That’s the question Field Applied Research (FAR) Australia aims to answer as part of GRDC's investment ‘Optimising Irrigated Grains’, a project with the objective of maximising the profitability of irrigated farming systems in the Murray and Murrumbidgee region, south east South Australia and Tasmania.

The research project is led by FAR Australia in collaboration with the Irrigated Cropping Council and is part of a wider set of investments being made by the GRDC in irrigated cropping systems.

A maize trials field walk will take place on March 11 at the Peechelba East research site.

FAR Australia’s Managing Director, Nick Poole says the field walk is designed to give growers the opportunity to view the trials and to understand the different management protocols which are designed to take maize grain yields to the next level.

“Topics for discussion will cover important aspects of growing grain maize under irrigation with the aim of driving adoption for improved agronomic management practices and profitability,” he says.

Mr Poole will be joined by colleagues Ben Morris and Tom Price at the field walk which will feature the following topics:

• What are the optimum timings and rates for nitrogen (N) forms applied in irrigated maize crops and is it possible to save on fertiliser costs whilst still achieving high yields?
• Does the agronomy change when maize is planted late as a double crop following canola?
• Soil N supply – how important is it in underpinning high yields?
• What is the influence of plant population on dry matter production, grain yield and harvest index?

The Maize Trials Field Walk will be held at the Peechelba East research site on Teagues Road from 9.30am to 11am.

Please register with Rachel Hamilton on 0428 843 456 or email rachel.hamilton@faraustralia.com.au