Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Myxomatosis In Western Australia, D R. King, S. H. Wheeler

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Since myxomatosis was introduced to Western Australia in the early 1950s rabbit plagues have ceased. However, myxomatosis has not proven to be the whole answer to the rabit problem.

Rabits continue to damage crops and pastures in many areas and resurgences of rabbit populations are reported from time to time.

Drs D.R. King and S. H. Wheeler of the Agricultural Protection Board's research section have been studying the way myxomatosis epidemics occur and spread in rabbit populations in a range of Western Australian environments. This research will provide data for planning effective control strategies intergrating the various control options available …

Tackling The Problem Off The Farm, C M. Croft

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Methods of redusing phosphorus losses from the catchment soils of the Peel-Harvey esturine system have been discussed in other articles in this Journal.

This article briefly discusses a range of 'off the farm' techniques to improve phosphorus flushing from Peel Inlet or Harvey Estuary to the sea and to treat the phosphorus and the algae. These techniques were among more than 100 management options evaluated by the Peel-Harvey Study Group.

Soil Acidity And Legume Nodulation, J G. Howieson, M. A. Ewing

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Nitrogen is a basic constituent of protien and is essential to all forms of life. Many agricultural plants are legumes - a group of plants which, in co-operation with specialised soil bacteria, fix their own nitrogen from the air. When the legume dies, the organic matter breaks down anf the nitrogen becomes available to the following crops.

Soil acidity is a major factor limitimg the successful association between legumes and their beneficial soil bacteria in Western Australia.

Algal Growth And The Phosphorus Cycle, Arthur J. Mccomb, K. S. Hamel, A. L. Huber, D. K. Kidby, R. J. Lukatelich

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Larger algae and microscopic phytoplankton foul the waters of the Peel-Harvey estuarine system, upsetting the fishery and polluting the beaches.

These aquatic plants grow in response to phosphorus runoff from drainage, trapping phosphorus in the estuary and using it in their growth. When they die this phosphorus remains in the system to be recycled for further plant growth.

Algal pollution in the estuary can be lessened by reducing the amount of phosphorus entering the system, increasing phosphorus losses to the ocean, or in some way blocking the trapping and recycling processes.

Soil Types And Drainage, Eric Bettenay, N. J. Schofield

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

At least 90 per cent of the phosphorus entering the Peel-Harvey estuarine system comes from land cleared for agriculture, most of it from the coastal plain. These soils are naturally deficient on phosphorus and sulfur and this is supplied in superphosphate, which contains about 10 per cent phosphorus and 1 percent sulphur.

However, rain leaches some of this applied phosphorus from the land into drains and rivers which flow into the estuary. In 1981, farmers in the Harvey River-Mayfields Drain catchment lost the equivalent of 1,300 tonnes of superphosphate into the estuary. Between them they have in effect spent $120,000 …

Plant Collections For Saltland Revegetation And Soil Conservation, A J. Clarke, T C. Swaan, C V. Malcolm

Technical Bulletins

In 1967, during an overseas plant exploration trip, seeds of plants of reputed salt tolerance and forage value were obtained from seven countries. Since 1971, over 600 plants have been added to the original collection of 343 plants already under observation for suitability for forage production in saline and arid areas. Additions to the test programme since 1971, include shrubs from Algeria; Argentina; Australia; Chile; England; Iran; Israel; Libya; Morocco; Netherlands; Russia; South Africa; Spain; Tunis and the United States of America. This Bulletin includes details of all plant collections from 1966 to December 1983.

Rabbits North Of Carnarvon, D R. King

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

In Westeern Australia rabbits are mainly a pest along the south-western coastal parts of the State, but there are populations north of the Tropic of Capricorn. Rabbits after crossing the Nullarbour plain from South Australia and colonising the South-West of the State, were reported to have reached the west coast near Geraldton by 1912 and then spread northwards.

There is little information on the biologhy of rabbits in the northan parts of their range, but pastoralists in some areas are concerned about erosion and damage to vegetation on their stations when rabbits reach high numbers.

