Deep sowing trials on field day agenda

Details on deep-sowing trials will be available for wheatgrowers at this week's Liebe Group spring field day.

The Department of Agriculture and Food will outline a range of research and development activities at the annual event on Thursday.

DAFWA regional director Mike Bowley said the field day provided an ideal opportunity to present department trials and research relevant to the area of the Wheatbelt covered by the Liebe Group.

"The department will have a presence in various aspects of the field day, including field trials and research to be presented at the main trial site, a demonstration in the marquee and livestock information," Mr Bowley said.

"Department research to be shared includes an evaluation of yields and quality of new and existing lupin varieties, led by research officer Wayne Parker, and the plant density response of canola in low rainfall areas led by senior research officer Mark Seymour.

"Senior research officer Bob French will share details about the department's trial identifying wheat variety differences in ability to emerge from very deep sowing.

"Other department trials to be presented include an investigation of the capacity of deep ripping to overcome very deep soil compaction, by senior research officer Paul Blackwell and Glen Riethmuller, and trials on the effect of lime on soil nutrient availability, led by research officer Craig Scanlan."

Development officer Kelly Ryan will present the MyCrop app, a joint initiative by the department and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). The app brings together soil and crop diagnostics information to help identify wheat yield constraints in a timely and efficient manner.

Department livestock information available on the day will include food security measures to prevent residues in livestock.

The field day will be held from 9am to 5pm at the Pearse family's property, Miling North Road, west of Wubin.