Grain growers can learn how to get their pulse and legume crops to fix nitrogen to their full potential - and benefit following crops - by attending a free technical workshop this month.
The GRDC 'Boosting On-Farm Nitrogen Fixation in Pulses' pre-sowing workshops will give growers and advisers across South Australia and Victoria access to the latest research into maximising pulse and legume production.
The workshops will feature leading researchers and will cover topics including:
- inoculation;
- nodulation; and
- nitrogen fixation of crops such as chickpeas, lupins, lentils and faba beans.
A useful interactive session will involve participants examining nodulated plants to support and improve field nodulation assessments.
Researchers with Primary Industries and Regions SA's research division the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), Liz Farquharson and Ross Ballard, together with independent consultant Dr Maarten Ryder, will discuss:
- best practice inoculation methods;
- dry sowing;
- acid tolerance challenges; and
- ways to optimise nodulation.
Each workshop will also feature a region-specific presentation on optimising pulse crop production covering chemical inputs, disease management, fertiliser, soil types and constraints from a local adviser.
Workshop details - SA:
- Wudinna on March 13.
- Clare on March 19.
- Pinnaroo on March 23.
Workshop details - Victoria:
- Pyramid Hill on March 24.
- Lake Bolac on March 24.
- Nhill on March 25.
All participants will receive copies of Inoculating Legumes: A Practical Guide and Inoculating Legumes: The Back Pocket Guide.
GRDC Research Code 9176601
More Information and Registration: Bridget Penna, AgCommunicators, 0429 676 413; or via AgCommunicators.