Understanding the Power of Sowing Time

The timing of sowing can make a significant difference in legume production outcomes. Our recent trials have shown that sowing early can boost biomass production, making it an ideal choice for those focused on green manuring, hay, or livestock feeding. On the other hand, a later sowing time could be the key to maximising grain yield, depending on your production goals.

Project Background

In the Kwinana West Zone, grain legumes beyond lupins have not been widely grown or adopted in crop rotations. However, recent advances in grain legume genetics, rhizobium acid tolerance, management strategies, and new weed and disease protection products present an opportunity for more growers in this region to successfully cultivate a broader range of grain legumes. To explore this potential, Facey Group is actively evaluating several legume species to identify those best suited to the region, aiming to expand legume cultivation and diversify crop rotations.

As part of the GRDC-funded ‘Increasing the profitability of the double break rotation in the MRZ of WA Wheatbelt through incorporation of an early sown high-value pulse’ project in 2021, Facey Group assessed the impact of sowing times on chickpeas, finding clear benefits in early sowing. Building on this, the 2022 trial component included faba beans, field peas, and vetch, varieties expanding the scope of the research. Additionally, the farmer demonstration component focused on comparing the yields of two varieties, Samira and Amberley, chosen for their differing resistance to fungal pathogens. Amberley stood out for its stronger fungal resistance and reduced lodging, showcasing its potential for higher yield.

Project Overview

This project explores the yield potential of various legumes under two different sowing times in the Kwinana West Port Zone, as well as their impact on the following year’s cereal crop. In 2022, small plot trials and farmer demonstration trials were conducted, seeding a variety of grain legumes at two times: mid-April (early) and early June (late).

Due to favourable seasonal conditions in 2022, most varieties produced higher-than-expected grain yields, with later sowing times generally leading to better yields. The exception was Genesis Chickpea, which performed better when sown early. Interestingly, while later sowing seemed advantageous for grain yield, early sown plots delivered better peak biomass. That suggests that early sowing is optimal for farmers using legumes for green manuring, hay, or livestock feeding.

At the farmer demonstration site, where two varieties of faba beans were assessed, waterlogging affected the Amberley plots, resulting in lower establishment counts and grain yield compared to Samira. However, Amberley demonstrated superior standing ability, making harvesting easier. In 2023, both Amberley and Samira varieties showed similar yield and biomass results, with an overall increase in yield compared to the previous year.

The 2023 legume trials also revealed that Rockstar wheat had higher yield and biomass when following legumes sown earlier. Notably, wheat following early-sown RM4, and Volga exhibited particularly high protein levels. Although later-sown plots had lower yields, they still outperformed wheat-on-wheat cropping rotations.

In 2024, a new wheat rotation was sown in mid-May. Despite low temperatures, including a drop to 7 degrees in June, and a dry season that left rainfall 19% below last year’s total as of July, the crop has established well.

More information on this and all our trials can be found in the 2024 trials booklet. To get your copy and unlock exclusive member benefits, support us by becoming a member. Click HERE for more information and join our community today!

PROJECT SURVEY … HAVE YOUR SAY! 

Facey Group are continuing to focus on research into grain legumes in our growing area. To help direct us on what our members want to see in the grain legume space, please complete this survey … 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7WF8BY6