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RIRDC Completed Projects in 2006-2007 & Research in Progress as at June 2007fc
To Organic Systems Research in Progress
3.4 Organic Systems – Completed Projects 1.1 Organic production systems: System Design and Environmental Sustainability
DAQ-336A Growing organic prawns in inland saline systems Steve Slattery (07) 3406 8623 Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries 1.2 Organic production systems: Pests and Diseases
SAG-4A Evaluation of potential for chitosan to enhance plant defence Rachel Walker (03) 6423 2044 Serve-Ag Research 1.4 Organic production systems: Soils
UWA-81A Adding value to organic pasture – microbes and minerals Lynnette Abbott (08) 6488 2683 University of Western Australia Completed Projects – 1.1 Organic production systems: System Design and Environmental Sustainability
Project Title: Growing organic prawns in inland saline systems RIRDC Project No.: DAQ-336A Researcher: Steve Slattery Organisation: Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Phone: 07 3406 8623 Fax: 07 3406 8698 Email: Steve.Slattery@dpi.qld.gov.au Objectives ·1 Investigate the organic standards that relate to low and high density grow out ·2 Negotiate contract with industry partner for access to grow out site and for production procedures
·3 Prepare ponds using organic procedures for introduction of seed
·4 Use banana prawn seed (post larvae) for stocking ponds and use stock from these ponds for tank trial
·5 Stock ponds at low density rates
·6 Manage water quality and monitor prawn growth rates during the growing season
·7 Concurrently conduct organic feed trials with juveniles as a contingency for poor growth rates in extensive ponds
·8 If growth rate in low density ponds is too slow, apply limited supplemental feeding of the most effective organic feed identified from tank trial
·9 Conduct treatment and packaging trials using a range of organic methods to identify optimum treatment
·10 Drain harvest the ponds retaining water in separate reservoir for future use
Background The prawn farming industry is suffering from cheaper imports and need to find alternate markets. Sustainable production methods should be practiced. There is a premium for organically produced prawns in Europe. For industry to adopt organic principles the economic feasibility had to be proven. Research A number of prawn feeds using organic ingredients were developed. The best produced 65% growth when compared to locally available non-certified prawn feed. Grow-out under organic conditions until the need for supplemental feeding reduced the cost of production when compared with normal commercial methods. A new modified atmosphere product not currently available anywhere was developed that will more than compensate certification, production and importing costs. Outcomes ·11 Development of a certified feed is required before any commercialisation of this research occurs. ·12 With the loss of the feed supplier at the start of this project the researchers endeavoured to formulate an organic prawn feed using certified ingredients available in Queensland.
·13 Links have been made with the Queensland based Kialla Pure Foods which can produce a prawn feed once a suitable feed has been formulated. After two separate feed trials, formulations have been identified that can produce growth rates which approach 65% of that possible with normal uncertified imported feed.
·14 It is most likely that a currently operating prawn farmer will be the one to successfully commercialise organic production of prawns in Australia rather than an enterprise that has limited experience with this type of aquaculture.
·15 The attempted grow-out trial found that even using organic principals during the early part of production can provide savings for prawn farmers.
·16 The packaging and storage trials have identified a new product not available anywhere yet, raw prawns in MAP, that is more valuable than the currently produced organically certified cooked prawns in MAP which can be a successful export. While a paper has been prepared for publication, it will be withheld until industry has made an attempt at commercialising this research so that a marketing advantage can obtained for a new player in this restricted market.
Implications The production of organically certified prawns in Australia is feasible. The availability of a cost effective certified prawn feed with appropriate growth rates in Australia will determine the adoption of this research by industry. Publications To allow Australian producers the opportunity to be first in the market with a new organic prawn product, the packaging paper will not be submitted for publication for one year. Journal publications are being prepared regarding the feed trial results, and will likely also become available within 12 months.
Completed Projects – 1.2 Organic production systems: Pests and Diseases
Project Title: Evaluation of potential for chitosan to enhance plant defence RIRDC Project No.: SAG-4A Researcher: Rachel Walker Organisation: Serve-Ag Research Phone: (03) 6423 2044 Fax: (03) 6423 4876 Email: rwalker@serve-ag.com.au Objectives ·1 Recommendations on whether chitosan should be further developed as an organic plant defence booster product in Australia. Recommendations on whether chitosan should be used alone, or in combination with reduced applications of copper and conventional pesticides. ·2 RIRDC report on the efficacy of chitosan against specific vegetable diseases, and information about compatibility with organic and IPM/conversion practises.
