Summary

Among the new crops trialled in the Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA), rice has been demonstrated as a potentially suitable high-return crop suitable for this region. Yields of up to 13.6 t/ha (2009) and gross margins of up to $2,442/ha (based on 7.5 t/ha at $550/t in 2010) have been demonstrated. However, trials conducted at Frank Wise Institute of Tropical Agriculture in 2010/11 and the experience of local commercial growers have shown that many issues regarding suitable varieties, planting date, sowing rate, fertiliser and irrigation requirements remain unresolved, especially when rice is grown in rotation with other crops. A rotation system based on rice and a legume crop on a permanent raised-bed system appears highly suitable and profitable for the soil types in this region. The emerging rice industry has new challenges to increase production over the next few years. In order to establish a viable industry based on production of high quality exportable produce, a suitable rice-based farming system needs to be developed. This research project aims to establish the best agronomic options for a profitable rice-based farming system in the ORIA. Major outcomes will be guidelines for potential rice growers in tropical regions of Australia.

Program

Rice

Research Organisation

Western Australian Agriculture Authority, a body corporate established under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007

Objective Summary

1. To identify locally adapted rice varieties (including hybrid and blast disease-tolerant rice) with required quality characteristics for wet and dry seasons on raised-bed conditions
2. To identify ideal sowing time, optimum sowing rate and plant population for each variety
3. To identify crop nutrition (amount and strategy) requirements, to determine irrigation requirements and weed/pest/disease control strategies
4. To evaluate the potential of rice ratooning.