Alternative methods and cultural practices for establishing rice seed and nutritional plots

A report for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation by Russell Ford February 2006 RIRDC Publication No W05/193 RIRDC Project No RRA–3A

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© 2006 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved. ISBN 1 74151 256 5 ISSN 1440-6845 Alternative methods and cultural practices for establishing seed and nutritional plots Publication No. W05/193 Project No. RRA-3A The information contained in this publication is intended for general use to assist public knowledge and discussion and to help improve the development of sustainable industries. The information should not be relied upon for the purpose of a particular matter. Specialist and/or appropriate legal advice should be obtained before any action or decision is taken on the basis of any material in this document. The Commonwealth of Australia, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, the authors or contributors do not assume liability of any kind whatsoever resulting from any person's use or reliance upon the content of this document. This publication is copyright. However, RIRDC encourages wide dissemination of its research, providing the Corporation is clearly acknowledged. For any other enquiries concerning reproduction, contact the Publications Manager on phone 02 6272 3186. Researcher Contact Details Russell Ford “Old Coree”, RMB 72 JERILDERIE. NSW 2716 Phone: 0358861391 Fax: 0358861695 Email: rrapl@bigpond.com

In submitting this report, the researcher has agreed to RIRDC publishing this material in its edited form. RIRDC Contact Details Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 2, Pharmacy Guild House 15 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6272 4819 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: rirdc@rirdc.gov.au. Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au Published in February 2006

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Foreword In Australia, rice is mainly grown by aerial seeding of pre-germinated rice seed into a flooded field. This practise has been also used for seeding of multiplication plots for new varieties. When rice seed is in short supply, as in early generation development, establishment becomes critical for maximum increase to the next seed population. To reduce the risk of contamination between varietal plots and to improve establishment and multiplication of these new varieties, the technique of sowing the rice seed directly into dry soil shows a lot of appeal. Traditionally, this method has had some disadvantages, including weed control and placement of the seed. Accuracy of seed distribution and placement can only be improved by introducing new technology. New precision plot seeders are available incorporating the latest technologies. The underlying problem with these apparatuses is the high cost involved and also the suitability in Australian soil types. All of the commercially available plot seeders are manufactured overseas. The plan is to develop a machine using modern technologies of seed distribution and placement. The latest cone distribution equipment will be adapted to this seeding unit to allow trials of various seed placement techniques (seeding apparatus) to compare rice establishment. This project was funded from industry revenue which is matched by funds provided by the Australian Government. This report, an addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 1500 research publications, forms part of our Rice R&D program, which aims to : improve the profitability and sustainability of the Australian rice industry through the organisation, funding, and management of a research, development and extension program that is both market and stakeholder driven. Most of our publications are available for viewing, downloading or purchasing online through our website: • downloads at www.rirdc.gov.au/fullreports/index.html • purchases at www.rirdc.gov.au/eshop Peter O’Brien Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

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Acknowledgments Dr. Peter Snell – Rice Breeder – NSW Agriculture John McLelland – Plot seeder design & construction Kirsten Wheatley – Field Officer – Rice Research Australia Pty Ltd Neil Vaughan – Field Officer – Rice Research Australia Pty Ltd Mike Hastings – Field Assistant – Rice Research Australia Pty Ltd Christopher Quirk – Assistant Manager - Rice Research Australia Pty Ltd Matthew Tubb – Field Officer - Rice Research Australia Pty Ltd Neil Martin – Field Assistant - Rice Research Australia Pty Ltd John Smith – Technical Officer – NSW Agriculture Dr. Russell Reinke – Rice Breeder – NSW Agriculture Dr. Laurie Lewin – Director – Rice CRC David Trohldahl – Technical Officer – NSW Agriculture Colin Dunn – Technical Officer – NSW Agriculture Niel Streat - Codemo Machinery Services Pty Ltd A & G MACHINERY - Griffith

Abbreviations MVFS Murray Valley Field Station – Deniliquin RRAPL Rice Research Australia Pty Ltd LFS Leeton Field Station NSWDPI New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (formerly New South Wales Agriculture)

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Contents Foreword .................................................................................................................. iii Acknowledgments .................................................................................................... iv Abbreviations............................................................................................................ iv Executive Summary.................................................................................................. vi 1. Introduction...........................................................................................................1

1.1 The Pure Seed Scheme and Cultural Practices ..........................................................1 1.2 Soil Types and Establishment .....................................................................................2 1.3 Seeding Apparatus and Technology............................................................................2

2. Objectives.............................................................................................................3 3. Methodology .........................................................................................................3

3.1 Plot Seeder Design......................................................................................................3 3.2 Trial Description, Plot layout and design .....................................................................5

3.2.1 Trial Description and rationale....................................................................................... 5 3.2.2 Plot Layout and Design................................................................................................... 6 3.2.3 Measurements ................................................................................................................. 6

4. Results..................................................................................................................7 4.1 Crop 2002 ....................................................................................................................7 4.2 Crop 2003 - RRAPL.....................................................................................................9 4.3 Leeton Field Station – 2003 Crop ..............................................................................10 4.4 Multiplication by Variety – RRAPL – 2003 Crop ........................................................11 4.5 Murray Valley Field Station (Deniliquin) 2004 Crop...................................................13

5. Discussion of Results .........................................................................................17 6. Implications.........................................................................................................18 7. Recommendations..............................................................................................18 8. Appendices.........................................................................................................19 9. References .........................................................................................................25

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Executive Summary The development and testing of various configurations of seeding equipment in relation to rice establishment was the basic objective of this project. Outcomes include:

• Improved establishment • Zero cross contamination • Easier roguing • Improved multiplication rates • Flexibility in sowing • Reduced establishment problems from wind, ducks and blood worm • An improved rotational farming system for reducing risk of herbicide resistance

After the completion of five trials using seventeen different types of seeding apparatus on varying soil types, the following results were observed:

• A multiplication rate of 700 times was achievable using precision seeding equipment at low seeding rates (25kg/hectare). This is 10 times the current multiplication rate.

