Radio Transcript

Welcome to Agritalk

This week we are going to talk about seeding, and sowing guides.

As we hedge closer to the sowing season, we thought it would be a good idea to remind ourselves of some of the things to think about when sowing crops.

Plant populations and seeding rates are becoming more significant considerations as growers look at the bigger picture,  and address major yield limiting factors such as  rotation and crop disease management, weed control,
plant nutrition, stubble management and sowing practices.

Seed quality is critical to the success of any particular crop.
Freedom from weeds, diseases and trueness to type (for a particular variety)
are all important quality parameters. If retaining seed have it checked for germination and seed weight and consider seed borne diseases.

Now for some things to think about when calculating seeding rates

Firstly decide on a target population, taking into consideration the yield potential of the paddock then estimate what percentage of seed sown will establish as plants.

This is influenced by the germination and seedling establishment rate.

If seed is suspect because of poor storage conditions, it should be germination tested and the seeding rate adjusted accordingly.  Remember to take into account any likely environmental factors or management influences which will affect emergence and establishment, such as seed size.

There is information available on calculating seeding rates via the Rural Solutions SA website.

Most state government bodies now have their sowing guides out, this includes the SARDI online guides and the NSW Winter Sowing guide.

Sowing guides contain the most recent information about new varieties including last years yield data, including longer term yield data if varieties have been tested in previous years.  As well as grain quality and any relevant disease resistance or susceptibilities. 

Crop sowing guides are important in planning any cropping program, and they are worth taking a look at.

For further information on this story or any edition of Agritalk, please visit www.ruralsolutions.sa.gov.au, click on news, then radio.  You will find a transcript of the program along with lots of handy links to the things discussed.

This information was kindly provided by Trent Potter, SARDI, Struan.