Objective 2. Demonstration in the field that crop yields, and friability and concentrations of organic matter increase in soil in permanent raised beds with minimum tillage
At Wakan (but not Kawo) the rice yield as first crop on permanent raised beds was 70% of that on flat land. Grain filling was less on raised beds, probably due to water and/or nitrogen stress. In a complementary experiment, water is now kept deeper in the furrows, and we will bury the fertiliser applied. In 2002, with lower rainfall at Wakan, the rice yield on raised beds was 60% of that at Kawo. Better management probably explains the higher rice yields than those on neighbouring farms.

There was no difference in soybean yield as a secondary crop between treatments at Kawo, or between Wakan and Kawo. At Kawo (but not at Wakan) organic carbon in soil was unexpectedly higher with rice on the flat than on raised beds. This may change with time.

At Kawo, there were no differences between treatments in particle or bulk density of soil, or in most of the water release curve. However, at field capacity, soil from the raised beds was better drained than that on the flat.
Objective 3. Production of more profitable crops, including vegetables, on Vertisols
At Wakan, insects attacked the onion (first crop, producing less yield than the potential. So we have now included an entomologist and plant pathologist on our project.

The soybean yield (first crop) at Kawo was 57% that at Wakan. Soybean plants at Kawo were yellow, with some roots waterlogged. We will test the effect on soybeans of shallower water in the furrows. The yield of soybean as a secondary crop in each experiment was up to 4 times that on neighbouring farms.

A virus in the chilli at Kawo, decreased the yield compared with that at Wakan. Farmers do not grow onion, soybean or maize as the first crop on Lombok, although more valuable than rice. Farmers are now keen to grow valuable onions out of season. The chilli at Wakan was the most valuable secondary crop.
Objective 4. Increase in the supply of water for secondary crops
The secondary crops used irrigation water saved from the first crop and saved from rain, both stored in an embung. At Wakan and Kawo, onions saved most water, and rice on the flat saved the least. More water was saved on raised beds than on gogorancah (on the flat), as used by farmers. An Honours student at Mataram is determining the water balance in embungs. This will be used in a model of potential crop yield, so extension officers can tell farmers the chance of a successful secondary crop.

At both Wakan and Kawo, the water moved only in the upper 40 to 60 cm of soil. In 2002 we sowed a tertiary crop (that could use stored water deep in the profile) after harvest of the secondary crop. As the seeds did not germinate in the dry soil, we will sow a relay crop just after the last irrigation of the secondary crop.
Objective 5.
Several laboratory experiments showed that lucerne and sheep manure each increased the stability of a clay soil more than did straw; the effect persisted longer with lucerne and sheep manure. On Lombok, we are already testing the effect on crops of organic materials added to soil.

In the laboratory, soybean was grown in clay soil mixed in various proportions with coarse or fine sand. Root growth was higher in a mixture of 1:1,:fine sand:clay soil, than in other treatments. Sand mixed with clay soil will also be tested in the field at Gnarwarre, Australia, which is susceptible to waterlogging. As sand is not readily available on Lombok, we will also test the effect of rice hulls mixed with soil in the field on Lombok and at Gnarwarre.

In the laboratory, soil wetter than the plastic limit before being slowly dried, decreased the growth of soybean roots, probably because of hard soil. Hence, on Lombok, the last irrigation of the secondary crop should be light, to reduce the hardsetting of soil during the dry season.

In a field experiment on a heavy clay soil susceptible to waterlogging at Gnarwarre, different treatments of renovation were applied to permanent raised beds, and canola sown. Roots were deeper, and dry root weight was higher, in raised beds set up in 1998, and renovated in 2002 with deep ripping or re-shaping than with cultivation, or in the non-renovated control.

Objective 2. Demonstration in the field that crop yields, and friability and concentrations of organic matter increase in soil in permanent raised beds with minimum tillage
At Wakan (but not Kawo) the rice yield as first crop on permanent raised beds was 70% of that on flat land. Grain filling was less on raised beds, probably due to water and/or nitrogen stress. In a complementary experiment, water is now kept deeper in the furrows, and we will bury the fertiliser applied. In 2002, with lower rainfall at Wakan, the rice yield on raised beds was 60% of that at Kawo. Better management probably explains the higher rice yields than those on neighbouring farms.