• Improved quality assurance standards are possible through segregation and isolation of seed plots during early stage multiplication.

• By use of alternative seeding cultures in rice, improved rotations for Integrated Weed Management Systems can be practised by all rice growers.

New management techniques have been developed as an associated outcome to this project. Improved irrigation layouts (side ditch channels), specific weed management practices, stale seedbed culture, row spacing and timing of sowing are just some of these. There is need for further research into water management and usage, as well as design and effect of various press wheel configurations associated with these growing methods. It is envisaged that these improved techniques will be passed on to Australian rice growers in the form of various industry publications, field days and grower meetings.

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1. Introduction 1. The Pure Seed Scheme and Cultural Practices The rice varieties present in Australia today (2004) are amongst the highest yielding varieties in the world given the environment that they grow in. Most of these varieties have been developed for a water seeded (aerial sown) culture, as New South Wales typically sows 85% to this method. With the Rice Pure Seed Breeding Scheme there is a requirement for segregation of varieties when testing and increasing new seed lines. It is much easier to maintain this segregation if the seed is placed just below the soil surface at sowing (sod or combine sown) where it can quickly send its first roots in to the surrounding soil. The field is typically flushed with water one to three times before being permanently flooded at the 10cm to 15cm height (3-4 leaf) stage. This is not the case with the water-seeded culture, where the pre-germinated rice seed is dropped into a flooded paddy and allowed to sink on to the soil surface. It is here that the seed tends to float and can be moved over some distance if wind and wave actions are strong. The result can be contamination of a seed plot from “off-types” of rice. The sod seeding culture has been around in Australia since the late 1950’s and early 1960’s where it became very popular in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA). The rice seed was sown into subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) and Wimmera rye grass (Lolium rigidium Gaud.) pastures after the pastures had been heavily grazed with sheep. At the time it was typical to have a long pasture rotation of up to 10 years or more as stock and wool were both profitable enterprises. The soils under these pastures that had been dominated by subterranean clover (nitrogen fixing legume), were high in Nitrogen content, which helped supply the nutrients needed for the following rice crop. Over time, the proportion of the average rice farm containing subterranean clover pastures began to decline as winter cereal grains became more profitable and wool prices declined. The amount of rice sown by sod seeding also declined until about1998. Since then there has been a steady increase in sod seeded, combine sown, aerial-dry and dry sown rice as economics (lower cost) influences grower decisions. Table 1 outlines sowing methods used during the 2000 rice crop season. Herbicide resistance is also beginning to influence farmers using the sod seeding and combine sowing cultures. By using these alternative sowing methods in rotation with aerial sowing, a wider range of herbicides can be used to help “rotate” chemical groups used on the same field. For example, knockdown sprays such as Glyphosphate and Paraquat/Diquat can be used after sowing to reduce weed infestations. Propanil can be used before permanent flood to control a selection of broadleaf weeds and grasses. These chemicals are not registered for use on water seeded rice, so they act as alternative modes of action to reduce herbicide resistance in rice. TABLE 1. Results of Ricegrowers’ Cooperative Ltd survey for sowing methods used for the 2000 rice crop.

Rice Sowing Area % of Method (Hectares) Total

Aerial – dry 11249 8.5 Aerial – pre germ 96898 73.1 Sod Seeded 5624 4.2 Combine 4258 3.2 Dry (broadcast) 14458 10.9 TOTAL 132487

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1.2 Soil Types and Establishment Soil types found at Leeton Field Station (LFS), Murray Valley Field Station (MVFS) and Rice Research Australia Pty Ltd (RRAPL), Jerilderie where most of the early generation seed increase take place, are far from ideal for sod seeding or combine sowing. They do however; add selection pressure for seedling vigour to new varieties. There is a requirement to improve seedling establishment at both these sites as well as a requirement industry wide, on difficult soil types. By evaluating as many different types of seed placement attachments as possible, it is likely that a system for improved establishment can be found. There have been many new sowing attachments developed over the past ten to fifteen years that have not been evaluated for their potential. Using sod seeding and combine sowing methods, new rice lines can be segregated from each other without the risk of contamination, as mentioned previously. At present these plots are “rogued” by hand to help purify the stand. There is obviously risk of human error involved in this operation as it relies heavily on eyesight and experience. If the amount of off types in seed plots is reduced, then the contamination risk is much lower. The Australian rice industry generates gross revenue of some $700 million dollars from an area of around 160,000 hectares. The industry is the highest yielding and among the most efficient in the world. There is however, room for large improvements in efficiencies of developing new rice varieties for the industry. Quarantine restrictions and the inability to continue seed multiplication during the off season at warmer Northern sites are the major impediments. This means that the three to four generation needed to establish pure seed for any rice variety is equivalent to the same number of years, a timeframe rather to long to response to market demand. Currently, high seed rates (150 kg/ha) in the latter generation of the pure scheme seed is a key reason for the inefficiency. Aerial seeding by hand (the current method), has many problems and inefficiencies associated with it. These problems are typically during establishment, with wind, birds and slime being the major ones. Not only will improved seedling establishment from sod seeding or combine sowing benefit the seed scheme, but it will stem the increasing problem of herbicide resistance. A change to the sowing cultures used will lead to changes in the range of herbicide programs used. These sowing cultures will also allow the use of ground applied herbicides instead of multiple passes of the aeroplane, which is a potential environmental issue in some agricultural fields already. Sod seeding and combine sowing cultures also have an added benefit of helping rice varieties that are susceptible to lodging, stand upright. Both through greater efficiency at extracting soil nutrients as well as the better anchorage provided from root established under the initial aerobic conditions (i.e. pre-flood). 1.3 Seeding Apparatus and Technology The rice development program is presently using machinery that is not up-to-date with present technology. The use of tyned implements in varying soil types can lead to poor placement of the rice seed. The distribution of seed from the present plot seeders is only fair due to old technology and wearing parts. The introduction of a cone seeder with modern technology will improve the distribution of the seed. Such an implement can also be used for fertiliser placement and variable rate trials. This project aims to develop a new type of plot seeder that uses drill seeding and tyne seeding technology. The drill seeding attachments should allow seed placement for ideal establishment of each seed and also precision seed depth control. The tyned seeding attachments will be used for seeding into mainly prepared (cultivated) seed beds.

