Groundcover is the unsung hero of the farming world
It provides countless benefits such as improving rainfall infiltration, reducing runoff, and lowering erosion risk. But as anyone who has ever battled drought knows, maintaining groundcover can be a real challenge. With less biomass to become protective stubble in drier years, it’s crucial for farmers to explore new practices and technologies that can help keep groundcover intact throughout the year.
Enter the Robust Groundcover project, a Future Drought Fund project that has been exploring innovative strategies to maximise groundcover in low rainfall environments since 2021. With six projects already underway, this initiative aims to improve crop establishment, reduce stubble disturbance, and minimise erosion risk.
From seed priming to virtual fencing, these projects cover a range of strategies that have either been successfully used in other regions or are close to market.
By incorporating long coleoptile wheat for subsoil sowing, strip and disc systems for harvesting and seeding, and strip amelioration for soil amelioration, farmers have options to effectively maintain groundcover through even the toughest droughts.
But it’s not just about the technology. The Robust Groundcover project is also about sharing knowledge and best practices between farmers and agronomists across Australia. With trial sites established in SA, Vic, and NSW Mallee, and the Eyre Peninsula, this initiative is empowering farmers with the tools and insights they need to succeed.
So if you’re a farmer facing the challenges of maintaining groundcover, remember that you’re not alone. With the Robust Groundcover project by your side, you have access to the latest strategies and technologies that can help you keep your farm sustainable, even in the face of the toughest droughts.