There was no difference in soybean yield as a secondary crop between treatments at Kawo, or between Wakan and Kawo. At Kawo (but not at Wakan) organic carbon in soil was unexpectedly higher with rice on the flat than on raised beds. This may change with time.

At Kawo, there were no differences between treatments in particle or bulk density of soil, or in most of the water release curve. However, at field capacity, soil from the raised beds was better drained than that on the flat.
Objective 3. Production of more profitable crops, including vegetables, on Vertisols
At Wakan, insects attacked the onion (first crop, producing less yield than the potential. So we have now included an entomologist and plant pathologist on our project.

The soybean yield (first crop) at Kawo was 57% that at Wakan. Soybean plants at Kawo were yellow, with some roots waterlogged. We will test the effect on soybeans of shallower water in the furrows. The yield of soybean as a secondary crop in each experiment was up to 4 times that on neighbouring farms.

A virus in the chilli at Kawo, decreased the yield compared with that at Wakan. Farmers do not grow onion, soybean or maize as the first crop on Lombok, although more valuable than rice. Farmers are now keen to grow valuable onions out of season. The chilli at Wakan was the most valuable secondary crop.
Objective 4. Increase in the supply of water for secondary crops
The secondary crops used irrigation water saved from the first crop and saved from rain, both stored in an embung. At Wakan and Kawo, onions saved most water, and rice on the flat saved the least. More water was saved on raised beds than on gogorancah (on the flat), as used by farmers. An Honours student at Mataram is determining the water balance in embungs. This will be used in a model of potential crop yield, so extension officers can tell farmers the chance of a successful secondary crop.

At both Wakan and Kawo, the water moved only in the upper 40 to 60 cm of soil. In 2002 we sowed a tertiary crop (that could use stored water deep in the profile) after harvest of the secondary crop. As the seeds did not germinate in the dry soil, we will sow a relay crop just after the last irrigation of the secondary crop.
Objective 5.
Several laboratory experiments showed that lucerne and sheep manure each increased the stability of a clay soil more than did straw; the effect persisted longer with lucerne and sheep manure. On Lombok, we are already testing the effect on crops of organic materials added to soil.

In the laboratory, soybean was grown in clay soil mixed in various proportions with coarse or fine sand. Root growth was higher in a mixture of 1:1,:fine sand:clay soil, than in other treatments. Sand mixed with clay soil will also be tested in the field at Gnarwarre, Australia, which is susceptible to waterlogging. As sand is not readily available on Lombok, we will also test the effect of rice hulls mixed with soil in the field on Lombok and at Gnarwarre.

In the laboratory, soil wetter than the plastic limit before being slowly dried, decreased the growth of soybean roots, probably because of hard soil. Hence, on Lombok, the last irrigation of the secondary crop should be light, to reduce the hardsetting of soil during the dry season.

In a field experiment on a heavy clay soil susceptible to waterlogging at Gnarwarre, different treatments of renovation were applied to permanent raised beds, and canola sown. Roots were deeper, and dry root weight was higher, in raised beds set up in 1998, and renovated in 2002 with deep ripping or re-shaping than with cultivation, or in the non-renovated control.

Year 3 (01/01/2003-31/12/2003)

Demonstration in the field that on permanent raised beds crop yields increase, and soil friability and organic matter concentrations improve

The yield of rice as the first crop on permanent raised beds was 90% (Wakan) and 92% (Kawo) that on flooded flat land. This was partly due to fewer plants, i.e. furrows used land that could have been occupied by plants. Yields may be better on narrower raised beds. Plants on outer rows on raised beds probably received more light, so produced heavier individual grains of rice, than did plants on middle rows. The rice variety Widas produced higher yields than did Tukad Bulian. At each site, there were no differences in soybean yield as a secondary crop between treatments. The heavier seeds and more seeds/plant on permanent raised beds resulted in yields that more than compensated for growing fewer plants than on flat land.

In 2003, the soil at each site had slumped to 14 cm height, and drainage was poor, especially during heavy rain. Hence in October 2003, the beds were renovated to a height of 40 cm. The soil at Wakan, but not at Kawo, was more stable in wavy beds, probably because beds were waterlogged for less time, than was soil in other raised beds or on flat land. When the soil surface was dry, after the secondary crops, the cracks on raised beds were narrower (possibly becoming more self-mulching) than those on flat land.

