The Project
This three-year project aims to explore various oat varieties sown at different depths. The goal is to better understand the potential of deep sowing oats early into stored moisture opportunities and to assess the impact of herbicide treatments.
Initiated by a GRDC callout and fuelled by MADFIG member interest, we are collaborating with Facey Group on our first joint trial research endeavour.
Facey Group is managing the project, while MADFIG is excited to support it with a trial site within our area, hosted by grower Curtis Liebeck. We will also share communications and research findings throughout the journey.
Additionally, the project is supported by InterGrain, which is providing both current and emerging seed varieties.
Project Update
Last week, on a rare rainy and windy winter’s day, we headed out to the Tandegin trial site together with research partners Tina, EO from Facey Group, and Richie Marsland, InterGrain Territory Manager for Northern WA.
With a couple of dedicated local members braving the weather, and our trial hosts, Tess and Curtis, we examined the small plot trial which was sown on the 18th of April with a soil temperature range of 17˚C to 31˚C.
This trial is especially relevant to our Drought Hub Node work, as oats can be sown deeper into any subsoil moisture stored from late summer rains. We’re currently trialling depths of 60mm, 90mm and 120mm. This enables earlier germination and alleviates some of the risks associated with delayed or limited follow-up rainfall.
Several new varieties of oats have been provided by InterGrain, along with some favourites like Bannister, and various herbicide applications are included in this study.
Please see the attached information on the early results so far. We’ll continue to update our members via our MADFIG Monthly Updates and later in the season here on our website.
