Diagnostics/Testing

Seed Testing

The quality of seed you sow is crucial to the immediate success of establishing a crop or pasture. Poor germination percentages can substantially reduce the effective sowing rate.

BettaCrop provide a seed testing service to identify problem seed BEFORE it gets to the paddock, saving precious time and sowing expenses.

Germination, purity and seed count tests can help identify the number of potential plants that will start developing over time and at different temperatures. Knowledge of this can aid nutrition budgets, by better matching crop supply and demand, and warn of other establishment difficulties for example insect damage or soil crusting.

The germination graph below shows 3 samples of wheat taken from on-farm silos. If you had sown sample 3 at 50kg/ha, you would have only had an effective sowing rate of 10 kg/ha!

Plant/Soil Testing

Soil properties such as available nutrient, crusting & compaction potential, pH and electrical conductivity are just some characteristics important in determining the suitability of a soil for a particular crop.

With knowledge of correct sampling procedures, soil pit evaluations and interpretation skills, BettaCrop Agronomists are trained to relate to you crucial information about your soils. The quality of information can prevent costly mistakes.

Soil management zones may be identified from Electromagnetic surveys, bare soil maps, yield maps and grower experiences. From this information corrective rate technology may be applied to better match nutrient or ameliorant requirements.

       Changes in soil type.

The map below shows variation in pH within a paddock. It was divided in to 4 zones, and variable rates of lime applied according to necessity. This saved money and led to better resource utilisation.

NB: Further divisions and economic analysis can be achieved with the aid of our computer software.

Weed Resistance Testing

Herbicide resistance is becoming an increasingly important issue in agriculture, and one best avoided before the problem occurs. Weeds are a costly part of any farming or grazing enterprise, and the spectrum of herbicides available need to be used wisely to ensure continued performance. On-going research by industry bodies such as the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and the Farrer centre (CSU), can identify the incidence of weed resistance in specific populations.

BettaCrop Agronomists can collect samples, interpret results and advise on different management strategies, particularly in high-risk situations. Complacency is your worst enemy.

Disease Evaluation

•  Correct identification and management of plant disease can be difficult. Information on incidence and management is constantly being updated, even as season's progress.

•  Accredited Bettacrop Agronomists can aid identification and help with prompt action plans to minimise damage and reduce financial losses where possible.

•  Choice of disease tolerant varieties, selection and timing of fungicide applications, and restriction of cross-paddock contamination can all contribute to better management on your farm.

•  The graph below shows the incidence of soil borne wheat diseases from samples taken in the 2003 season. Identifying these diseases prior to planting, and acting on this information could significantly improve potential yields.

Incidence of Soil Borne Wheat Diseases

Source: C-Quentec Predicta B tests 2003.

Source: C-Quentec Predicta B tests 2004

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'Prevention is better than cure'

Working with your BettaCrop Agronomist can help you to plan, and reduce the risks to your cropping investments.