Production of more profitable crops, including vegetables, on vertisols

Onion was not reliable grown in the rainy season, and farmers are not interested in growing crops other than rice in the rainy season. The most profitable secondary crops were chilli grown on permanent raised beds followed by intercropped tomato/mungbean. The advantage for farmers is that chilli from this region is sold about one month (at Rp. 5000 per kg) before that sold (at Rp. 1000 per kg) from other regions on Lombok. Labour for hand-weeding is the big expense on permanent raised beds, so further research is needed on weed control. It is also costly to bury fertiliser on the raised beds, so in 2003-2004 scientists applied fertiliser soon after rain, to ensure access by plants.

Increase in the supply of water for secondary crops

More water was harvested from permanent raised beds than from flat land. This harvested water could be used to irrigate a larger area under secondary crops than farmers do at present. Scientists are testing the feasibility of growing a tertiary crop with deep roots that could use water stored deep in the profile.

Determination of mechanisms by which vertisols a) become massive under gogorancah, and b) become soft and friable under unflooded permanent raised beds and minimum tillage

Several laboratory experiments showed that exchangeable cations appear to stabilise aggregates more in nil self-mulching soils (as on Lombok) than in two self-mulching soils from Australia. In the Lombok soils, organic matter appeared to be a better stabiliser than were exchangeable cations. The opposite was the case in a moderate self-mulching soil from Australia. Several cycles of wetting and drying, a possible method of weed control, increased the stability of the air-dried soils from Lombok, but did not affect the stability of the self-mulching soils from Australia. In a field experiment on flat land at Gnarwarre, Australia, a heavy clay soil susceptible to waterlogging was more stable after four years of pasture than after continued crops of wheat or in fallow. Sand mixed with the surface soil improved establishment of wheat.

Objective 2. Demonstration in the field that crops yields, and friability and concentrations of organic matter increase in soil in permanent raised beds
As shown in earlier reports, rice grew better on the treatment 'Flat flooded land' than that on the treatment 'Permanent raised beds' (PRB). The yield of rice as the first crop on PRB, using beds 1.2-m wide, was 92% (Wakan 3.4 t/ha) and 81% (Kawo 4.9 t/ha) of the yield of the treatment with 'Flat flooded land' (Wakan 3.7 t/ha; Kawo 5.7 t/ha), including the modified gogorancah with tillage. This was partly due to fewer plants/ha, i.e. the furrows between PRB used land that could have been occupied by plants on flat land. However, at least in PRB 0.6-m wide, plants from outer rows appeared to compensate in yield (possibly due to higher light interception) with the fewer plants than that on PRB (0.9-m wide). Compared with true gogorancah ('Flat land with tillage') as used for rice/soybean by local farmers, the modified gogorancah used in our experimental sites, used a) certified seed, a) better sowing rate and spacing, c) better fertiliser management, d) rice stubble retained, and e) water harvested during the wet season, stored and used when needed during the wet and dry seasons). This better management on the experimental sites probably explains the generally higher yield of rice/soybean than that on neighbouring farms. The most profitable option (with least labour) for the staple crops of rice and soybean was 'Flat land with no tillage'.
Objective 3. Production of more profitable crops, including vegetables, on Vertisols
Farmers will always want to grow some rice in the wet season, and most non-rice crops (including high value vegetables) cannot be grown on flat land in the wet season. However, PRB with good surface drainage, and high volumes of harvested water that can be stored and re-used for irrigation, appear to be a possible option for vegetables in the wet and dry seasons.
At the experimental sites, the yield of onion was high (4.1 t/ha) at Kawo, but, as in previous years, the yield of onion was low at Wakan (0.4 t/ha), because the crop was attacked by army worm (probably encouraged by weeds). Chilli grown on PRB, followed by intercropped tomato/mungbean, were the most profitable secondary crop, producing almost four to five times the profit from soybean. The advantage for farmers is that chilli from this region is sold about one month (at Rp. 5000 per kg) before that sold (at Rp. 1000 per kg) from other regions on Lombok. Long bean is also potentially a reliable and profitable crop on PRB on Vertisols in southern Lombok. Better management on the experimental sites probably explains why the yield of chilli (5.3 t/ha Wakan; 1.4 t/ha Kawo) and mungbean (1.4 t/ha Wakan; 1.6 t/ha Kawo) was up to 5 times (chilli) and twice (mungbean) that on neighbouring farms.
Based on the conclusions from the experimental sites, we encouraged farmers to grow successful crops of rice/soybean on 'Flat land with no tillage' on 2/3 of each farm, and vegetables (apart from onion) on 'PRB with no tillage' on 1/3 of the farm in the wet and dry seasons. This allowed the farmers to grow their staple crops as well as high value vegetable crops, yet not flood the market with vegetables. Support from the local government and a contract with a private seed company were essential to speed up adoption by farmers.
Objective 4. Increase the supply of water for secondary crops
As shown in earlier annual reports, one main advantage of PRB at each site was that the volume of water harvested from rice during the wet season was 1.5 times that on flat land, and could be stored and re-used in the dry season compared with that on 'Flat land'. The volume of water harvested from crops other than rice was twice (PRB) and 1.5 (Raised wavy beds) that from rice on 'Flat land'. This harvested water could be used to irrigate a larger area under secondary crops than farmers do at present. However, further research is needed on water harvesting, storage and re-use, and conservation of water in the soil especially during the dry season for secondary crops.
Objective 5. Determination of mechanisms by which Vertisols a) become massive under gogorancah, and b) become soft and friable under unflooded PRB and minimum tillage
Work to determine the effect of minimum tillage on Vertisols in Australia showed that after 5 years in a field experiment at Gnarwarre, Australia, the black Vertisol in PRB was more porous after several years of pasture than that after several years of crops (Continued crops). Sand mixed with the surface soil appeared to improve establishment of seedlings of wheat. However, neither sand mixed with soil, nor bed renovation, increased the yield of wheat harvested in January 2004, probably because the rainfall was low, but intensive, in 2003. This low rainfall made it difficult to study the performance of crops on PRB in a region where soils are usually susceptible to severe localised waterlogging.
Two of the Local Team from the University of Mataram (Kusnarta and Sukartono) attended the 4th International Crop Science Congress in September-October 2004, with one oral presentation and three poster papers.

