AS sowing time fast approaches, Victorian grain growers are planning their paddock preparation options – in particular those with heavy stubble loads following on from large crops.

Agriculture Victoria Grains south-west manager, Adam Buzza said there would now be less burning, less soil cultivation and increased retention of crop stubble.

This trend has been driven by the need to maximise water use and protect soils from erosion.

“Areas where stubble is burnt represent a minority of the total Victorian crop,” he said.

“Most farmers will only burn stubble when absolutely necessary, having considered all available options and the potential implications of burning.

“To help growers and the broader community understand the options farmers have for preparing paddocks for sowing, we have prepared a handy factsheet on stubble management.

“For the vast majority of Victoria’s cropped paddocks, stubble is left in the paddock to protect soils from erosion and maximise the next crop’s water use.

“Other benefits of retaining stubble includes better soil health, less fuel and labour costs and easier harvesting.

“Burning is often used as a last resort to manage heavy stubble loads to enable easier sowing and crop establishment and control weeds and pests.”

The factsheet covers topics including: alternatives to burning heavy stubble, disadvantages of burning, stubble retention trends in Victoria, benefits of retaining stubble, strategic removal of stubble, timing and temperature of burning, effects of burning on soil nutrients and soil carbon, and protection of native vegetation.

To access the factsheet, visit go.vic.gov.au/X5uPDW.