·3 Initiation of product development work for a natural polymer that has potential for use in organic agriculture. This will be valuable if product registration (and organic certification) proceeds.
·4 A better understanding of plant morphological and physiological responses to chitosan.
Background The term ‘plant defence booster’ applies to a group of compounds which act by triggering various physiological and morphological responses within the plant that help to stimulate natural defence mechanisms. The practical significance of plant defence boosters is that they can help to reduce the amount of crop protection chemicals applied to crops. Chitosan is a plant defence booster derived from deactylation of chitin. Chitin is readily available from shellfish waste from food processing. Agricultural applications of chitosan are for stimulation of plant defence. The chitosan molecule triggers a defence response within the plant, leading to the formation of physical and chemical barriers against invading pathogens.
Research Screening trials were conducted in tomatoes, peas, carrots, beetroot, lettuce, snow peas, cucumber and capsicums. Replicated field and pot trials were conducted, and intensive yield and quality assessments were made. In this project, trial results were most promising in tomatoes. Aminogro® chitosan resulted in yield increases of nearly 20% in two out of three tomato trials. In all tomato trials, chitosan applications resulted in a significant improvement in powdery mildew disease control. Plant physiological studies were limited because of difficulties with enzyme activity methods. No relationships between chitosan application and stimulation of chitinase enzyme activity were identified. Results from the literature indicate variability in detection of plant defence responses following application of plant defence boosters. It is recommended that the most conclusive results about plant defence activation would be achieved with molecular studies, although this would be very expensive.
Outcomes Trial results and recent publications in international literature indicate Solanaceae plants may respond well to plant defence booster products. Implications Screening of plant defence booster products in potatoes is recommended for future trial work. Solanaceae crops are significant vegetable crops in Australia, and there is a potentially large target market. Growers would have considerably more confidence in chitosan as a crop protection input if it was registered with the Australia Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). A checklist of requirements for registration of chitosan with APVMA is included in the report.
Publications ·1 Agriculture Research and Advisory Committee Forum presentation, August 2003 ·2 Presentation to Greenhouse Growers of Tasmania, August 2003
·3 Presentation to Organic Research Seminar, Burnie, November 2003
·4 Article in Soilless – Journal of Australian Hydroponics and Greenhouse Association, July 2003
·5 Grower reports and regular verbal updates provided to growers and regional agronomists
·6 Article in Research for organic growers – update from Serve-Ag Research, October 2003.
Completed Projects – 1.4 Organic production systems: Soils
Project Title: Adding value to organic pasture – microbes and minerals RIRDC Project No.: UWA-81A Researcher: Professor Lynnette Abbott, Dr Andrew Harley, Jennifer Davis (PhD student) Organisation: School of Earth and Geographical Sciences
University of Western AustraliaPhone: (08) 6488 2683 Fax: (08) 6488 1050 Email: labbott@cyllene.uwa.edu.au Objectives To monitor and interpret changes in soil biological, physical and chemical characteristics in response to the use of soil amendments for organic pasture production and in adjacent conventional pasture systems. Background Silicate mineral fertilisers and related products have been proposed as inputs into organic agriculture. In addition, microbial inoculants are currently being trialed ad hoc to release nutrients from both the minerals themselves and from existing pools of nutrients, especially P. This project sought to quantify benefits from the use of ground silicate minerals as P and K fertilisers for organic beef pasture and investigate interactions between ground rock fertilisers and soil microorganisms. Research The project investigated the ability of ground rock fertilisers to supply P and K to pasture during the conversion phase of organic production using a three-year field experiment. Ground rocks and soluble fertilisers were applied to the pasture. The biological and chemical fertility of the soil was monitored. Interactions between soil microorganisms and ground rock fertilisers in pasture soils were also investigated to determine whether ground rocks affected communities of soil microorganisms or soil biological and chemical fertility. Outcomes Rock fertilisers did not have significant effects on the biological fertility of the soil but they changed the microbial community structure in the soil. When ground rocks were added, different microorganisms became dominant. Rock phosphate was an effective source of P, but ground mica was a poor source of K. Ground minerals caused a slight increase in the pH of the acidic soil. Addition of ground rocks introduced a new niche to soil that supported a different microbial community compared to the rest of the soil. Implications This project demonstrated that use of certified organic mineral fertiliers can change the relative abundance of microrganisms in soil by introducing new surfaces and influencing interactions between microorganisms and their soil habitat. There was little evidence that these changes had an effect on soil fertility in the short term. Publications Davis J and Abbott L (2006). Soil fertility in organic farming systems. In: P Kristiansen, A Taji and J Reganold (Eds) Organic Farming: A Global Perspective. CSIRO, Melbourne. pp 25-51. Carson J, Rooney D, Clipson N and Gleeson D (2007). Altering the mineral composition of soil causes a shift in microbial community structure. FEMS Microbiology Ecology (accepted).