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When seed is in short supply, as in early generation development, establishment becomes critical for maximum increase to the next seed generation. Many types of drill and tyned seed placement apparatuses were tested during this research. While the equipment is commercially available and used on other crops, it has not been used specifically for rice and it's adaptability to this crop is not known. The machine will be initially aimed at benefiting the rice pure seed scheme, but the knowledge gained from the project will ideally benefit all rice growers. New precision plot seeders are available incorporating the latest technologies. The underlying problem with these apparatuses is the high cost involved and also the suitability in Australian soil types. All of the commercially available plot seeders are manufactured overseas. The aim of this project was to develop a seeding machine that coupled the precision seed distribution available from a plot cone seeder with an undercarriage that utilised different commercial drill and tyne units in order to assess them under different soil types and seed bed conditions.

2. Objectives To develop a plot seeder that provides precision seed placement for improved rice crop establishment. It is envisaged to trial both sod seeding (direct drill) and combine seeding techniques with many new sowing attachments that are available today.

3. Methodology 3.1 Plot Seeder Design The project began by a meeting all relevant end users (rice plant breeders, physiologists, other researchers and technicians) in order to discuss exactly what was required in the more technical aspects of a modern cone seeder. Once this information had been determined, an expert in cone seeder design and engineering was consulted. John McLelland from Horsham, Victoria took on this role and the construction of the unit. It was decided to test as many seeding units that were easily accessible at the time of design. To allow for flexibility of testing these units, interchangeable toolbars were incorporated in the design. Each tool bar would carry the various seeding attachments with one of the toolbars acting as a standard or control. In all, there were three tool bars developed, specifics of each toolbar are given in Table 2, with accompanying pictures in Plates 1 and 2 of Appendix 1. Ideally, more seeding units would have been tested in this project, but availability was the main restriction. Row spacing was not considered to be critical for establishment counts, however, it was set at 250mm for yield and multiplication trials.

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Table 2: Description of implements used on each Toolbar, including commercial crops conventional used with this implement, manufacturers and price per implement ($AUS)

1 TDO = Twin Disc Opener, RPW = Rounded Press Wheel, P = Parallelogram, TAPW = Twin Angled Press Wheel, T = Tyne, FPW = Flat Press Wheel, SSDO = Single Slanted Disc Opener, VPW = V shape Press Wheel, DST = Double Spring Tyne, SSP = Super Seeder Point, C = Culti, SST = Single Spring Tyne 2 PW = Press Wheel, SW = Side Wheel, F = Frame MVO Used in MVFS Trial only

Toolbar Implement Configuration1 Depth Control2

Tillage Conditions Manufacturers unit /price

ex GST AU$

1 GP Basic TDO, RPW PW Minimum - soft Great Plains, Kansas, USA

Stubble King P, RPW PW Minimum - firm P.H.M PTY Ltd, Australia 939

GP Double Disc P, TAPW SW & PW Minimum - firm Great Plains, Kansas, USA

Stubble Warrior TDO &T, FPW SW & PW Minimum NT– firm/hard

DTS Mechanical Design, Australia 2075

Barton Disc Opener SSDO, VPW SW & PW Minimum NT– firm/hard Flexi Coil 1400

2 Ryan Standard tynneMVO Fixed, DST, SSP F Minimum - firm Ryan Farm Machinery, Australia 330

Janke Std Parallelogram knife P, C, T & Knife, VPW F Minimum - firm Janke, Australia 2597

GP Parallelog-ram P, TDO, RPW PW Minimum - soft Great Plains, Kansas, USA

Gason Std Parallelogram knife P, T & Knife, RPW F & PW Minimum - firm Gason, Australia

Janke Double Disc P, TDO, FPW PW Minimum -soft Janke, Australia 566 Janke Achiever Series 1 P, TDO, TAPW SW’s & PW Precision - soft Janke, Australia 2957

Control Conv Janke Tynnes Fixed, SST, Narrow Point F Minimum - firm Janke, Australia 515

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The seeding units were located on the toolbar so they all ran in the passage that was left between the two rear tractor tyres. This would reduce the likelihood of variation or an unfair comparison between the units due to soil compaction. Each unit was carefully adjusted so to best represent its capabilities and those recommended by the manufacturers. When setting up each seeding unit, the desired depth of seeding was 15mm below ground surface. The seed to soil contact was also important, so press wheel configuration was also considered at length during set up. The seeding speed was 5.0km/hr. This is ideal for plot work, but faster speeds experienced in commercial operations may change the results of some units. 3.2 Trial Description, Plot layout and design 3.2.1 Trial Description and rationale Trials were run over four years, the design and layout varied to accommodate the additional requirements sought each year. The core objective was to improve seed establishment, as the seed establishment questions began to be answered, the question of seed multiplication arose. How could maximum amount of multiplication be achieved from a given amount of seed? The design of the last two years layouts reflected the need to learn more about multiplication as well as seedling establishment. Table 3 briefly summaries sowing details and trial objectives for the four years of trial reported here. Table 3. Description for the trials conducted at RRAPL Old Coree (Jerilderie), Leeton Field Station (LFS) and Murray Valley Field Station (MVFS) Deniliquin over the four years of this project

