Growing Pulse Crops in the Mallee

Overall, most pulse crops had similar productivity potential, however the yields achieved in any one season were highly influenced by seasonal conditions (including the amount and distribution of seasonal rainfall, frost and heat events) and soil type. Season had the greatest impact on productivity, with yields almost four times greater in a high rainfall year (decile 8-10), than in a low rainfall season (decile 2-4). Pulse crop yields also varied by up to 60% between soil types. The highest and least variable pulse crop grain yield were achieved on sandy loam, loam soil types, with lower productivity and high yield variability obtained on both the heavy and sandy Soil Management. As each of these soil types are encountered within a typical Mallee paddock, management options to improve pulse productivity and reliability on these constrained Soil Management are required.

Key take aways

• Season has the greatest impact on productivity with yields almost four times greater in a high rainfall year (decile 8-10), than in a low rainfall season (decile 2-4).
• The highest, and least variable grain yields were achieved on sandy loam €“ loam soil types, with up to 60% lower productivity, and high yield variability obtained on both heavy and sandy Soil Management.
• Monte Carlo simulation using Risk showed that lentils had both the greatest profit potential and lowest financial risk of all pulse crops over the long term.
• Chickpea and field pea are expected to have a negative gross margin in more than 30% of years but a high gross margin (>$500/ha) is expected in nearly one in five seasons.

Please access the full paper via the link below for methodology, references, acknowledgements and discussion.