Technical annual report 2000-01
Dept. of Regional Development, Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources technical annual report; Department of Regional Development, Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources technical and annual report; Reports; PublicationNT; Technical bulletin (Northern Territory. Dept. of Primary Industry and Fisheries) ; no. 295
2001-10
Made available via the Publications (Legal Deposit) Act 2004 (NT).
Date:2001-10
English
Agriculture -- Northern Territory -- Periodicals; Fisheries -- Northern Territory -- Periodicals
Dept. of Primary Industry and Fisheries
Darwin
Technical bulletin (Northern Territory. Dept. of Primary Industry and Fisheries) ; no. 295
0158-2763
Check within Publication or with content Publisher.
https://hdl.handle.net/10070/223369
https://hdl.handle.net/10070/687151
Technical Annual Report 2000/01 15 Lack of information and grower inexperience is often an impediment to achieving viable yields. Distance between growers also hinders the transfer of information and opportunities for learning. The purpose of the program is to: 1. Allow industry to review and provide input on R&D activities. 2. Encourage growers to actively participate in identifying and addressing priority areas for R&D. 3. Encourage information flow and learning opportunities within the industry. 4. Enhance the productivity and viability of irrigated enterprises in the NT Summary of Activities: Regular producer meetings and field walks have been held since 1998. Growers have inspected DPIF research and commercial operations at Douglas Daly and Katherine. Growers identified important issues such as crop options and rotations for irrigation, agronomy and crop management advice, nutrition and weed control strategies and long term sustainability. Table 1 outlines some of the issues and outcomes achieved to date. Table 1. Issues and outcomes identified Issue Outcome and progress to date Crop Rotation and Options Peanut and maize still provide the basis for a crop rotation. Wet season green manure crops are being evaluated. Some producers are now producing melons and pumpkin for higher returns. Other crops and market niches need to be evaluated. Agronomy and Management Trials have resulted in better varieties for commercial production, improved timing of crop operations, more accurate information on crop water use and insect and disease management. Growers are adopting timing, varietal and other management recommendations such as earlier planting and maize varieties. Nutrition Trials have indicated a more accurate picture of nutrient requirement and plant uptake, which is contributing to improved recommendations, e.g. role of native calcium in peanut nutrition and reduction in applied gypsum. Trace element nutrition on light soils has improved. Pest Management Monitoring and trials are resulting in improved knowledge and understanding of pest/crop interactions and leading to improved management e.g. improved management of peanut pod-rot disease complex. Information and Learning Improved understanding of the complexities of irrigated production in this environment. Better knowledge of natural resources in the area. Improved collaboration/cooperation between industry/DPIF/agribusiness.