Trial type Location Seedbed Variety

Seed Rate

(kg/ha) First Flush Establishmen

t counts

Establishment RRAPL Direct &

Combine Amaroo 160 5/11/2001 24/11/2001

RRAPL Direct & Combine Amaroo 150 22/10/200

2 25/11/2002

LFS Combine Jarrah 150 26/11/2002 16/12/2002

Multiplication

RRAPL Combine

Amaroo, llabong, Jarrah,

Koshihikari, Langi & Reiziq

25, 50, 100 & 150

7/11/2002 17/12/2002

MVFS Combine Jarrah & Langi

25, 50, 100 & 150

24/11/2003 16/12/2003

It was hoped that the variation in soil types and climatic conditions experienced over the different location and years would in part represent those experienced commercially. All trials were sown into dry soil, and after the initial flush water was removed from the field within 12 hours.. Typically the soils experienced at RRAPL were hard red clay/loams, at LFS; soft brown clay loam, and at MVFS; red loam. At RRAPL the trial was sown into both a clover pasture situation (drill seeded), and a prepared seedbed (combine sown). While at LFS and MVFS the seedbed was prepared after a three year rotation of wheat and pasture. Seed for all trials was sourced from the pure seed scheme with 1000 grain weight and germination rate being recorded from a sample of each. Seed rates were selected to encompass the range used already by the rice breeding program for early generation material, and plot trials

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3.2.2 Plot Layout and Design A split plot design was used in the initial establishment trials at RRAPL with seedbed as the plot and implement as the subplot. Four replicates was sown of each implement, each plot was 30 meter in length and represent one pass across the bay by the coneseeder. A simpler randomised complete block design was used at LFS (i.e without the seedbed split) with again four replicates of 30 meter plots with an additional control (NSW Department of Primary Industries coneseeder) for comparison. In order to accommodate all variety by seeding rate combination (24 in total Table 3) only two implement types (Control vs Barton Disc Openers) were used in the initial multiplication trial at RRAPL. The choice of implements was solely govern by availability, as it was a requirement to have enough implements to create a 2 meter wide plot to enable harvest with a small plot header. Hence again a Split plot design was used with Implement as the principle split and implement by variety by rate being the subplot. Smaller 9 meter plots were used so 6 plots could fit across the bays. Four replicates were used, a replicate being represented by four consecutive passes of the coneseeder with 6 plots across the bay. In the second multiplication (MVFS) experiment more implements were introduced at the expense of varieties, as more information was needed on the performance of all implements under combine conditions at variable rates. A similar Split plot design was used as already mentioned, however the trial was oriented along the bay meaning 8 plots were sown per lengthways pass of the coneseeder. 3.2.3 Measurements Plants establishment was measured for each trial by counting the number of plants per meter of row at the three to four leaf stage prior to permanent flood (refer to Table 3). For the larger 30 meter plot this was done at four different places along the row, while for the 9 meter plots it was only measured once. The centre six rows were measure for the controls. Seed placement (depth) was also recorded for the first two experiments conducted at RRAPL. At maturity, one meter of row was harvested by hand out of each of the plot for the LFS and MVFS trials, and the grain weight was recorded. Grain moisture was measure at the same time as grain weight to enable grain weight to be correct to 14%. The multiplication trial at RRAPL was harvested with a plot header with grain weight and moisture again being recorded for each plot. In each instances the multiplication rate was calculated as the weight of grains per meter of row over the weight of seed sown per meter of row (multiplication).

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4. Results 4.1 Crop 2002 Figure 1. Establishment counts - 19 days post sowing

80

25

39 41

4 5 2

27

1 1

29

2.2

112

33

70

52

32

46

56

23

50

13

40

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Barton

Disc

Ope

ner

Stubble

Warr

ior

GP Paralle

log-ra

m

Stubble

King

GP Basic

Jank

e Ach

iever

Series

1

Jank

e Dou

ble D

isc

Gason

Std Pare

llelog

-ram kn

ife

GP Dou

ble D

isc

Jank

e Std

Parelle

logram

knife

Contro

l

LSD In

terac

tion

Seeding Implement

Plan

ts p

er m

etre

of r

ow

Direct DrillCombine Sown

Figure 2. Depth of sowing for counts above

Sowing Depths (mm)

-30-25-20-15-10

-50

Barto

n D

isc

Ope

ner

Stub

ble

War

rior

GP

Para

llelo

g-ra

m

Stub

ble

King

GP

Basi

c

Jank

e Ac

hiev

er S

erie

s 1

Jank

e D

oubl

e D

isc

Gas

on S

td P

arel

lelo

g-ra

m k

nife

GP

Dou

ble

Dis

c

Jank

e St

d Pa

relle

logr

am k

nife

Con

trol

Seeding Units

Dep

th (m

m)

Direct DrillCombine Sown

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The results shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 shows the Barton Disc Opener had significantly better establishment under both sowing conditions sown at a depth of 15mm. The ground conditions were certainly the major factor contributing to the Barton unit working the best. Its robust (heavy) construction, having a longitudinally angled disc, along with a depth control wheel and press wheel, allowed for the best depth control and firming of the soil on to the seed. See Figure 3 (below) for a front on view of the Barton seeding unit.

Figure 3. Barton seeding unit (Front view) Other interesting results from Figures 1 and 2 is the poor performance of some of the lighter built seeding units, noticeably in the direct seeded plots. This was due to the poor penetration ability under the extremely hard soil conditions. Much of the seed was left exposed, leaving it open to be eaten by bird.

