Maximising Soys in Central Qld

Project Title: Maximising Soys in Central Qld

Group name: Mackay Soybean Study Group

Objectives:

• This project will test a selection of soybean varieties and identify their adaptation in terms of planting date, soil type, nematode response and management options in the Central region.
• Traditionally Soybean R&D has been conducted in the Burdekin and further north or in southern regions (Childers south). This project will conduct R&D in the central region and thus produce reliable information for the local region.
• Utilise current information produced by soy bean plant breeders to best identify selection of different varieties as well as new variety clones that will test performance of grain production / nitrogen fixation in the Central Region.
• Establish trial sites that will identify optimum plant date and density, compare flat planting verses mound planting and evaluate different row spacing.
• Investigate what parameters will determine if a soy bean crop is utilised for green manure or for grain.

Project Activities:

• Test current variety information through communication with Andrew James from CSIRO to establish how well suited the selected varieties are to the central region and it's climactic conditions.
• Establish trial sites that will determine variety performance across the following variables:
  • Day length
  • Planting rates (ideal plant population)
  • Flat verses mound plantings
  • Row spacing (paddock accessibility, weed and insect management, achieving desired plant populations and harvester requirements)
  • Measure soy bean variety performance in grain / nitrogen fixation and the effects of soil borne pests - nematodes effects

Contact Person: Simon Mattsson 0417862979