The loss of the ability to use herbicides to desiccate pulse crops in preparation for harvest will force growers to reassess their crop rotations.
The process of desiccation with paraquat and diquat is under review by Australia's chemical regulator and Grain Producers Australia Southern Region Director Mark Schilling said this put crop quality, yields and effective weed control at risk.
Australian Rural & Regional News highlighted that the APVMA chemical review had growers concerned about their ability to harvest pulses that couldn't be desiccated to force even ripening.
Mr Schilling said strong winds were a particular concern in this period of crop development and if growers couldn’t desiccate pulse crops to manage harvest timing, they faced up to 30-40 percent in yield losses from just one wind event.
“Pulse crops have so many benefits in cropping rotations, particularly as they fix nitrogen to the soil, which reduces reliance on artificial inputs,” he said.
“The real issue we face is that without being able to desiccate our pulses, we can’t capture our crops in that key window to evenly ripen for best yield outcomes and kill off ryegrass that is about to seed.
“Growing pulses that can’t be desiccated may end up being an economical and risk-based decision that growers may choose to opt out.”
Comments