Carson J (2007). Altering the mineral composition of soil causes a shift in microbial community structure. 160th Meeting Society for General Microbiology Conference, Manchester.
3.4 Organic Systems – Research in Progress Project No Project Title Researcher Phone Organisation 1.1 Organic production systems: System Design and Environmental Sustainability
DAV-222A Establishing perennial pastures – the foundation for sustainable organic farming systems Vivianne Burnett (02) 6030 4500 Department of Primary Industries Victoria OCT-1A Soil nutrient status benchmarking – Tasmanian organic farms Dr Graeme Stevenson (03) 6435 1319 Organic Coalition of Tasmania Inc UCS-38A Optimising the quality and yield of spelt and other speciality grains under organic production Robyn Neeson (02) 6951 2735 EH Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation UNE-95A Matching cultivars and inputs in organic vegetable production Dr Paul Kristiansen (02) 6773 2962 University of New England 1.2 Organic production systems: Pests and Diseases
DAQ-327A Integrating pyrethrum against fruitspotting bugs into organic tropical fruit production Dr Harry Fay (07) 4048 4663 Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Qld 1.3 Organic production systems: Nutrition
PNU-1A Pastoral organic lamb production San Jolly (08) 8344 8816 Productive Nutrition Pty Ltd 1.4 Organic production systems: Soils
CSE-92A Sustaining soil biological functions in organic systems Gupta Vadakattu (08) 8303 8579 CSIRO Entomology DAN-246A Fertiliser for sustainable increase in available soil phosphorous for organic farming systems Dr Jeffrey Evans (02) 6938 1889 NSW Department of Primary Industries 2. Conversion processes
DAV-233A Organic citrus technical manual – building supply capability David Madge (03) 5051 4500 Department of Primary Industries Victoria 15
RIRDC Research in Progress – 1.1 Organic production systems: System Design and Environmental Sustainability
Project Title Establishing perennial pastures – the foundation for sustainable organic farming systems RIRDC Project No.: DAV-222A Start Date: 01-Jul-2004 Finish Date: 30-Jul-2007 Researcher: Vivianne Burnett Organisation: Department of Primary Industries (Vic) Phone: (02) 6030 4500/4575 Fax: (02) 6030 4600 Email: viv.burnett@nre.vic.gov.au Objectives This project aims to highlight the value of perennial pastures as the foundation for sustainable Australian agricultural systems. Current Progress (200 words maximum)
The survey report for the project has been completed and is currently being published and distributed. The survey found that during the last five years, lucerne was the most commonly sown perennial species. All producers surveyed indicated an awareness of native grasses and most had observed native species on their farms. In NSW, many producers indicated that they managed native grasses differently from conventional species. The most common barriers to establishment of perennial pastures were availability of moisture at the right time and the management of weeds. The majority of perennial pastures on organic farms were established using a cultivated seed-bed, where seed and fertiliser were broadcast on to the surface. This was either harrowed in or rolled, and generally no further weed management was conducted. Organic producers have a sound understanding of grazing management and the need for rest periods with perennial species. One recommendation from the survey is to provide extension material on the range of weed management options available within an organic context so as to reduce producers’ reliance on cultivation. A Department of Primary Industries Agnote on Perennial Pasture Establishment in Organic Farming Systems has been published and is available at www.dpi.vic.gov.au. The second Agnote on Perennial Pasture Management in Organic Farming Systems is being prepared. The experimental program has shown that two years after establishment, there is little difference in plant density between conventional and organic sowing rates, suggesting that higher sowing rates may not be necessary within an organic system and that under-sowing perennial species with a cereal crop generally results in less perennial density. RIRDC Research in Progress – 1.1 Organic production systems: System Design and Environmental Sustainability
Project Title Soil nutrient status benchmarking – Tasmanian organic farms RIRDC Project No.: OCT-1A Start Date: 01-Feb-2007 Finish Date: 28-Feb-2008 Researcher: Dr Graeme Stevenson Organisation: Organic Coalition of Tasmania Inc Phone: (03) 6435 1319 Fax: (03) 6435 1319 Email: graemes@southcom.com.au Objectives ·1 Continue, and expand, the long-term benchmarking of the available soil nutrient status on a range of organic enterprises, over a range of both input levels (including 'closed input' systems) and outputs (productivity). Aiming for observations over at least 30 years per property, with data collected at least every fifth year ('snapshots'). ·2 Collate 'historical' data.
