Growing faba beans on the South Coast

 Faba beans gaining traction on the south coast

Emma Pearse2, Carla Milazzo1, Sarah Belli2 and King Yin Lui1

Research Scientists, 1Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD)  2.previously at DPIRD

Interest in producing faba beans has increased in recent years among south coast grain growers seeking an alternate break crop to canola in a cereal dominant farming system. We believe the term ‘failure beans’, coined in the late 2000s, is no longer appropriate with the availability of new varieties with improved disease resistance, greater adoption of soil amelioration practices, and better legume agronomy.

In order to shake this reputation, we have compiled the publication, ‘Growing faba beans on the south coast of Western Australia’ that includes tips on establishment, inoculation, weed control, disease management, harvesting and much more. This document was produced through the Regional Research Agronomy project, a GRDC and DPIRD joint investment. Included in the document are fifteen case studies from growers across the south coast region (Albany and Esperance port zones) of WA. These case studies capture various soil types and rainfall zones, and highlight different ways that faba beans fit into our farming systems. The ability for growers to learn from other growers can be limited by time and geography. We hope that by having these case studies in one place others can find common ground. The publication is available for electronic download at https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/grains-research-development/regional-research-agronomy-project on the DPIRD website and limited hardcopies available at your local DPIRD office.

We believe faba beans are a good fit for growers who are looking for a legume that:

·       fits into 100% cropping and mixed farming systems

·       has a higher yield potential than other pulses

·       fixes nitrogen for itself and subsequent crops

·       can be sown early, dry, and to depth to chase moisture

·       tolerates waterlogging better than other grain legumes

·       offers robust genetics with improved disease resistance or improved tolerance to imidazolinone (IMI) and other herbicides

·       is a break crop for root lesion nematode (RLN; Pratylenchus neglectus)

·       can be sown and harvested using existing machinery and equipment used for cereals.

While the 2020 season was drier than average on the south coast, faba bean crops in our case studies averaged almost 2 t/ha. The main variety was PBA Samira and most crops were dry sown in April. Challenges in the season included pressure from cowpea aphid due to early drought stress, high weed pressure due to late germination (dry start), waterlogging in the high rainfall areas and hot, strong winds impacting pod set and causing necking.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the growers involved in the case studies and for their time and expertise, as well as Mark Seymour for his knowledge and guidance. For more information please contact Vanessa Stewart (vanessa.stewart@dpird.wa.gov.au) or Megan Abrahams (megan.abrahams@dprid.wa.gov.au). 

Important disclaimer

The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the State of Western Australia accept no liability whatsoever by reason of negligence or otherwise arising from the use or release of this information or any part of it.

Copyright © State of Western Australia (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development) 2021