The Sustainable Farming Systems Database (1994 - 1997) was developed by HMLG with the aim of providing information to assist farmers in understanding their crop dynamics to determine optimum use of their land. This would have the benefit of sustaining profitable production while minimising environmental impact.

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The database was populated using information collected via a survey. The aim of the survey was to understand how farmers were managing their crops and what practices were being used at the time, as well as adoption rates for new practices.

 

Data relevant to crop dynamics from a group of 50 growers across the Shire throughout the growing season was collected over a four year period. Intensive monitoring was also carried out at a subset of sites. Data collected included: details of actual paddock practices (e.g. sowing and cultivation methods), yields, lime application, soil degradation, soil types and structure, as well as rainfall. While initially focussed on wheat, the project was later broadened to include a range of standard crop rotations.

 

This was one of the first trials of its kind to begin setting target dates to have your crops in by. Results of this project also demonstrated and reinforced the benefits of direct drilling of herbicide, as well as the uptake and eventual standard use of soil testing as an active tool for land management.