Comparison of stubble management strategies in the high rainfall zone

Heavy crop stubble loads in the high rainfall zone are a consequence of higher grain crop yields compared with other grain growing areas of Australia. A stubble management trial was established in northern Tasmania to evaluate different stubble management options. Five stubble management strategies were compared: stubble fully retained; fully retained with higher sowing rate; incorporated; cut and removed; and burnt. The trial was a randomised complete block design with four replicates and large plots, 50 by 8 m. This paper reports on wheat growth and grain yields for the 2010 season. Full retention of stubble resulted in greater soil moisture early in the season and higher earthworm and slug populations. Plant establishment is commonly a problem with full stubble retention. The higher sowing rate treatment resulted in a correspondingly higher plant establishment and dry matter production at harvest. There were no significant differences in grain yield.