NGN Optimising and expanding pulse production in cold environments of the Mid North

Full description

The aim of this project is to increase grower understanding of where pulses can profitably grow in cold (but not frosty) parts of the landscape. The target environment is the eastern side of the Mid North, which is both colder and has a high frequency of acidic soils relative to other areas in the region where a range of pulses are successfully grown. Historically, this area has a very low pulse crop intensity.
The primary research areas of investigation in this environment include:
Pulse crop selection - compare the production and profitability of different pulse crops including vetch, lupins, faba beans, field peas and lentil
Improving lentil production through the assessment of time of sowing, variety selection and seeding rate on flowering time, maturity and grain yield
Pre-emergent herbicide safety for lentil production
Best practice management for inoculation with new acid tolerant rhizobia strains
The main outcome of this research is to increase grower adoption of pulses, in particular high value lentils, into the cropping rotation.