·3 Sample on 4 properties where previous sampling has been started.
·4 Expand the range of enterprises to include 3 sample sites each within 3 'categories' (broadacre grazing, broadacre cropping (vegetable and cereal) and horticultural).
·5 Improve on benchmark data collected (particularly on levels of productivity and inputs).
·6 Soil nutrients of interest include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sodium. Also assess soil organic matter, acidity and cation exchange capacity.
·7 Further develop national 'network' of interested scientists.
Current Progress (200 words maximum)
·1 Consultation with L Birkitt, Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research (two sessions). ·2 Collation of background research reading/papers.
·3 Collation of previous Tasmanian research results (5 farms).
·4 Negotiation with Nutrient Advantage Laboratory Services for soil sample testing procedures.
·5 Determining financial arrangements with the Treasurer, Organic Coalition of Tasmania.
·6 Development of protocols:
i. Property enterprise selection (at least 3 properties within 3 broad categories; Grazing, Broadacre Cropping and Horticulture) with ‘matching’ closed and high input systems where possible. ·1 Commencement of sampling (two farms to date) with six more planned for the next fortnight.ii. Paddock selection and identification (utilisation of GPS)
iii. Sampling procedure (eg soil sample drying prior to dispatch – establishment of contact details with TIAR laboratory staff, Burnie).
iv. Finalisation of soil test analysis requirements list
v. Required background data from farmer interviews
RIRDC Research in Progress – 1.1 Organic production systems: System Design and Environmental Sustainability
Project Title Optimising the quality and yield of spelt and other specialty grains under organic production RIRDC Project No.: UCS-38A Start Date: 1 Jul 2006 Finish Date: 31 Jun 2009 Researcher: Ms Robyn Neeson Organisation: EH Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation
(a collaborative alliance between Charles Sturt University and the NSW Department of Primary Industries)Phone: (02) 6951 2735 Fax: (02) 6951 2620 Email: robyn.neeson@dpi.nsw.gov.au Objectives The project will aim to improve the supply and quality of organic spelt (Triticum aestivum var. spelta), Kamut® (Triticum turgidum) and cereal rye (Secale cereale) by: ·1 selecting superior lines of spelt for organic production ·2 developing a preliminary agronomic package for spelt production.
Current Progress (200 words maximum)
This project aims to identify potentially new and more reliable cultivars of spelt that are better adapted to organic production. The three-year project involves a number of trials investigating: During 2006, 57 spelt genotypes from 3 sources, Australian Winter Cereals Collection and on-farm selections from Central West NSW and Cootamundra, were planted in the field at NSW DPI’s Yanco Organic Research Site. 25 additional genotypes were planted in the glasshouse. 18 additional genotypes are being imported from overseas. The spelt genotypes were seed increased (field and glasshouse) and observations were recorded of their physiological characteristics and disease susceptibility. Organic farmers provided valuable input by ranking the key attributes which best adapted spelt to their organic production systems. The top 20 spelt genotypes will be planted in further trials at Yanco, Rutherglen and Cootamundra in 2007. i. Genetics ii. Crop Nutrition
iii. Agronomy.
In 2006, a glasshouse experiment (P1) was established at Yanco to determine the response of spelt (3 genotypes) and other specialty grains (Kamut® and cereal rye) compared to traditional wheat, to five levels of phosphorus (P).
Preliminary results showed that for similar amounts of total P uptake, some spelt lines are able to produce larger biomass than traditional wheat. This could have implications for yield potential and weed competitiveness. P trials will continue in 2007.
