1976 Sunflower-safflower irrigated variety trial 1976-1977

In 1975/76 two varieties of sunflower, Hysun 10 and Hysun 20, as well as Safflower (Gila) were grown in a large alternative crop demonstration. Results were sufficiently good to warrant more and closer examination. This led to the present variety trial using varieties suggested by Mr. M. Poole. The aim was to evaluate six sunflower varieties and one safflower. The work was carried out in the light of reduced profitability of peas, beans and some fruit crops. This results in a number of growers having irrigation water and equipment under-employed. Other farmers are after a crop which will give them a decent profit. If high yields can be obtained consistently, sunflowers may provide an opportunity for farmers to make additional income. Results Sunflower & Safflower Variety trial. 1976/77. Mr. K. Rutter economist at the Bunbury office assisted with the economic assessment. He in turn was assisted by Mr. J. Middlemas in calculating the irrigation costs. Mr. M. Poole provided seed supplies and general suggestions on the trial he also arranged oil content analysis. R. Ramm, R. Trigwell for harvesting the plots and the Manjimup Research Station staff for looking after the crop. Reference:- F.P.C. Blarney. Boron Nutrition of Sunflower(Helianthus annuus L.) on an Avalon medium sandy loam. Agrochemophysica 8, 5-10 1976

High input barley production systems in the high rainfall zone.

Barley systems in the high rainfall zone effect of nitrogen fungicides and seeding rate on barley yield, 87BR2

Seasonal effect of dust on the degradation of PV modules performance deployed in different climate areas

The aim of this study is to investigate the seasonal effect of dust on the degradation of PV modules deployed in two different climate areas, Perth, Western Australia, a temperate climate region and Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT), Indonesia, a tropical climate region. Results revealed that PV performance varied with season. In Perth, the performance of PV modules which was maximal in the beginning of summer decreased significantly at the end of the season. The performance then increased back approaching the initial position at the end of autumn and reached a peak at the end of winter. Similar reduction to the summer’s performance was accounted by the modules at the end of spring. Meanwhile, in NTT, the performance of PV modules was maximal in the beginning of wet season, dropped slightly at the end of the season and decreased significantly at the end of dry season. Degradation of all modules in the two sites was more affected by dust compared to the non-dust related factors. The degradation is important information for future PV design in both areas, especially in NTT which accounted greater values than the typical dust de-rating factors

Energy and economic losses caused by dust on residential photovoltaic (PV) systems deployed in different climate areas

Results of the study revealed that when dust impinged on the surface of the PV modules, monthly maximum power output of a 1.5 kWp system in Perth, Australia and a 50 Wp system in Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT), Indonesia decreased, on average, by about 4.5% and 8%, respectively. Economic modelling showed that, the cost of production per kWh lost due to dust exhibited by these systems were A$0.26/kWh and A$ 0.15/kWh, respectively. Comparison of the cost of energy losses and maintenance revealed that, the Perth system would require manual cleaning in October while the system in NTT would require cleaning in August and October. Although the saving in production losses is not economically significant, this cleaning schedule was recommended, particularly for small systems in NTT since the extra output can have a significant effect on the quality of life in remote villages. The key finding was that higher dust de-rating factors and more cleaning activity may be more appropriate for PV systems deployed in tropical climate areas than that in temperate climate regions. It is recommended that PV system Standards that use the 5% performance de-rating factor due to soiling are reviewed and consideration given to climate-dependent de-rating factors

Sustainable use of light for chemical and electrical energy production

The Earth receives around 1.9 x 106 EJ of energy in visible light each year but only a fraction of this sunlight energy is being converted to biomass (chemical energy) through the process of photosynthesis. There is no doubt our fossil fuel resources are depleting; therefore there is an urgent need for an alternative source of renewable energy that is sustainable. This project works on the potential of developing a novel cultivation system for maximising the use of solar energy by combining solar panels with outdoor microalgae ponds for the production of both chemical and electrical energy

Agronomy of Dwarf oats.

Location: Mt Barker Research Station, Pardelup Prison Farm, Kojonup, Williams and Mayanup. Time of sowing x oat cultivars, 87AL6, 87BR5, 87KA4, 87MT4, 87NA7. N rates x oat cultivars, 87AL4, 87BR8, 87KA2, 87MT2, 87NA5. Seed rates x oat cultivars, 87AL5, 87BR4, 87KA3, 87MT3, 87NA6. Oat cultivar factorial, 87AL7, 87BR6, 87KA5, 87MT5, 87NA8