Effect of row spacing and plant population on soil water use and the impact of crown rot – Walgett 2012

Abstract

Key findings • In this trial using wider row spacing’s (500 mm) actually increased soil water use in the 0–60 cm depth interval and therefore did not reduce the extent of yield loss from crown rot. • There was no difference between the 300 and 400 mm row spacing’s in terms of water use and grain yield for Commander[PBR] and LongReach Spitfire[PBR]. • The 160 plants/m2 plant population used significantly more water over the season compared to the 80 plants/m2 to a depth of 120 cm but this did not impact on final grain yield. • Infection with crown rot significantly reduced soil water use during the last 3 weeks of grain-fill.