RIRDC Research in Progress – 1.1 Organic production systems: System Design and Environmental Sustainability
Project Title Matching cultivars and phosphorus inputs in organic vegetable production RIRDC Project No.: UNE-95A Start Date: 1 Jul 2005 Finish Date: 30 Nov 2007 Researcher: Dr Paul Kristiansen Organisation: University of New England Phone: (02) 6773 2962 Fax: (02) 6773 3238 Email: paul.kristiansen@une.edu.au Objectives The project will investigate relationships between crop cultivars, phosphorus (P) and soil in organic vegetable production by characterising the soil environment in organic vegetable farms, investigating P-accumulating cover crops, quantifying the nutrient dynamics of organic-permitted sources of P and relating P uptake to the plant's root system. Current Progress (200 words maximum)
Experimental work We have completed our trials on nutrient availability, soil type and plant responses for several organic sweet corn cultivars and for two legume crops (field peas and faba beans). Although only a small number of corn cultivars were tested, we have identified varieties with differing responses to low P soil conditions and possible adaptive mechanisms related to P acquisition. The final experiment, currently underway, is looking at the nutrient dynamics (concentrating on P) using radio-labelled legume cover crop residues applied to a subsequent sweet corn crops sown in labelled soil. The availability of the various P sources and the ability of sweet corn to take up those sources over time is being investigated.
Data analysis and write-up
The work from the field survey and the early trials is currently being written up as papers for publication, as chapters for the PhD student’s thesis and as short summaries for an industry newsletter. One scientific paper has been accepted, another two are under review, a conference paper was presented in Germany (QLIF Conference, Stuttgart, March 2007), and two summaries are ready for publication.
RIRDC Research in Progress – 1.2 Organic production systems: Pests and Diseases
Project Title Integrating pyrethrum against fruitspotting bugs into organic tropical fruit production RIRDC Project No.: DAQ-327A Start Date: 01-Aug-04 Finish Date: 30-Jun-08 Researcher: Dr Harry Fay Organisation: Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (Qld)
PO Box 1054
MAREEBA QLD 4880Phone: (07) 40484663 Fax: (07) 40923593 Email: harry.fay@dpi.qld.gov.au Objectives To develop strategies for the effective integration of pyrethrum against fruitspotting bugs (Amblypelta spp.) into pest management systems for the organic production of tropical and subtropical tree fruit and nut crops, based on acceptable standards for organic production. Current Progress (200 words maximum)
A further series of field trials was conducted between September 2006 and May 2007 in avocado, carambola, cocoa and papaw crops with various pyrethrum and plant oil combinations. Pyrethrum was applied fortnightly at 100 to 1100 ppm and tea tree or canola oil at 0.5 to 5 ml/L of water. In the avocado trial, the pyrethrum treatments reduced bug damage to fruit by 5 to 15 % below the 20 % damage in the untreated trees. Pyrethrum applications to all trees in a treatment block appeared more effective than those confined to selective trees. In both the cocoa and carambola trials, the pyrethrum and oil treatments evidently reduced bug damage for the first 4-6 weeks to ? 50% below that recorded in the untreated trees, but damage later in these crops reduced this advantage. This may reflect changes in the levels of bug activity over time. There was insufficient spotting bug activity in the papaw trial to obtain meaningful results. The pyrethrum and oil treatments and application strategies will be consolidated during next season’s trials. A short workshop for growers later this year will relate the project’s progress and review the range of insect pest management techniques for organic production. RIRDC Research in Progress – 1.3 Organic production systems: Nutrition
Project Title Pastoral organic lamb production RIRDC Project No.: PNU-1A Start Date: 20-Feb-2007 Finish Date: 30-Sep-2008 Researcher: San Jolly Organisation: Productive Nutrition Pty Ltd Phone: (08) 8344 8816 Fax: (08) 8344 8810 Email: san@productivenutrition.com.au Objectives ·1 To improve the confidence and ability of sheep producers to feed grain safely and appropriately in the rangelands. ·2 To facilitate producers’ familiarity with the nutrient requirements of sheep and the nutritive value (NV) of the feed on offer.
·3 To use NV data compiled by SJ Muir in 1990 as a source of information to implement a complementary feeding program.
·4 To improve producers’ decision making ability in terms of complementary feeding.
·5 To improve the nutritional knowledge of the group members such that they can then become mentors for new group members as the production of organic lamb increases.
