Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 4224 IREC Farmers' Newsletter No. 196 — Summer 2016 to compete against selling water on the temporary water market. The decision to sow these varieties can be made after late allocation announcements when there is more certainty of water availability. Sowing recommendations The recommended planting window extends after winter crop harvest, providing an opportunity for later planting while maintaining yield. December-sown trials at Yanco have demonstrated good yield potential since 2010. With improved cold tolerance, the risk of weather extremes affecting the whole rice crop, across a farm or the industry, can be mitigated by using these varieties to stagger sowing dates. Drill sowing of these varieties is recommended to encourage a shorter plant, which will reduce lodging at harvest time. Drill sowing also increases water use efficiency. Drill sowing is becoming more popular with 36% of all crops in the southern growing regions being drill sown last season, compared with 26% aerial sown and 38% dry broadcast. Growers have changed to drill sowing for many reasons: ducks, slime, snails and wind, to name a few. This year particularly, drill sowing allowed growers to sow quickly without time-consuming preparation. YRM70 and YRK5 crops will be tested under a range of sowing methods this season in commercial trials. Demand for both varieties was strong and all seed was allocated with late planting being a feature of the current season. Over 90 growers with YRM70 across the Murray and Murrumbidgee valleys and over 50 growers with YRK5 in the Murray Valley started planting at the start of November. Agronomy recommendations Close attention to water management and weed control is required due to warmer temperatures in the establishment period in November compared with the cooler October period. YRM70 and YRK5 can yield well and not lodge where nitrogen is managed well. Lodging will occur when high rates of nitrogen are applied prior to permanent water. The amount of nitrogen applied up-front or before permanent water should be 75% that applied to Reiziq or Sherpa for YRM70 and 70% for YRK5. Similar total nitrogen rates are required to achieve maximum yield potential. Both varieties will need NIR Tissue Testing at PI to determine nitrogen topdressing rates. This season the Rice Extension team, NSW DPI rice agronomy team and SunRice will be monitoring YRM70 and YRK5 crops under a range of growing conditions. The aim is to produce comprehensive growing guides available prior to next season, with information on nutrition, sowing method and dates, harvest dates and yields — to enable informed decisions and flexible and water efficient farming practices. Further information Gae Plunkett Rice Industry Extension Coordinator, Leeton M: 0419 790 019 E: [email protected] Comparison of sowing methods for a Reiziq In a drill sown crop in 2015–16, ReiziqP used 1.2 ML/ha less water than an adjoining dry broadcast crop with the same yields and soil type. Sowing method Drill Dry broadcast (flush & fill) Area (ha) 23 33 Water use (ML/ha) 10.7 11.9 Yield (t/ha) 12.8 12.8 Table 1. Crop details for four commercial blocks of YRM70 grown in 2015–16 Location Yenda Jerilderie Whitton Widgelli Previous crop 2015 Wheat Fallow 2014 Wheat Fallow Sowing method Drill sown Drill sown Dry broadcast Drill sown Sowing date 27 Nov 10 Nov 29 Oct 8 Nov PI date 22 Jan 16 Jan 29 Dec 8 Jan Harvest date 28 Apr–5 May 22–28 Apr 6 Apr 9–14 Apr Yield (t/ha) 11.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 New shorter season rice varieties will fit well into double cropping programs. As canola is being harvested, this paddock is worked up in preparation for planting YRK5. PHOTO: SCOTT JEWELL