On-farm trials looking at the effect of nitrogen, zinc and phosphorus applications on the nodulation, biomass and grain yield of mungbeans suggest fertilising the crop is not economical.
Andrew Erbacher, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) technical officer, CQ Grower Solutions says high nitrogen rates did have an effect on nodulation but no significant differences in yield were found in three out of the five trials conducted.
Mr Erbacher said no significant differences in biomass were observed at four out of the five sites.
He said well nodulated mungbeans are capable of fixing sufficient quantities of nitrogen and that other nutrients may be more limiting in the sites tested.
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has recently reviewed and revamped its CQ investment in line with grower priorities in a production environment characterised by summer-dominant, extremely variable and often marginal rainfall.
This includes research into rotations and production of grain legumes such as mungbeans under local conditions.
For further information on mungbean production in CQ, visit www.grdc.com.au .
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