John and Helen Pastega Trial Progress

Region: Mackay

Who: John and Helen Pastega

Location: Eton

To lower the amount of imidacloprid applied per hectare by using variable rate technology, whilst maintaining adequate grub control

In lighter soils grubs tend to be more prevalent so a higher rate of product to control numbers is required, compared to heavier soils. In paddocks with various soil types, generally a set rate would be applied to the whole paddock. This results in some areas receiving not enough product, while other areas receive excess.

Variable rate technology is being applied to the application of fertiliser and herbicides, and this trial will investigate the variable rate application of grub control. By better targeting application rates to soil type, grub control will be maintained, and excess applications will be avoided.