Closing the Economic Yield Gap of Grain Legumes in WA
Period: 2023 - 2025
Funding Body: Grains Research and Development Corporation & Grower Group Alliance
Funds: $72,800
Project Officers: Jenna Walliser
This project has been established through investment by GRDC, engaging government, agribusiness, researchers and end-users to work collaboratively to address the poor rate of adoption of grain legumes in WA farming systems. The aims of the project are:
Demonstrate recent advances in the production of grain legumes, across a range of environments and soil types, through 25 user defined farm-scale trials and, where appropriate small plot trials.
Apply statistically rigorous trial results to refine best fit grain legume recommendations.
Produce statistically rigorous economic analysis of grain legumes as a cash crop in the year they are grown and calculate the financial contribution of grain legumes to the longer-term cropping sequence.
Develop and deploy key messages from credible entities to market the improved performance of grain legumes.
Our Trial and Objectives
Trial 1: Can Vetch outperform Lupins as a rotation in a farming system?
Understand the economic impact of Vetch and Lupins on farm profitability by utilising a multiple farmer case study trial.
Monitor performance, benefits, and limitations of the Morava Vetch and Jurien Lupins from a whole system overview including management of disease and weeds, nitrogen fixation, and harvest yield.
Conduct a trial driven by local growers that is a platform for farmers, industry, and researchers to share information with a focus on grain legume market opportunities.
Trial 2: Short Season Faba Bean Performance Comparison (Marne vs Samira)
This ongoing trial continues to evaluate the early maturing faba bean variety PBA Marne in comparison to PBA Samira, assessing performance under local Great Southern conditions.
Monitoring during 2024–2025 focuses on establishment, weed and disease dynamics, nitrogen fixation, yield performance, and grain quality.
The trial is generating valuable, region-specific insights into the suitability and system benefits of faba beans within Western Australian cropping rotations, supporting informed decisions on pulse integration and management.
