GRDC Podcast

Gravel and sand mulches are being tested to improve crop emergence in areas affected by challenging soil conditions, including non-wetting soils, waterlogging and salinity with some unexpected results. Ella Shaylor from SLR Agriculture explains how surface mulches can help conserve soil moisture, reduce evaporation and limit the movement of salts towards the soil surface. Local grower Jake Latham shares his experience with persistent patches where crops have struggled to germinate year after year. While gravel has performed well in previous trials, sand mulch is showing particularly promising results— raising new questions about how and why the treatment is working. This podcast is part of a 6-part GRDC series looking at managing soil constraints in Western Australia. The project adopting innovative solutions for challenging soils is a GRDC investment led by SLR Agriculture. Contacts: Ella Shaylor SLR Agriculture [email protected]   Jake Latham Grower [email protected]          More Information:  https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2026/02/gravel-mulch-improves-cereal-yield-and-water-use-efficiency-on-alkaline-sodic-soils-in-the-eastern-wheatbelt-of-wa https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPqOC5zbwC8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foExvBXRFjo    Project/Investment Codes: PLT2409-001SAX SLR25002-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Weeds can be especially challenging in High Rainfall Zones, where favourable growing conditions can drive significant weed pressure. Agronomists Luke Wilkins and Candice Robinson share their insights about proactive weed management strategies for tough seasons, including crop competition, herbicide rotation, harvest weed seed control and emerging technologies. They also discuss changing rainfall patterns, paraquat restrictions, brome grass and the role of research in developing future weed control options. Contacts:    Luke Wilkins Bawdens Rural Trading [email protected] Candice Robinson Seftons [email protected]         Project/Investment Code: SPP2502-001SAX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr Lisle Snyman always knew she wanted to work in plant science. Growing up in South Africa, Lisle honed her pathology skills from a young age, cumulating in an esteemed career that has seen her work across the globe. Eventually settling in Warwick, Queensland, as a principal plant pathologist for the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Lisle has been awarded 2026 GRDC Seed of Light North Award for her contribution to the grains industry. GRDC’s Seed of Light Award recognises outstanding individuals who have significantly contributed to communicating research outcomes to grain growers and others working across the grains industry. Projects of note include GRDC- related research initiatives including three Net Blotch Consortium projects, national net form net blotch pathotyping and National Variety Trials disease screening. Contact:   Lisle Snyman QLD DPI                        [email protected] More Information:     https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/awardsscholarships/scientist-and-grain-storage-expert-net-grdcs-major-northern-awards https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/awardsscholarships/grains-research-and-industry-champions-acknowledged https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/weeds-pests-diseases/diseases/new-rusts-a-continual-threat-to-cereals-industry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Growers and agronomists in the southern cropping region discuss how they are maximising their dual-purpose crops using the information found in the GRDC publication “20 Tips for dual-purpose crops”. This practical guide is the result of a GRDC investment led by CSIRO. Hear from growers Ben Lane, Max O’Connor and Brad Cavanagh as well as Delta Agribusiness agronomists, Tim Condon and Ben Lenehan. Contacts:          Tim Condon Delta Agribusiness [email protected]   Ben Lenehan Delta Agribusiness [email protected]   More information:      https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2025/20-tips-for-dual-purpose-crops https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/farm-business/business-management/dual-purpose-canola-adds-$1.6-billion-to-farmers-returns https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grower-stories/national/dual-purpose-crops-drive-mixed-farm-resilience https://www.deltaag.com.au/ Project/Investment Code:  CSP2106-009RTX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices