Australian Quinoa Industry RD&E Plan 2024-2029
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is an ‘ancient grain’ that was domesticated about 8,000 years ago in South America, where it became an important part of Andean...
33 pages
Published: 16 Jan 2008
Author(s): Harper, R.J., Robinson, N., S.J. Sochacki,, S.J. Sochacki,
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This report presents the results of a field trial using phase farming with trees, a system designed to grow tree crops in short rotations of 3-5 years to intentionally deplete soil water as a buffer for agriculture in areas prone to dryland salinity. The trial showed that on suitable soils, a short tree phase will deplete soil water sufficiently to allow a subsequent return to agriculture for a 11-20 year rotation. Biomass production from the tree phase was also measured, with a view to emerging biomass energy and biofuel production systems. Some of the technical and policy issues that need resolution before this farming system can be introduced in southern Australia are discussed.