Table Of ContentsNext Page

Improving management of seasonal conditions for low rainfall crop production

Egan, J.P. Mr; Ph: (08) 8688 3424; Fax: (08) 8688 3427; egan.jim@pi.sa.gov.au

Truscott, M.A. Ms; Ph: (08) 8303 9639; Fax: (08) 8303 9378; truscott.melissa@pi.sa.gov.au

Research organisation:

South Australian Research and Development Institute, GPO Box 397, Adelaide SA 5001

Collaborators:

Doug Abrecht and David Tennant, Agriculture Western Australia, 3 Baron Hay Court, South Perth WA 6151; Gary McKenzie, Kondinin Group, PO Box 913, Cloverdale WA 6105

Sponsors:

GRDC, Grains Research and Development Corporation

Objectives:

To facilitate the adoption of improved climate risk management practices by graingrowers in low rainfall districts of South Australia, based on existing climate risk decision support tools (SOWHAT, PYCAL and TACT).

Methodology:

1. Complete the Climate Risk and Yield Information Service (CRYIS) trials in SA and WA and conduct surveys to assess commercial viability.

2. Create a version of TACT for the Upper North district of SA and validate using farmer yield records and trial data.

3. Conduct farmer decision support trials in the low rainfall Murray Mallee and Upper North districts of SA, providing participants with rainfall and yield probability information generated by the TACT and PYCAL programs, via weekly faxes during the crop sowing period (April to July).

4. Develop a Climate Risk training module, incorporating findings from the CRYIS and decision support trials, for delivery within the Property Management Planning program.

Progress:

CRYIS trials and evaluation completed over 2 years in the eastern wheatbelt of WA and on Upper Eyre Peninsula in SA. Upper North version of TACT tested, showing good agreement with actual wheat yield data. Decision support trials and evaluation completed in Murray Mallee and Upper North, leading to definition of further development and enhancement requirements.

Period: starting date 1997-07; completion date 1999-06

Status: ongoing

Keywords: adoption; cropping; management; climate; decision support; risk

Publications:

Truscott, M.A., Egan, J.P. and Balston, J.M. (1998). Climate risk and yield information service (CRYIS) trial. Proceedings of Farming Systems Developments 1998 Workshop, Adelaide, March 1998, pp. 162-163.

 

Top Of PageNext Page