The practice of dry sowing has become increasingly common with frequent years of below average rainfall in the sowing season.

Dry sowing, where crops are sown into a dry seed bed before season breaking rainfall, has helped farmers decrease production risk and manage workload.

With persistent warm, dry conditions and no rain forecast on the horizon, concerns on how long germinated crops can survive on marginal moisture is at the forefront of grower minds.

BCG conducted a study in 2008, where seedling survival was observed over 2.5 weeks before follow-up rain was received. The study determined germinated but not emerged crops survived at least 2.5 weeks before further rain was received.

Similarly to the research conducted in 2008, BCG is currently investigating seedling survival across the region. Initial assessments have been made at grower paddocks in Birchip, Curyo and Quambatook and will continue throughout the season, to determine how long the germinated seed can remain viable, how establishment was affected, and how safe it is to dry sow with no rain on the forecast.

Rainfall

Rainfall received during summer has provided moisture at depth, but crops were sown into dry topsoil. The ANZAC Day rainfall event varied across the region, with totals ranging from 0-5mm in some areas and over 60mm in others. This rainfall proved enough to germinate dry sown wheat and canola at Birchip and Curyo, and for canola to germinate and emerge at Quambatook. Barley at Birchip, sown 4 cm deep into moisture following the ANZAC day rain has not germinated yet.

Scepter wheat observed at Birchip, sown dry on April 25 to 1cm depth, has germinated with roots and shoot. Hybrid canola at Curyo, sown dry on April 11 to 2-3 cm depth, showed some germination with roots developing.

BCG will continue monitoring seedling survival on marginal moisture over the coming weeks to determine how long germinated but unemerged seeds can survive and if establishment is affected.

Options

If you are still weighing up your options, BCG is hosting a short informal Q&A forum online this Thursday, May 15, at 12 p.m. for farmers and advisors navigating canola establishment challenges.

Whether you’re dealing with patchy emergence, unsure about plant population thresholds, or considering a resow, this is your chance to ask questions and hear directly from the researchers and agronomists.

Go to https://bit.ly/canola-webinar to RSVP.

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 16 May 2025.