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4.2 Crop 2003 - RRAPL Figure 4 Establishment Counts RRAPL, Jerilderie - 36 days after sowing

Establishment Comparisons 2002

50

26

5

28

1

13

16 17

15

32

5.8

17

10

20

15

7

27

12

14

22

19

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Barto

n Disc

Ope

ner

Stub

ble W

arrio

r

GP Pa

ralle

log-ra

m

Stub

ble King

GP Ba

sic

Jank

e Dou

ble D

isc

Gason

Std Parell

elog-ram kn

if

GP Do

uble

Disc

Jank

e Std Pa

relle

logram kn

if

Control

LSD

Interacti

on

Seeding Unit

Plan

ts p

er m

eter

of r

ow

Direct DrillCombine Sow

The 2003 crop year saw different environmental conditions than that of the previous year during the establishment phase. Very hot conditions with extreme evapotranspiration figures were experienced after the first flush in the RRAPL trial. These conditions saw very quick drying of the ground surface. These factors were most noticeable in the combine sown plots where the soil was still loose and more open (disturbed) by the sowing operation. The direct seeded plots appeared to hold the moisture around the seed slightly better due to the minimal disturbance and better seed soil contact after the seeding operation. This would help explain the better establishment with the direct seeding method compared to the combine seeded plots. Once again the Barton Disc units were superior with the direct seeding method, whilst the Gason Parallelogram unit was superior for the combine seeded method (Figure 4). Overall, these results were disappointing in comparison to the first year of trials, but the extreme weather conditions during the early establishment phase can help explain this. (See Appendix 1 page 19.)

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4.3 Leeton Field Station – 2003 Crop

Leeton Farm Establishment Counts

37.9

28.7

33.9 34.9

42.3

22.9

38.840.3

22.8

42.5

22.5

44.1

6.994767164

0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

25.0

30.0

35.0

40.0

45.0

50.0

NSW AgrCS

ConvJanke

Tynnes

GP Basic StubbleKing

GPDouble

Disc

StubbleWarrior

BartonDisc

Opener

Janke StdParallelog-ram knife

GPParallelog-

ram

Gason StdParallelog-ram knife

JakneDouble

Disc

JankeAchieverSeries 1

LSD(0.05)

Seed Unit

Cou

nt p

er m

eter

row

Establishment

Figure 5. Establishment counts (plants per meter row) from LFS 2003 crop This trial was set up to help identify how the current coneseeder being used at LFS would compare to the new experimental seed units. The 2003 Crop trial at LFS saw some difficulty in getting many of the seed units to operate properly in the soft conditions, mainly the heavier style units. Again this trial experienced some extreme hot weather conditions during the establishment phase, and there was some light crusting of the soil surface after flushing. The NSW Ag Cone Seeder was used as a further comparison in this trial to give a measure of possible improvement that could be made through improved seeding units. Although there were no seed units significantly better than the currents NSW Ag Cone Seeder, there were some units significantly worse. When we look at the results of evaluation of each cone seeder as a comparison, the NSW Ag Cone Seeder has significant variation between tynes, whereas the new cone seeder developed for this trial had no significant difference between tynes for the standard tyne set up. (Appendix 2. ANOVA evaluation of each seed unit.)

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4.4 Multiplication by Variety – RRAPL – 2003 Crop Establishment was successful across the whole trial, with only some plots of certain varieties struggling at the low seeding rate – 25kg/ha. There were no significant differences in establishment between the two toolbars at the different seeding rates for this soil type. From the graphs below (Figure 6), it appears as though the conventional tyne system out performed the Barton units for multiplication, although very little of this difference is significant. The interesting variation between varieties for multiplication is that most varieties tend to plateau after about 60 plants per square meter except for Illabong. The yield of Illabong kept increasing with establishment density, a testament to the industry recommendation of sowing this variety at higher seed rates. . This result gives us hope that a lower seeding rate can be used to allow maximum multiplication from most Australian rice varieties.

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Figure 6. Establishment effect on Yield for six Australian Rice Varieties

Amaroo

20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200

7

8

9

10

11

12

13 Illabong

20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

BartonConventional

G:\PI\RICE\ASREML\cone seeder trials\general\GPG03cntvgy.JNB 25 June 2004, 2:02:12 PM

Jarrah

20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200Gra

in y

ield

t/ha

at 1

4% (B

LUP

S)

7

8

9

10

11

12

13 Koshihikari

20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

Langi

20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200

7

8

9

10

11

12

13Reiziq

Plants per meter quadrant (BLUPs)20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

Figure x.x Plant counts per meter quadrant versus grain yield in tonnes per hectare for twodifferent tyne types, across four seed rates for six commerical rice varieties (GPG03 - RRAPL). Vertical bar is a LSD for interaction BLUPS.

6

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4.5 Murray Valley Field Station (Deniliquin) 2004 Crop The trial was sown on 24th November 2003. The soil was a well cultivated grey clay loam. The surface was level and dry. Each seed unit was adjusted for best operation under the conditions. All units appeared to be doing a good job. After two flushes, permanent water was applied on 19th December, 2003. The rice established very quickly with the warm conditions experienced during this period. (Appendix 3. Temperature data for the 2004 Crop season - Deniliquin). Establishment counts (Figure 7) were taken on 16th December, 2003. These counts showed the GP Double Disc had significantly better establishment than all other units except the Stubble King when comparing establishment averages for each tyne. The Stubble King unit was in turn significantly better than all remaining units except the Barton Disc for the same analysis (Figure 8). If we look at figure 9, the maximum multiplication for the variety Jarrah was gained from the 25kg per hectare seeding rate. Levels of between 600 and 700 times multiplication were achieved. The actual grain weight harvested per meter of row (Figure 10) gives a good representation of how each seed unit and variety can affect the multiplication rate. Photos of this trial can be seen on page 24 Appendices 7 and 8. Figure 7. Establishment counts per meter row – Murray Valley Field Station December, 2003

