Lentil sowing rate – Yenda 2014

Abstract

Key findings »» The low mean yield at this site (0.69 t/ha) was largely attributed to drought, and was exacerbated by late sowing, unfavourable sowing conditions and suspected herbicide damage. »» Small yield and 'normalised difference vegetation index' (NDVI) increases closely reflected increases in seedling density. »» PBA Giant[PBR] and PBA Jumbo2[PBR] produced more grain and green foliage cover, closely followed by PBA Ace[PBR]. These rankings reflect the long-term, multi-environment trial (MET) yield analysis for lentil varieties for this region (Figure 5). »» Care should be taken when applying and incorporating herbicides on acidic, light textured soils, particularly when straw is present. Under these conditions, it is advisable to sow deeper to position seed below the herbicide band. »» Further lentil sowing rate investigations are required in this region to better understand variety responses to plant density, earlier sowing, season conditions and different environments.