Optimising Faba Bean Management for Profit & Yield Under Medium-High Rainfall
Period: 2026-2027
Funding Body: GGA & GRDC
Funds: $24,000
Project Officers: Hilary Watterson & Jenna Walliser
Summary
Pulses remain a relatively small component of Western Australia’s broadacre cropping systems, yet they offer well-recognised benefits including nitrogen fixation, disease breaks, and diversification of farm income. In the Great Southern region, legumes such as lupins are commonly used for grazing, soil improvement, and on-farm feed, but are less frequently grown for grain production due to market and management uncertainties.
Recent developments in export pathways, including successful shipments of faba beans through the Port of Albany, are creating new market opportunities for growers. As a result, interest in faba bean production is increasing across the Gillamii catchment and wider Albany Port Zone. However, adoption remains limited due to perceived risks associated with seasonal variability, establishment challenges, and uncertainty around optimal input management—particularly nitrogen application.
This trial aims to evaluate practical management strategies to improve the productivity and profitability of faba beans under medium to high rainfall conditions. A strip trial will compare standard grower practice with an optimised nitrogen strategy to assess impacts on crop establishment, nodulation, biomass, yield, and grain quality.
By generating locally relevant, real-farm data, this project will provide growers with greater confidence in faba bean production and clearer guidance on input decisions. Ultimately, the trial seeks to identify management approaches that close the economic yield gap for grain legumes while supporting more resilient and profitable farming systems in Western Australia.
A full project report will be available upon completion.