Informing investment in irrigated grains R&D in southern NSW

Abstract

Key findings »» Analysis of wheat crops sown after rice harvest in the Murray Irrigation Ltd districts (MIL) found that increasing yields required different management depending on soil type and irrigation layout. »» Four management factors that limit winter crop yields were identified: waterlogging, late season water stress, under-fertilisation and low soil pH. »» In the MIL districts alone, increasing wheat yields after rice from the current median to the 80th percentile would result in an additional 20,000–30,000 tonnes per annum ($4–6 million at $200/t). »» If all rice areas were sown to wheat after harvest every year and 80th percentile yields achieved, an additional 128,000–138,000 tonnes of wheat would be produced ($26–$28 million at $200/t).