·6 To improve producers’ awareness of the nutritive value of a range of preferentially grazed species.
·7 To explore the use of complementary feeding strategies as a means to increase productivity, reducing the need to increase stocking rates and the resultant risk of environmental degradation.
·8 Compare the cost efficiency of two feeding strategies.
·9 To improve the growth potential of complementary fed lambs from 40 kg live weight at 20 weeks of age to 50 kg live weight at 20 weeks of age.
Current Progress (200 words maximum)
A training workshop was conducted with the participating producer group in Broken Hill on February 20th, 2007. The workshop was held to outline the project, to increase producers’ knowledge and awareness of the relevance of animal nutrition to the project outcomes and to ensure that all group members could clearly identify pastoral plant species. The nutrition component of the workshop was conducted by San Jolly, Productive Nutrition P/L and covered the following topics:
·7 Grain feeding and acidosis Merri Tothill, PIRSA Rural Solutions conducted a plant identification workshop outlining the methodology for identification and sampling of plants. This included an extensive practical session involving regional species common to the participating pastoralists.·8 Nutrient requirements of sheep in relation to the nutritive value of pastoral plant species at various stages of growth
·9 The role and risks associated with complementary feeding in the rangelands
·10 The required project methodology to ensure the objectives are met and outcomes delivered to the satisfaction of each producer
·11 Recording procedures
The complementary feeding plan for participants has been constructed based on the nutritive value data collated by Muir (1980) and will be implemented by the group when organic grain supplies have been secured.
RIRDC Research in Progress – 1.4 Organic production systems: Soils
Project Title Sustaining soil biological functions in organic systems RIRDC Project No.: CSE-92A Start Date: 1 Jan 2007 Finish Date: 31 Dec 2007 Researcher: Gupta Vadakattu Organisation: CSIRO Entomology Phone: (08) 8303 8579 Fax: (08) 8303 8550 Email: Gupta.vadakattu@csiro.au Objectives 1. Quantify the composition and/or activity of key functional groups of soil microbiota involved in carbon and nutrient turnover and disease suppression in Australian organic farming systems. 2. Determine the capacity of microbial functions in organic systems to support crop nutrient requirement, disease suppression potential and identify relationships, if any, with soil physical and chemical properties.
Current Progress (200 words maximum)
As proposed, we are utilizing farmer fields that have been under organic farming systems (with reliable history for at least five years) to quantify the composition and/or activity of key functional groups of soil microbiota. Task 1
Collection of soil samples from organic farms in SA, Vic and NSW following the break in the season and prior to sowing of crop. Majority of the task has been completed:
Bulk surface soil and intact cores were collected from each paddock at 4 replicate places on a 150m transect. Each replicate sample is a composite of ~6 subsamples from a ~10sqM area. 1. Identification of suitable farms has been completed. 2. Surface soils samples were collected from 9 field sites (four organic farms in SA and Victoria and nearby conventional agricultural farms (Loxton (3), Jamestown (2), Ardrossan (2) in SA and Murrayville (2), Vic). Sample collection from organic farms in WA and NSW is currently in progress.
Additional task
Literature review: It is evident from the attached literature review that research on changes in microbial diversity and function under organic agricultural system has been limited, in particular under Australian environmental conditions (for example, less than 10 references out of >300 references listed in the attached document), thus emphasizing the need for the current research.
We are in the process of summarizing a detailed document based on relevant information in these publications.
RIRDC Research in Progress – Organic production systems: Soils
Project Title Fertiliser for sustainable increase in available soil phosphorous for organic farming systems (extension to DAN-195A) RIRDC Project No.: DAN-246A Start Date: 01 Jul 2005 Finish Date: 30 Nov 2007 Researcher: Dr Jeffrey Evans Organisation: NSW Department of Primary Industries Phone: (02) 6938 1889 Fax: (02) 6938 1822 Email: jeffrey.evans@dpi.nsw.gov.au Objectives To develop a fertiliser strategy for sustainable increase in plant available soil phosphate, for application in organic broad-acre farming. It is proposed to carry out experiments to supplement those of a previous project (DAN-195A) to lead to (i) the development of commercially viable reactive phosphate rock – sulphur fertiliser (RPR/S) blends effective in increasing plant available soil phosphate, and (ii) a better understanding of the conditions for effective use of RPR/S. A further objective is (iii) to assess soil phosphate response to commercial chemical and microbial additives purporting to increase available phosphate.