Establishment per Meter row Jarrah 04

7.002.47

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Gason Std Parallelog-ram kn

ife

Conv Janke Tyn

nes

Conv Janke Tyn

nes

Conv Janke Tyn

nes

Janke

Achieve

r Serie

s 1

GP Parallelog-ram

Conv Janke Tyn

nes

Conv Janke Tyn

nes

Conv Janke Tyn

nes

Ryan Std tyn

ne (off t

he airseede

Janke

Std Parallelog-ram kn

ife

Jakne Double Disc

Stubble Warrio

r

Barton Disc

Opener

GP Basic

Stubble King

GP Double Disc

Tyne x var x

rate

Tyne ave

LSD(0.05)TYNE AVGJarrah@25Jarrah@50Jarrah@100Jarrah@150

14

Figure 8 Graph of Multiplication rates for different seeding rates - Variety Jarrah

Jarrah Multiplication Rates for each seed unit - Deniliquin 2004 Crop

0.0

100.0

200.0

300.0

400.0

500.0

600.0

700.0

800.0

900.0

ConvJanke

Tynnes

GP Basic StubbleKing

GPDouble

Disc

StubbleWarrior

BartonDisc

Opener

Ryan Stdtynne (off

theairseeder)

Janke StdParallelog-ram knife

GPParallelog-

ram

Gason StdParallelog-ram knife

JakneDouble

Disc

JankeAchieverSeries 1

Seeding Unit

Mul

tiplic

atio

n R

ate

2550100150

15

Figure 9. Table of Establishment Counts (plants per meter row) for Seed rates, Variety and Seeding Unit – MVFS 2004

TYNE AVG Jarrah@25 Jarrah@50 Jarrah@100 Jarrah@150 Langi@25 Langi@50 Langi@100 Langi@150 Tynne descirption

22.7 9.0 21.0 24.8 37.5 10.5 16.3 26.8 35.8 Gason Std Parallelog-ram knife

23.1 7.0 14.0 26.0 49.5 11.8 15.5 27.3 34.0 Conv Janke Tynnes

24.2 5.8 14.3 32.5 48.5 8.8 16.8 26.8 40.5 Conv Janke Tynnes

25.3 9.0 16.3 31.0 40.0 9.8 17.0 35.8 44.0 Conv Janke Tynnes

27.5 10.3 18.3 33.0 47.5 3.5 16.0 45.3 46.3 Janke Achiever Series 1

27.7 11.8 22.5 34.8 44.5 9.0 21.3 35.8 41.8 GP Parallelog-ram

28.6 6.5 18.0 34.8 56.0 8.8 16.3 36.3 52.5 Conv Janke Tynnes

29.0 9.8 18.0 37.0 56.8 7.3 20.5 27.8 55.3 Conv Janke Tynnes

29.8 7.8 14.5 40.0 51.0 11.8 18.5 36.8 57.8 Conv Janke Tynnes

30.2 11.5 17.3 39.8 46.0 12.3 23.3 37.5 54.3 Ryan Std tynne (off the airseeder)

31.1 10.5 24.0 36.0 56.8 9.5 23.8 36.8 51.3 Janke Std Parallelog-ram knife

32.1 14.0 21.0 38.3 55.0 13.3 27.3 42.0 46.3 Jakne Double Disc

34.2 8.5 23.3 39.3 54.8 13.3 22.5 42.0 70.3 Stubble Warrior

34.4 9.3 20.8 40.3 59.0 12.8 21.5 41.0 70.5 Barton Disc Opener

39.9 14.0 19.8 43.3 71.8 14.8 27.0 48.8 80.3 GP Basic

41.6 12.3 21.8 46.3 85.0 11.8 20.3 60.8 74.8 Stubble King

43.8 21.3 30.8 49.5 66.0 20.5 33.3 47.5 82.0 GP Double Disc

2.47 7.00 LSD(0.05)

16

Figure 10. Grain weight (grams per meter of row) v’s Plants per meter of row for MVFS 2004

JARRAH

0 10 20 30 40 50 60150

200

250

300

350

400

Tynne 1Tynne 2Tynne 3Tynne 4Tynne 5Tynne 6

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Gra

in w

eigh

t at 1

4% p

er m

eter

of r

ow

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

GP BasicStubble KingGP Double DiscStubble WarriorBarton Disc Openet

Plants per meter of row

0 10 20 30 40 50 60150

200

250

300

350

400

Ryan Std tynneJanke Std Parallelog-ran KnifeGP Parallelog-ramGason Std Parallelog-ran knifeJanke Double DiscJanke Achiever Series 1

LANGI

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

150

200

250

300

350

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

150

200

250

300

350

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

150

200

250

300

350

G:\PI\RICE\ASREML\0304\cone seeder RRAPL\dtbgpg04cntgy.JNB 27 May 2004, 1:54:44 PM