The Agricultural Protection Board undertook …

The Soil Phosphorus Store, G S P Ritchie, D. M. Weaver

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The management of the soil phosphorus store, or 'super bank' to minimise phosphorus leaching losses is a vital part of any strategy to reduce algal pollution of the Peel-Harvey estuary.

Phosphorus can exist in the soil in four main 'pools'. it may occur in the soil solution or in one of the three pools that contain phosphorus in solid forms. This phosphorus can be in compounds (fertilisers, dead plant material); adsorbed (attached) to soil particles such as organic matter, clay and iron oxide; or as constituents of micro-organisms.

The Effects On Plant Growth, W M. Porter, J. S. Yeates

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The level of acidity of a soil reflects its chemical and sometimes its biological condition. Changes in acidity mean changes in the availability to plants of some soil elements, and modifications to the biological processes in the soil.

Some elements become more available to plants in acis soils, and in some soils particular elements can reach toxic levels. Other elements can be effected in the opposite way: deficiencies can develop in acid conditions.

It is important to realise, however, that the chemical nature of all soils varies. Beccause of these variations, acidity can affect each soil differently and thus influence …

Summary Of Rhizobium Experiments, J G. Howieson

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

The main emphasis for rhizobial work in 1984 was on the acid tolerance of medic Rhizobium. The experimental programme in the field was greatly expanded to include testing of some 160 isolates collected from Sardinia in May 1984. Broadacre sowings of acid tolerant strain WSM 419 were undertaken as a preliminary step to its commercial release in 1985. Glasshouse work in 1984 was dedicated to a more intensive investigation of the factors contributing to the enhanced nodulating ability of M. polymorpha and M. murex on acid soils. As well, a simple technique for identifying acid tolerant strains of rhizobia in …

Long Term Minimum Tillage Investigations, Stubble Management, Deep Ripping, R J. Jarvis, L G. Butcher

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Direct drilling Long term minimum tillage investigations (1) Continuous cropping – 77A16, 77A18, 77MT15, 77WH17, 77WH13, 78M25. (2) Rotational cropping – 77A43, 77E52, 77M35, 77M56, 77MT51, 77WH8. Stubble management – 79M7, 79WH6, 82M34, 84M1, 82LG4, 82LG46 (82KD1). Deep ripping - 82M35 in Minimum Tillage Rotation section also contains a deep ripping treatment. 77WH17, 80A44, 80NO46, 81M45, 81NO3, 81NO4, 82GE37, 82GE38, 82M30, 82M46, 82M60, 82ME38, 82N32, 82WH49, 84E24, (84C42, 84C43, 84C44, 84C45, 84C46) Eradu Sandplain – ECRS, 84E23, 84E24, 84JE43, 84JE44, 84LG37, 84M38, 84NO58, 84WH2, 84WH3, 84WH39. Additional deep ripping research is included in summaries by W. Bowden, D. Tennant, J. …

Take-All Of Cereals. Rhizoctonia Patch Of Cereals, G C. Macnish

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Part 1. A. Take all of cereals: Effect of nitrogen sources on take-all. 76LG25 (N = 50kg/ha) 82NE34. 77E4 (N = 25kg/ha). 77MT19 (N = 45 kg/ha). B. RHIZOCTONIA PATCH OF CEREALS: Rhizoctonia patch on lupins - 82E17. Abbreviations used: D - Drilled with seed G.S. - Growth stage based on H. Fisher scale NA - Not available N – Nitrogen P - Phosphorus TA - Take-all TD - Topdressed D.D. - Direct drilled T.D.D. - Triple disc drill As - Ammonium sulphate An - Ammonium nitrate (Agran 34) Sn - Sodium nitrate Ag1 - Agras No. 1 Ag2 - …

Soil Acidity - High Rainfall Pastures. Lime On Old Land Pastures - Field & Glasshouse Experiments, J S. Yeates, M. F. Clarke, C S. Fang, D A. Tooke

