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Limited dry sowing commences

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Limited dry sowing has commenced in the Upper North, with farmers in many districts likely to commence sowing crops regardless of rainfall during the latter part of April, according to the latest PIRSA Crop and Pasture Report Summary

The report, compiled by Rural Solutions SA, says farmers will be looking to reduce risks and contain input costs as much as possible with fertiliser prices still at historically high levels.

Some farmers have been spreading bio-solids, chicken litter and grape marc as alternative fertilizers, according to author of the report, Rural Solutions SA’s Peter Fulwood.

Mr Fulwood said he expected no major changes to crop area and crop type for the coming season.

“However the final crop mix will depend on the timing and extent of the opening rains,” he said.

As paddock feed becomes scarce, supplementary feeding is increasing either in paddocks or using confinement feeding systems.

“In those areas which received sufficient rainfall, pastures responded to provide green pick, although growth slowed in late March,” Mr Fulwood said.

“Cover in pulse stubbles and on pasture paddocks is now quite low and will need to be carefully managed to avoid overgrazing and exposing soil to erosion risks.”

The full report will be available this afternoon at www.pir.sa.gov.au/cropreport.