DPIRD’s Statistical Seasonal Forecast for the next three months is for below average rainfall for most of the grainbelt, except for parts of the far east, the south east coast and the South West, where the prediction is more favourable.

WITH seeding underway across the Western Australian grainbelt, broadacre growers are factoring in climate outlooks that predict a drier than normal season, with some variable predictions for different regions.

They are adjusting their cropping programs in response to a patchy start to the 2019 growing season and predictions for continued dry conditions.

The WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Statistical Seasonal Forecast (SSF) for the next three months indicates the chances of exceeding median rainfall between May and July is less than average (40 per cent) in the northern and southern grainbelt.

It is more favourable (60pc) in the far eastern areas and the shires of Ravensthorpe and Esperance, and neutral (40-60pc) elsewhere.

Confidence in the prediction varies from poor to good (50-75pc consistent).

The most probable rainfall decile range is 2-3 for the northern and southern grainbelt, 8-10 for Ravensthorpe and Esperance, and 4-7 elsewhere.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s seasonal outlook for the same period in the grainbelt is for a 30-70pc chance of exceeding median rainfall.

There is a lower chance (30-45 per cent) in southern parts of the northern grainbelt, western central grainbelt and the South West and a higher chance (60-70pc) in the Esperance and Ravensthorpe shires, based on a similar predictive skill.

With low stored soil water levels and below average rainfall forecast for much of the grainbelt, DPIRD has warned growers to reassess their cropping programs and feed budgets.

The Bureau’s temperature outlook for May to July indicates a 50-75pc chance of above average day time maxima for the grainbelt, based on a mostly good predictive skill.

It suggests a 50-70pc chance of above average night time minima, based on mostly poor predictive skill.

Department research officer Meredith Guthrie said the SSF outlook for May to October was similar to the three-month outlook.

“Combining seasonal outlooks with multi-week rainfall forecasts suggests the 2019 growing season is likely to have a late break, and will be similar to last year for many districts,” Dr Guthrie said.

“Other climate models indicate drier conditions for much of the grainbelt, with the possibility of a positive Indian Ocean Dipole by September, which could reduce the chances of good finishing rains.”

The department’s plant available soil water maps, available online, show stored soil moisture levels are extremely low across much of the grainbelt except for parts of the south coast.

Research officer Jeremy Lemon said growers across much of grainbelt were considering modifying their sowing programs in response to low soil water and the late start to the season, by changing crops and reconsidering the use of poorer paddocks.

Mr Lemon said nitrogen fertiliser applications would also require review during the season and advised growers to closely assess their yield potential, stored soil water levels and weather forecast when deciding how much to apply and when.

“Department research has shown top-up nitrogen for canola in low and medium rainfall areas can be delayed until the start of flowering, about 12 weeks after sowing, without reducing yield,” he said.

“Following a small starter nitrogen application at seeding, top-up nitrogen for barley and wheat should be delayed to the late tillering or early stem elongation stage.

“This delayed nitrogen does not reduce yield, while often providing higher grain protein.”

Source: DPIRD