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Soil Acidity - High Rainfall Pastures (funded by the Australian Meat Research Committee). Lime on old land pastures. 1. Field experiments - 80BU13, 80BU14, 81AL10, 81AL12, 81AL16, 81BU18, 81BY18, 81BY19, 81BY25, 81BY26, 82AL4, 82AL5, 82AL55, 82BU7, 82BU8, 82HA35, 82HA36, 82PE1, 83AL7, 83AL9, 83AL10, 83AL11, 83AL13, 83AL14, 83BU25, 83BU26, 83BY29, 83HA19, 83HA41, 84BU9, 84BY36, 84BY37, 84HA21. 2. Glasshouse experiments - 84GL4. Investigation of factors involved in lime responses on a new land acid peaty sand. 84GL7, 84GL8. Investigation of factors involved in lime responses on old land high rainfall area pastures.

The Development And Testing Of Soil Wetting Agents, Douglas Alexander Mcghie

Conference papers and presentations

Water repellent (non wetting) soils in Western Australia affect pasture and crop establish 7cent and growth, the erosion of particular land classes, and water use and turf health in urban areas. Experimental materials were synthesised to give a range of properties, some of which should optimise the performance as soil wetting agents. The soil wetting and rewetting properties of the experimental and many commerically available wetting agents were evaluated on a coarse, water repellent Bassendean sand using plastic ring infiltrometers. A rainfall simulator was used to study effective rates of the various materials for improving the penetration of rainfall into …

Nitrogen Flows From Several Species And Varieties Of Legume, John Hamblin Dr

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Trial 83C24: N flows from several species and varieties of legume.

Trial 83C27: The effect of seeding rate, planting and variety on the residual value of lupins.

Trial 84C25: Small rotation trial for 1985.

Trial 84C34: Nitrogen response on large rotation plots at ECRS.

These trials were carried out in collaboration with: Mr R. Delane, and with assistance from: Mr. T. White, Ms. A. Bishop.

Soil Conservation Research In New South Wales And Its Significance To Research On Water Erosion In Western Australia, D J. Mcfarlane

Resource management technical reports

No abstract provided.

Water Erosion On Potato Land During The 1983 Growing Season Donnybrook, D J. Mcfarlane

Resource management technical reports

Soil losses over a three month period varied from 10 to 49 mm.. Soil loss was most highly correlated with length of slope of the plots. Other important factors appeared to be slope angle and soil textures. Grade furrows appear to be the best method of breaking-up long slope lengths. The low capacity of the furrows requires them to be on grades of about 4 to 4 per cent to prevent siltation and overtopping during high density storms.

A Land Unit Survey Of The Proposed Kings Park Botanic Garden Annex, Wungong, M R. Wells

Resource management technical reports

No abstract provided.

Research Objectives In Vertebrate Pest Control, A J. Oliver

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The European rabbit, introduced into Australia in 856 by an early settler for hunting, caused massive losses to agricultural production in Western Australia in 1940s and 1950s.

In those years most of the country's recources and efforts allocated to vertebrate pest problems were aimed at controlling this animal.

Research and control measures by Commonwealth and State agencies, including the introduction of myxomatosis, were largely responsible for reducing the rabbit problem to the comparatively minor one it is now.

Today, the Agricultural Protection Board is involved in the control of a much wider range of mammals and birds which cause losses …

The Extension Programme, W K. Russell, G. K. Palmer

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

From the start of the Peel-harvey study in 1976, scientific research and extension have been closely linked. Trials, some involving major drainage works, have been set up on about 30 farms and several field days and seminars have been held.

The Peel-Harvey Study Group anticipates that farmer acceptance of the Department of agriculture's recommendations will reduce the phosphorus input to the estuary by 30 to 40 per cent over the next three to five years. At the same time farmers will benefit from modified cultural practices better suited to the sandy soils of the coastal plain.

Sources Of Lime In The South-West, I M V Brown

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Many Western Australian farmers topdress or incorporate lime into their acid soils to neutralise them and to improve crop or pasture yields. Most use pulverised limestone or limesand which is cheap and relatively easy tospread.

Agricultural lime isdefined as "any fertiliser used principally for the purpose of reducing soil acidity and having calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate, or both, as its main ingredients".