Conventional

Toolbar 1

Toolbar 2

17

5. Discussion of Results The main objective of this project was to improve rice seed establishment through the development of a plot seeder with precision seed placement. The techniques or cultures of drill and sod seeding have been identified as essential for separation and segregation of advanced breeding lines when sown in the same field without the separation of banks (bunds). Seed establishment and weed control of these rice growing cultures has been thought of as somewhat difficult by most Australian rice farmers. The design and construction of the plot seeder for this project allowed for assessment of various seeding apparatus to be tested. The addition of cone seeding equipment allowed the seeder unit to make comparisons of individual seeding apparatus at the same sowing rates. A picture of the plot seeder can be viewed in Appendix 5. The first year’s trials showed the outstanding ability of the Barton Disc Opener to place rice seed at the ideal location for best establishment in hard soils. Preparation of the seedbed (combine or drill seeding) assisted the establishment of rice for most seed units tested (Figure 1). The lighter seed units were all disadvantaged due to the very hard seeding conditions under both seeding cultures. Techniques of water application and timing were also learned during this first trial. Keeping the seed moist but not saturated during the first 10 days is very important. The design of irrigation layouts is very important to allow quick and uniform flushing of the fields during the establishment phase. The second year of trials was conducted in the 2003 crop year (planted in the spring of 2002). The same trial was conducted as in the previous year on similar soil types with similar trends showing through. The establishment was not as good due to cooler temperatures for this trial. A comparison of the different seeding units including the cone seeder from NSWDPI (Yanco) was conducted at the Leeton Field Station (LFS) in the 2003 crop year as well. This was to see the variation of the different units in a softer soil type. The results were totally different, with the lighter units dominating the best establishment counts (Figure 5). The cone seeder owned by NSWDPI performed well for average establishment counts, but between the individual sowing units there was significant variation. This was put down to the age of the machine. The next step of this project was to start looking at multiplication rates, whilst still building a data set of information on each seed unit for establishment. Only two units were used in the first of the multiplication trials in the 2003 crop year. The Barton Disc Opener and Standard Janke Tyne assemblies were compared. The results (figure 6) showed little significant differences between the two seed units, but it did give us hope that lower seed rates could be used to improve multiplication rates. As mentioned in the results of Multiplication by Variety – RRAPL – 2003 Crop (page 11), most rice varieties tested tended to reach a yield limit at around 60 plants per square meter. The variety Illabong actually kept improving yield with the increase in plants up to 100 plants per square meter. In the final year of seed unit assessment at MVFS – Deniliqin, further investigation on the multiplication rate of two varieties (Jarrah and Langi) was carried out. Multiplication rates of over 700 times were obtained from the Great Plains standard configuration (GP Basic - Appendix 4). This is 10 times the current method of multiplication. The final breakdown of multiplication rates from the different trials can be seen in Appendix 3 (p 21).

18

Soil type and preparation obviously pays a large part of how well each seeding unit performed. There were large variations between the years. The preparation of the soil should ideally be completed in the previous autumn (5 months before seeding). The surface should be well levelled with slight slope to allow for drainage of flushes. Early preparation allows time for the soil to consolidate or firm down before sowing. This is especially important for the lighter disc units. A knockdown herbicide should be used approximately fours weeks before sowing, and sheep used to graze any dry matter that could be excessive or detrimental to the efficiency of the seeding units. In general, the later the sowing the better the establishment due to warmer soil temperatures; however, quality of the grain and yield reduction must also be considered if sowing too late. Solid build, durability and ease of use must be considered when formulating all the results together to reach a final conclusion from this project.

6. Implications The Australian rice development program which incorporates the Rice Improvement Project and the Pure Seed Scheme is a very important part of how the Australian Rice Industry can improve efficiencies and productivity. Development of new rice varieties with unique and improved characteristics for both growing and eating, are important for the future development of the industry. The time and cost that it takes to develop these varieties is crucial to the success of how the consumers and markets will respond to these introductions. This project has successfully established techniques that will not only improve the response time of getting new rice varieties available, but also improve the purity and quality of the seed. It is estimated by improving the multiplication rate by seven times (this figure should be easily achievable from the results obtained in this project), the time taken to have commercial seed lots available (around 5000 tonne) from the seed produced from long rows (approximately 140kg), would be only two years. This is an improvement of one year compared to the current practise, and when the purity(segregation) and security (no loss from wind and birds) aspect is taken into account, the improvement in time will be closer to two years. The economics of having a new and identified rice variety available for a targeted market two years earlier would relate to a net benefit to the industry of around AU$20 million.

7. Recommendations That a seeding unit be constructed or purchased for use in the Australian rice seed development program using a precision seed distribution system with disc seeding units that have performed well in the trial, are readily available and robust in design.

19

8. Appendices Appendix 1. Temperature & Evapotranspiration figures for Crop 2003 Establishment period

Maximum Temps & Et - Griffith

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

1/10

/200

2

8/10

/200

2

15/1

0/20

02

22/1

0/20

02

29/1

0/20

02

5/11

/200

2

12/1

1/20

02

19/1

1/20

02

26/1

1/20

02

3/12

/200

2

10/1

2/20

02

17/1

2/20

02

24/1

2/20

02

31/1

2/20

02

Date

Max dgrees CET (mm)

20

Appendix 2. Establishment Results from Leeton Field Station 2003 Crop TABLE of means for plants per meter of row

44.08 Janke Achiever Series 1 42.50 Gason Std Parallelog-ram knife 42.42 NSW Ag CS Tyne 1 42.33 GP Double Disc 40.33 Janke Std Parallelog-ram knife 40.00 NSW Ag CS Tyne 4 38.75 NSW Ag CS Tyne 2 38.75 Barton Disc Opener 36.33 NSW Ag CS Tyne 5 36.33 NSW Ag CS Tyne 6 34.92 Stubble King 33.92 GP Basic 33.67 NSW Ag CS Tyne 3 30.17 New CS Tyne 3 30.08 New CS Tyne 5 29.67 New CS Tyne 6 28.17 New CS Tyne 2 27.25 New CS Tyne 1 26.92 New CS Tyne 4 22.92 Stubble Warrior 22.75 GP Parallelog-ram 22.50 Jakne Double Disc

6.99477

LSD(0.05)

