South West

Permanent raised beds are a practical and economic means of managing some waterlogged sites in wetter areas of the Western Australian grainbelt. Raised beds allow excess water to drain out of the beds (horizontal drainage) into open collector drains, which then discharge off the paddock.

Permanent raised beds are a practical and economic means of managing some waterlogged sites in wetter areas of the Western Australian grainbelt. Raised beds allow excess water to drain out of the beds (horizontal drainage) into open collector drains which then discharge off the paddock.

Waterlogging is a common problem in the agricultural soils of south-west Western Australia in the wetter months of winter.

Waterlogging in the higher rainfall areas (more than 450 mm annual rainfall) of south-west Western Australian crops and pastures is a common cause of reduced plant growth in winter, especially on duplex soils.

Frost risk occurs virtually every year across southern and eastern agricultural regions. Actual occurrence of frost is determined by location and landscape factors as well as climate.

In Western Australia, competition from 7-90 capeweed plants per square metre in a wheat crop can reduce crop yield by 28-44% and net return by 25-76%.

Silver grass is an annual grass occurring in both cropping and grazing regions across Australia. There are several species, the most common being Vulpia myuros and V. bromoides. These species commonly occur together.

Barley grass is a common name for Hordeum glaucum and H. leporinum. It is an annual species renowned for rapidly germinating in autumn to provide valuable stock feed soon after breaking rain.

Waterlogging causes clay to disperse in sodic soils, leading to soil structure collapse.

Raised beds are a long-term option for waterlogged sites and increasing crop yield on target areas. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development recommends that raised beds are part of a whole-farm water and salinity management program.