This report covers the year 2005, during which the project was extended twice; once from January to April 2005, followed by a major extension from July 2005 to December 2006.
I. Minor Extension
Objective 1. Assist the existing impact farmers to manage the crops, water and soils on the systems of raised beds
The Local Team from UNRAM visited the existing farmers weekly to assist them to grow and to market vegetables successfully on PRBs.
Objective 2. Increase the number of farmers adopting the systems of raised beds on rainfed vertisols of Southern Lombok
Because the Local Team worked closely with the impact farmers and the crops on impact farm were successful, farmers were very keen to participate in the major extension to the project discussed below. The Local Team held several field days on the impact farms, well attended by farmers. The Local Team provided farmers with a sowing schedule for vegetables and non-rice crops, based on market demand and prices of commodities.
Objective 3. Submit at least four refereed papers on the field experiments on rainfed Vertisols of Southern Lombok so far in the project
During her visit to Lombok, Dr Tisdall and the Local Team discussed what should be included in the manuscripts, and to which journals the manuscripts should be submitted. The manuscripts are in progress.
II. Major Extension
Objective 1. To improve methods of a) harvesting water from vegetables and rice grown under the ACM, b) storing the harvested water, and c) using the harvested water from irrigation in both the rainy and dry seasons
Groups of cooperating farmers at five sites, selected and advised by the Indonesian partners from the University of Mataram (UNRAM) and from BPTP, set up the new technology of ACMs, with access to a) water from the irrigation scheme or an embung, or b) groundwater from a well. Crops on PRBs (1/3 of each farm) are irrigated with water poured from a cup, or by furrow irrigation; at one site only drip irrigation was used. Crops on flat land were flood-irrigated in the wet season. Excess water was collected and later used for irrigation. Pump tests were run at each fully-rainfed site (Kawo 2 with 7 wells, and Tanak Awu with 7 wells), and data collected to enable water balances to be determined.
Objective 2. To extend the technology of ACM to a wider range of farmers in the rained area in Southern Lombok
During the dry and wet seasons, to extend the skills of the farmers, vegetable crops were grown on PRBs (see Objective 1). Good yields of snake bean (9.3 t/h), sweet corn (5.3 t/ha) and onion (4.4 to 5.2 t/ha) were harvested in the dry season, and sweet corn (8.0 t/ha) and onion (1.1 t/ha) in the wet season. One onion crop failed (0.85 t/ha) due to pests. In August 2005, the Local Team held a Workshop at UNRAM to discuss the extension phase of the project with all participants in Indonesia. The Local Team and BPTP are working closely with the Climate Team (SMCN 2002/033) to ensure a good outcome from the project. At the beginning of the project, farmers were surveyed (and will be surveyed again at the end of the project) with a written questionnaire on their attitudes to the ACM. Halil (the economist from UNRAM) and his group surveyed the vegetable prices at traditional markets each week during the wet season to determine the best time for farmers to sow and harvest their vegetables.
Objective 3. To determine the current and potential extent and usage of groundwater for irrigation
At the joint workshop with the team of SMCN/2002/033 held at UNRAM in August 2005, Ir. Surana, a hydrologist with the Department of Public Works, recommended that the Local Team explore data on the potential use of groundwater in Southern Lombok, as recommended by the government. It was agreed to match the groundwater aspects of the research program of this project to the groundwater programme of the Agriculture Department.
New wells to the groundwater were established, and old wells were repaired at two sites, and pump tests done on the wells in October-November 2005. Water balances will be determined from measurements of evaporation, water content of the soil, potential seepage, temperature, relative humidity and rainfall made at each site.

