Offered Papers Theme A: Efficient Production from Grassland
Evaluation with Simulation of Lucerne-Based Cropping Systems to Combat Dryland Salinity in Australia
Description
Dryland salinity is one of the most significant forms of land degradation that farmers face in Australia. There are currently 2.5 million ha affected by dryland salinity in Australia, and this may rise to 15 million ha over the next 30 to 100 years if no action is taken. National field experiments suggest that adoption of cropping systems that integrate deep-rooted perennials, such as lucerne, are important to reduce dryland salinity. This paper reports simulation results with APSIM (The Agricultural Production Systems Simulator), that have been used to explore climate, soil and agronomic factors affecting effectiveness of lucerne-based phase and companion cropping systems in sustaining crop yield and reducing deep-water drainage in South Australia.
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Evaluation with Simulation of Lucerne-Based Cropping Systems to Combat Dryland Salinity in Australia
Dryland salinity is one of the most significant forms of land degradation that farmers face in Australia. There are currently 2.5 million ha affected by dryland salinity in Australia, and this may rise to 15 million ha over the next 30 to 100 years if no action is taken. National field experiments suggest that adoption of cropping systems that integrate deep-rooted perennials, such as lucerne, are important to reduce dryland salinity. This paper reports simulation results with APSIM (The Agricultural Production Systems Simulator), that have been used to explore climate, soil and agronomic factors affecting effectiveness of lucerne-based phase and companion cropping systems in sustaining crop yield and reducing deep-water drainage in South Australia.
