Peebinga Carrots
Trial Objective
The objective was to evaluate, the use of AquaBoost AG30NWS and AquaBoost AG30FB when applied to pivot-grown Travisio carrots at Peebinga, South Australia.
Key objectives of the trial were:
- To quantify differences in water usage.
- To measure reductions in energy requirements.
- To measure variations in yield.
- To determine the net benefits of AquaBoost.
Methodology
AquaBoost was applied to the Summer/Autumn crop of carrots at a property in Peebinga, South Australia. The crop was harvested in May 2013.
One application of AG30NWS was applied at a rate of 5 litres per/ha post-planting. A further single application of AG30FB was applied at the same rate immediately after germination.
The area treated was 1.5 ha (a boom width applied across the pivot). The pivot size was 28ha and the soil type was typical Mallee undulating non-wetting sand. Control strips were located above and below the trial strip.
Yield Analysis
| Treated kg/bin | Control kg/bin | Premiums Treated | Premiums Control | Treated Average $/bin | Control Average $/bin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 637 | 594 | 53% | 35% | $194 | $165 |
Note: The trial strip yielded 3 extra bins (1900 kg) over equivalent areas in the control strips.
Water Usage
The property Manager noted that the product could save on average 20 cycles (one cycle per week) over the life of the crop. Water usage is 30 points (7mm) over 12 hours covering one pivot lap (28Ha).
Energy Usage
The pivot employs diesel gas injection. Diesel provides 75% of the power to run the pivot and gas the remaining 25%.
With a reduction of one pivot cycle per week the use of AquaBoost has the potential to reduce energy costs by up to 20%.
The trial achieved significant reductions in water usage and energy inputs and resulted in yield and quality increases. The ability to easily integrate AquaBoost into existing programs was noted.
Crop quality improvements included better uniformity (more Premiums) and overall increased tonnage.
The trial demonstrated the positive influence of AquaBoost on soil hydraulics in typical Mallee nonwetting soil types.
22 Phillips Street
Thebarton
South Australia
AUSTRALIA 5031
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