21

Multiplication rate JARRAH LANGI Trial Implement / tyne 25 50 100 150 25 50 100 150 SED GPG03 Conv Janke Tynnes 410.2 230.4 120.5 79.5 418.0 215.5 120.9 83.0 Barton Disc Opener 421.4 216.1 112.3 59.6 379.5 215.3 104.6 76.1 12.1 LFSGPG03 Conv Janke Tynnes 321.3 186.1 101.9 75.8 - - - - Barton Disc Opener 294.6 184.3 116.7 85.8 - - - - 12.0 DTBGPG04 Conv Janke Tynnes 479.6 221.6 82.6 38.3 412.5 197.1 67.5 28.3 GP Basic 778.4 460.8 284.1 216.8 700.6 444.7 252.8 208.7 Stubble King 636.0 345.6 203.4 144.1 593.9 298.3 170.3 129.4 GP Double Disc 671.7 386.1 197.9 147.1 630.2 343.1 174.5 131.9 Stubble Warrior 606.2 310.9 162.2 111.9 495.5 280.2 134.4 93.6 Barton Disc Opener 671.7 404.1 226.4 167.3 651.3 371.2 199.7 151.7 Ryan Std tynne (off the airseeder) 605.1 362.0 208.0 149.7 561.1 319.8 200.5 121.4 Janke Std Parallelog-ram knife 695.9 334.1 169.1 136.0 569.9 282.3 159.1 119.1 GP Parallelog-ram 662.7 358.8 199.8 138.8 549.3 335.9 173.3 132.3 Gason Std Parallelog-ram knife 501.8 270.1 113.3 74.6 467.6 238.6 102.1 58.8 Jakne Double Disc 550.0 279.7 122.1 66.7 444.8 231.4 94.7 64.0 Janke Achiever Series 1 562.4 317.4 180.0 129.6 573.7 323.2 153.1 114.8 43.0 LFSTB03 Conv Janke Tynnes - - - 57.2 - - - - GP Basic - - - 92.0 - - - - Stubble King - - - 91.9 - - - - GP Double Disc - - - 99.0 - - - - Stubble Warrior - - - 69.0 - - - - Barton Disc Opener - - - 129.6 - - - - Janke Std Parallelog-ram knife - - - 122.3 - - - - GP Parallelog-ram - - - 56.6 - - - - Gason Std Parallelog-ram knife - - - 113.9 - - - - Jakne Double Disc - - - 71.8 - - - - Janke Achiever Series 1 - - - 119.3 - - - - 7.9

Appendix 3. Multiplication rates across four trials for different seeding configurations at varying seed rates

22

Appendix 4. Seeding apparatus used in the trials.

Janke Parellelogram Knife Point

Great Plains Parellelogram

Gason

Janke Double disc

Janke Achiever

Great Plains Standard

Stubble King

Great Plains double Disc

Stubble Warrior

Barton

23

Appendix 5. Construction of the plot seeder (Note the removable toolbar)

Appendix 6. Establishment of combine seeding trial at RRAPL 20th November 2001

24

Appendix 7. Plots at MVFS – Deniliquin were covered with permanent water on 19th December 2003

Appendix 8. Same plots as above on harvest day 14th May 2004

25

9. References C.M. Piggin, C.O. Garcia and J.D. Janiya 2000. Establishment of irrigated rice under zero and conventional tillage systems in the Philippines5 Boerema EB. 1965. Sod-seeding of rice in New South Wales. Austr. J. Exp. Agric. Anim. Husb. 5:475-478. Boerema, E.B. 1969. Methods of establishing rice in N.S.W. Agric. Gaz. New South Wales 80: 535-540. Bollich PK. 1991. Conservation tillage practices for rice in Southwest Louisiana. Proc. Southern Conservation Tillage Conference, Special Report 148. p 11-12. Bollich PK. 1992. Conservation tillage practices for water-seeded rice. Special Publication 92-01, July 1992. Tennessee Agricultural Experiment Station, Institute of Agriculture, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn., USA. p 53-55. Bollich PK. 1993. Non-selective and residual herbicide tank mixes in no-till rice. Proceedings of the 1993 Southern Conservation Tillage Conference for Sustainable Agriculture, Monroe, Louisiana, USA, June 1993. p 21-25. Bollich PK. 1996. Stand establishment in water-seeded, minimum-till rice as influenced by water management and preplant vegetation control. Proceedings of the 1996 Southern Conservation Tillage Conference for Sustainable Agriculture, Jackson and Milan, Tennessee, 23-25 July 1996. p 13-18. Bollich PK. 1997. Cover crop and herbicide burndown effects on no-till, water-seeded rice. Proceedings of the 1997 Southern Conservation Tillage Conference for Sustainable Agriculture, Gainsville, Florida, 24-26 June 1997. p 80-87. Castin EM, Moody K. 1985. Weed control in dry-seeded wetland rice as affected by time and method of tillage. In: Proceedings of the 10th Asian-Pacific Weed Science Society Conference, Chiang Mai, Thailand. p 645-661. Diop AM, Moody K. 1989. Effect of different tillage levels and herbicides on weed growth and yield of wet-seeded rice in the Philippines. J. Plant Protect. Tropics 6(2):147-156. Hood CR. 1961. Sod-seeding rice could cut costs. Agric. Gaz. N.S.W. 72:567. IRRI (International Rice Research Institute). 1995. World rice statistics. 1993-94 edition. Los Baños (Philippines): IRRI. 260 p. Smith Jr., RJ. 1992. Conservation tillage systems and stale seedbed practices in rice in Arkansas. Arkansas Experiment Station Series 431. p 51-57. Notes Authors’ addresses: C.M. Piggin, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), P.O. Box 1571, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia, E-mail: piggin@aciar.gov.au; C.O. Garcia, J.D. Janiya, International Rice Research Institute, MCPO Box 3127, 1271 Makati City, Philippines.

5 Adapted from Piggin, C.M., C.O. Garcia, J.D. Janiya, M.A. Bell, E.C. Castro, Jr., E.B. Razote and J.D. Hill (2001). Establishment of irrigated rice under zero and conventional tillage systems in the Philippines. In Peng, S. and B. Hardy, editors. "Rice Research for Food Security and Poverty Alleviation," Proceedings of the International Rice Research Conference, 31 March-3 April 2000, Los Banos, Philippines. Los Banos (Philippines): International Rice Research Institute. 692 p.