1. What varieties of Canola can I use?

Any commercial varieties may be used in the Cropping challenge. Kalyx have most of the varieties available, however in the event that the variety is new or hard to find the teams will be expected to help source the seed.

2. How will the seed be costed?

All varieties will be costed at the bag price from seed companies and distributors. There will be no farmer to farmer trade options available.

3. What date will the trial be sown?

The trial will likely be sown in the last week in April, however will be weather dependant. All team will be kept up to date with sowing date.

4. Can I use liquid or Granular fertilisers?

Yes, Kalyx have the ability to apply both types of fertilisers. They can apply liquid fertilisers in furrow at time of sowing and will also include fungicides and other in furrow treatments.

5. Can I apply lime?

Yes, application of lime will be available with the cost of $10 per hectare which will be subtracted from the gross margin.

6. Can I apply off label chemicals to my plots?

No, all chemical applications must be applied according to the labels instructions.

7. Can I use new products that are available on the market?

Yes, you can use any products however, they must be applied according to the labels instructions and be registered for canola. If you want to use a product that is hard find or uncommon, you will be expected to source and deliver it to Southern Dirt two weeks prior to application.

8. Will soil results be available each year?

No, there was site testing carried out in 2017 at the 0 – 10cm horizon. Soil testing >10cm will be available to teams and the cost will be subtracted from the team’s gross margins.
Likewise, in subsequent years teams can have their plot soil tested prior to seeding and the cost will be subtracted from the team’s gross margins.

9. Can I opt for plant tissue testing throughout the year?

Yes, teams can choose if they want plant tissue analysis done on their plots, the costs to be advised and will be subtracted off the team’s gross margins.

10. What are the plot sizes and are they replicated?

The trial is a double plot 2 rep randomisation design. This equates to 4 individual plots of 1.68m by 12m

11. Who do we contact if we have any questions or want to change or add products?

All teams are to contact Emma Russell via email, phone or text and then the information will be logged and passed onto the appropriate person.
Email: @
Phone: 0429220239

If Southern Dirt needs to contact the teams for any reason, the team captain will be contacted.
The teams will be sent out one reminder 2 weeks before an application is due to the team captains. It is the responsibility of the team to inform of any changes or additions to the plot treatments

12. How will we be kept up to date with site information?

The website has a team login section at the top so that teams can log in and be kept up to date with information specifically about their plots. The team captains will be emailed the login and will then disburse the information to the team members. The website will be updated fortnightly on a Friday and an email will be sent out to notify of the updates.

13. Why are the teams not expected to make decisions on insecticides?

Managing insect pests is a major part of canola agronomy. Insects can cause serious damage to canola crops in a very short amount of time. In the spirit of the competition it has been decided that Kalyx will manage the insect control for all teams. This makes it easier for teams that are unable to visit the trial site regularly and prevent damage to neighbouring plots.