With markets willing to pay a premium for quality pulses, GRDC is targeting ways to reduce production risk.

Pulses are in high and increasing demand – from traditional markets, from increasingly health-conscious consumers, and for new value-added uses such as protein powder.

Enticingly profitable prices, although more volatile than for cereals, have driven a shift in how growers and advisers view pulses.

Traditionally considered the break crop for cereal-dominated farming systems, in some regions growers bank on pulses for high returns and, when grown sequentially with canola, they contribute to breaking cereal pest, weed and disease cycles. But the reliability of pulses varies dramatically depending on soil types and climate. For many, the risk of poor productivity still outweighs the potential reward.

GRDC’s pulse investment is focused on reducing production risk in existing regions and expanding the area where pulses can be reliably grown. There is room in the market for Australia to supply more high-value pulse products, lifting the overall profitability of the industry. And in an environment where fertiliser prices are escalating, the value of residual nitrogen from healthy and robust pulse crops provides tangible benefit to the profitability of subsequent crops.

Reaching potential

With an estimated yield gap (the gap between national average yields and modelled yield potential) around 40 per cent, there is plenty of opportunity for upside.

A substantial proportion of GRDC’s pulse research investment targets genetic improvement. This includes identifying and introducing germplasm into Australia, evaluating and incorporating traits into locally adapted lines, as well as identifying rhizobia strains with better adaptation to acid soils.

However, the focus of this GroundCover™ Supplement is showcasing GRDC’s investment helping growers get the most out of existing crops and varieties.

At its core this research seeks to answer the fundamental question – what is the water-limited yield potential for pulses and what agronomic levers do we need to adjust to enable growers to reach that potential?

Our approach combines proven research teams, new talent and local experience with laboratory and field experiments, alongside modelling to extend sites and seasons examining those agronomic levers. Agronomists are working with local grower groups to validate agronomy practices across cropping sequences to maximise farming system benefits.

Sharing the opportunities

Expanding the area where pulses can be reliably grown depends not just on research to identify regionally appropriate management packages, but also to encourage and support growers to grow new crops successfully. GRDC investment is developing tools such as acid-tolerant varieties, resources such as management packages for high-rainfall and irrigated environments and, through bespoke extension effort, ensuring growers are confident to undertake pulse crop production.

Weeds and disease management are essential to reduce production and market risks. High standards of disease management are essential to preserve a premium product for the human consumption market. New novel herbicide tolerance traits provide better opportunities to manage weeds both ahead of and within the pulse phase of the rotation.

The future of the pulse industry depends not just on doing what we do better, but also on finding new opportunities for innovation and adapting to a changing climate. Profiled opportunities include alternative and summer crops, companion crops and precision planting.

More information: Dr Kaara Klepper, 0477 742 926, kaara.klepper@grdc.com.au