Current Progress (200 words maximum)
The field trials involving different rates of mixtures of reactive phosphate rock (RPR) and elemental sulphur (S), established in the winter of 2005 on three farms located near Cootamundra (organic), Lockhart (organic) and Rylstone (future organic), were sampled for the effects of the RPR+S on plant available P (Olsen P) in November 2006. As a result of the severe drought of 2006, Olsen P levels were unchanged from the treatment values obtained in November 2005. However, the result was not unexpected because reaction of the fertilisers and their solubility depend on water. The commercial product, guano, included in the above experiments, has not produced measurable increase in Olsen P over the two years of testing, in contrast to the mixtures of RPR and S. Client reports for the collaborating farmers at each experimental site have been prepared and will be forwarded to the farmers for comment in early June. A preliminary study with the potential commercial fertiliser, P-Lift, in pots, included an assessment of its effect on Olsen P when added to soil adjusted to different pH levels, and with different starting backgrounds of available P at each pH level. Five rates of P-Lift were used. The study showed that the effect of P-Lift on Olsen P was predictable from the initial Olsen P level and the rate of P-Lift, except that the effect of the latter depended on a predictable effect of initial soil pH. The lower the initial soil pH the greater the effect of P-Lift. Thus, for farmers, the higher the initial level of available P, the lower the amount of P-Lift required to improve soil P status to optimal, the more so where soil pH is lower. Many organic broad-acre farms have very low initial soil P status.
A further preliminary pot trial with P-Lift was carried out early in 2007. At the equivalent of 300 kg/ha, P-Lift increased the biomass dry matter of wheat 84%, leaf area 121%, and total P uptake by 118% as compared to wheat in the untreated soil. These responses followed an increase in Olsen P from 3.3 to 7.0 ppm, and justify the field evaluation of the product.
Field evaluation of P-Lift, commenced with its application at 5 replicated rates at two sites (Wagga Wagga & Lockhart) in 2006 to allow soil reaction before cropping in 2007. Sowing of the sites with cereal is awaiting the ‘break’ of the 2007 season.
In the field trial, evaluating commercial soil and seed additives for their impact on plant available soil phosphate and crop P nutrition, no product increased Olsen P above background levels, as measured late in 2006. The result was not unexpected because of the severe drought. Further evaluation will be undertaken in 2007, after the season ‘breaks’.
RIRDC Research in Progress – Conversion processes
Project Title Organic citrus technical manual – building supply capability RIRDC Project No.: DAV-233A Start Date: 01 Jul 2006 Finish Date: 30 Jun 2008 Researcher: David Madge Organisation: Department of Primary Industries Victoria Phone: (03) 5051 4500 Fax: (03) 5051 4523 Email: David.madge@dpi.vic.gov.au Objectives This project aims to better position the citrus industry to exploit existing and future opportunities in domestic and international markets, and to support citrus growers in the transition to more sustainable crop and land management. It will use producer studies, anecdotal evidence, research of scientific literature and industry liaison to: ·1 understand the production requirements for organic citrus for access to key export markets ·2 document technical requirements for production of citrus in compliance with organic standards of Australia and key importing countries, and
·3 facilitate adoption of organic production techniques by the Australian citrus industry.
Current Progress (200 words maximum)
Collection of technical information on organic citrus culture and the organic citrus industry continues, while the information already in hand is being reviewed for relevance and inclusion in the final documentation. Key results from a postal survey that captured grove characteristics and major production issues and priorities from over 50% of the reasonably sized organic citrus producers across Australia were published in Australian Citrus News, April/May 2007.
Marketing was identified early as a major issue for organic citrus producers and a proposal regarding market development will be pursued.
To date, seven detailed grower interviews and inspections of organic orchards have been completed in the Sunraysia/Riverland regions. This program will continue in the MIA, NSW coast and southern W.A. over the coming months.
The project has been promoted to industry through poster displays and discussions at the Riverland Field Days (Sep 2006) and Australian Citrus Growers Annual Conference (April 2007), and articles in the general and organic industry media and Australian Citrus News.
Inquiries have been initiated with the USDA National Organic Standards Board regarding two issues of concern to potential organic citrus producers/exporters. These are the absence of any approved snail bait in the US organic standard and that standard’s requirements relating to temperatures during compost production.
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