Acid Tolerant Rhizobia
Acid tolerant Rhizobia – where do they fit?
Funder: Riverina Local Land Services
Project Partners: FarmLink, Ag Grow Agronomy and Research, Riverina Local Land Services
Project Code: RV02738
Project Duration: 2018-19
Project Location: FarmLink Region
Background
Legumes are a key part of the cropping system, providing a rotational break option from cereal crops. They may be used for pest and disease management, as well as for an additional source of nitrogen. Several pulse crop options are available to growers, and in the western cropping area there has been uptake of and significant areas planted to lupins, field peas, vetch, and more recently lentils.
These crops differ vastly in their agronomy, and it is imperative for economic viability that the fungicide, fertiliser and inoculant practises are managed effectively for each crop type. These critical decisions are made in the planning phase (prior to sowing), and determine the success and potential yield of each crop type. Pulses often have issues with nodulation on acid soils, and whilst the issue may be directly related to soil acidity, other factors such as inoculant application and sensitivity of the inoculant group to factors found in local soils may also contribute.
This project consists of three adjacent replicated plot scale trials at TAIC to be established during the 2018 season on three crop types – lentils, vetch and field peas. Treatments to be assessed include three acid tolerant rhizobium strains in development by SARDI, varying peat application rates, plus/minus lime and plus/minus P-Pickle T.