of Earth and Environment, and Institute of Agriculture led a 2.5 year field study on the Liebe Group’s Long Term Research Site at Buntine, WA, to understand how increasing soil organic matter affected greenhouse gas fluxes and grain production in south-western Australia.
As well as the expected improvement in grain yield, the results did show an increase in nitrous oxide emissions, but at low levels compared to international standards.
The study also showed that increasing soil organic matter in cropped soils can potentially increase nitrogen available for plants, thus lowering the need for nitrogen and other fertilisers.
GRDC changes
THERE has been a shake-up of the executive structure at the Grains Research and Development Corporation with three senior staff being made redundant.
Communications executive manager Kate Lord, executive manager of corporate services Tanya Howitt and regional grower services executive manager Stuart Kearns have left the organisation.
Anthracnose outbreak
THE DAMAGING lupin diseae anthracnose has been detected on the east coast for the first time.
The disease has been present in South Australia and Western Australia since the 1990s but has turned up for the first time this year in the Riverina.
GrainGrowers southern region coordinator Clayton Thomas said the fungus disease creates legions causing bent, twisted stems and pods.
“It can lead to complete pod loss and malformed, scarred seed,” he said.
“Growers who identify such symptoms must report their findings to the NSW DPI by calling the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline, 1800 084 881.”
New Pulse Australia chairman
RON STOREY has stepped into the role as Pulse Australia chairman, replacing the retiring Peter Wilson, who held the position for six years.
Mr Storey comes into the chair as the pulse industry adjusts to an unprecedented period of growth.
He paid tribute to the job done by Mr Wilson.
“Mr Wilson has been a champion of Australian pulses here and on the global stage,” said Mr Storey.
Mr Storey comes to the role of chairman after serving as a director on the Pulse Australia board for over 10 years.