Less extensive sources of liming material are found in scattered inland areas where deposits of calcrete have been formed by the weathering of calcium-rich rock and also in association with internal drainage systems.

Magnesite, generally formed by …

Soil Improvement With Bauxite Residues, W H. Tacey, S. C. Ward, K. J. Summers, N. J. Barrow

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The sandy soils of the Peel-Harvey catchment hold water and nutrients very poorly. The Gavin ridges dry out quickly during rainless periods and this severely limits pasture growth. These ridges and the lower lying Joel and Coolup sands also lose a large proportion of the phosphorus, sulfer and potash fertilisers applied to them. Normally the sands lack clay materials to bind and hold the nutrients so rainfall leaches them out.

The Peel-Harvey Study Group, CSIRO, Alcoa and Murdock University have studied the use of a residue from bauxite mining to help overcome these problems. The treated residue has a texture …

Soil Testing For Acidity, I R. Wilson

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

One of the most important aspects of the soil acidity research programme is the accurate analysis of soil and plant materials.

A soil acidity problem cannot be simply diagnosed with one test. Although the soil pH test is used for the initial evaluation of soil acidity, it does not measure the other factors which affect plant growth as a result of this acidity.

For example, plant growth on a coastal soil with pH 4.3 (in water) may not be affected by applying lime, but growth may improve markedly on a central wheatbelt soil of pH 4,8 (in water).

Another two …

Recommendations & Proposals For A Fire Management Control Programme For The Beekeepers' Reserves And Areas Of Adjacent Crown Land, R C. Burking

Apiculture research reports

No abstract provided.

Causes Of Soil Acidity, W M. Porter

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The introduction of agriculture into australia has caused many of our soils to become more acid faster than they would have otherwise.

In Europe and other parts of the world, soil acidification is accepted as a normal by-product of a successful agricultural system. Lime* is widley used to neutralise the acids added as a result of agricultural practices.

In Western Australia, lime applications will be needed more frequently in the future, although maybe not in the same volumes as in Europe.

Soil Acidity And Liming In The Lower Great Southern, R N. Glencross, M. G. Clarke

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

In the 375 to 750 millimetre rainfall area of the Lower Great Southern, reports of loss of subterranean clover from established pastures, reduced carrying capacity for sheep and increasing soil acidity lead to the establishment in 1981 of a research programme into the effects of soil acidity on pasture productivity in that region.

Damage Report Of The West Coastal Wildfire (Jan 16-21, 1984) And Its Effects On The Western Australian Beekeeping Industry, R C. Burking, A. C. Kessell

Apiculture research reports

No abstract provided.

Annean Station Management Plan, A A. Mitchell

Resource management technical reports

Annean Station's carrying capacity has been estimated at 8,340 sheep on its 168,539 hectares. The halophyte pastures of Carnegie Land System were in good condition while those of Mileura Land System were in poor condition. The wandarrie pasture of the Belele Land System was in fair to poor condition. This system comnprises 34 per cent of Annean's area and is estimated as capable of presently carrying 2,900 stock.

Chemical Sealing Of Small Earth Dams Using Sodium Tripolyphosphate, R G. Pepper

Technical Bulletins

As the seepage rate of 3.1 mm/d was considered too high, sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) was dissolved in the dam water in an attempt to disperse the clay and reduce the hydraulic conductivity. Application of STPP altered the original sealing layer at first and, as seepage progressed, a new seal started to form at a depth of 0.8 m below the batter. The seepage rate was reduced to 0.39 mm/d and the hydraulic conductivity of this new seal was 2.0 x 10-9 m/s.

Industries Assistance Commission Inquiry Into Drought Assistance, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia, Australia. Industries Assistance Commission, J. Ripley

All other publications

This submission outlines the extent of drought in Western Australia in 1982/83, examines the adequacy of drought assistance measures and, after canvassing alternative assistance measures, proposes a preferred package of drought assistance measures.

The issue of whether or not the non-farm sector in rural areas should receive drought assistance, and if so what type, is not addressed in this submission. Rather the framework of discussion is restricted to the farm sector.