Darling Downs: September 2016

This enterprise is observing the first crop cycle involving TM Agricultural. The farm is blessed with deep, high quality black soil and has been farmed by the Riter family for three generations. TM has been trialled on Suntop Wheat this season. Rainfall has been of concern but just adequate to this stage of the crop. In the treated paddock, a boom width strip has been left untreated to enable crop comparison to be made. Some examination showed potential benefits of TM, even at this early stage.

While there is little if any difference in the crop canopy to the naked eye, closer examination revealed the expected TM effect on the soil. Comparison of the root structure between plant stools showed a stronger and more active root system where the two applications of TM had been applied. In addition, the soil in the treated are revealed a change in structure with improved crumbing and superior moisture retention around the root system. It was agreed that the TM treated area would hold up much better if conditions dry out further. A lift in final yield is a reasonable expectation given the evidence of stronger plant establishment to this point. Gavin & Robert will monitor the trial through to harvest

Update 2018:

Gavin was sufficiently encouraged to continue trial applications into following seasons . During September he was in touch regarding TM applications considering the current dry conditions. His comments regarding the area treated with TM in May 2018 are worth noting: When applying anhydrous in May it was rather dry, but it was quite noticeable that the soil flowed better around knives & was sofer going, “I certainly noticed where it had not been applied”! The improved soil tlth lends itself to optimum utilisation of applied nutrients and improved soil health.

Brice Kaddatz
Macadamia & Hortcultural Services.
Gympie. Mob 0438 861198