Objective 4. To determine the current and potential extent and usage of groundwater for irrigation
From the water balances determined under Objective 3, the Local Team will conduct a cost/benefit analysis of water harvesting structures, ground water productivities and economic value of groundwater. SMCN/2002/033 will use these data to conduct a cost/benefit analysis on the whole irrigation scheme.

Objective 1. To improve methods of a) harvesting water from vegetables and rice grown under the ACM, b) storing the harvested water, and c) using the harvested water from irrigation in both the rainy and dry seasons
In 2006, at the request of farmers from 2 new villages, the Indonesian partners from the University of Mataram (UNRAM) and from BPTP, selected 2 new groups of participating farmers with access to water from groundwater from wells.
Through modelling of climate data from south central Lombok, the consultants Yahya Abawi (SMCN/2002/033) and Freeman Cook (CSIRO) showed that on average, insufficient excess water could be harvested from PRBs in the wet season for use for full irrigation in the dry season. However, there would probably be enough harvested water to allow good establishment of crops, and reasonable yields from partially irrigated crops in the dry season. In about 1 year in 4, no excess water would be available to be harvested in the wet season. For the ACMs to succeed, the project must address the current limited capacity for farmers to store harvested water. The Central Government in Indonesia will establish 7 new embungs (dams) at several sites for storage of harvested water and water from the catchment. However, much more storage space is needed.
Freeman Cook also showed that, in the wet season, PRBs 0.6-m wide would drain more quickly than would the current PRBs 1.2-m wide. Jack McHugh, irrigation consultant, showed that seepage to and from each farm is often > 21 mL/hr.
Christian Roth, Yahya Abawi and Judy Tisdall met at UNRAM with the Local Vertisol Team and the Local Climate Team to discuss each project and to strengthen the links between the two projects (Judy Tisdall, Trip Report).
Objective 2. To extend the technology of ACM to a wider range of farmers in the rained area in Southern Lombok
The Local Team used Focus Discussion Groups and Participatory Planning to help farmers plan their cropping ahead.
Participating farmers at Mujur were the first farmers to use ACMs, and have more stable soil and more water available for irrigation than do farmers at other sites, so have produced good crops of rice and non-rice on ACMs.
In the wet season, the most profitable crops on ACMs were rice on flat land, and sweet corn on PRBs. In the dry season, sweet corn on PRBs were the most profitable crops.
Halil (economist from UNRAM) developed the Vendor System whereby farmer groups can get better prices for crops.
UNRAM has established the Research Centre for Water Resources and Agroclimate (RCWRA) with IGM Kusnarta as Director and Husni as Secretary. The RCWRA will negotiate with national and international institutions for joint projects and funds. This will possibly enable work on the ACM to continue once SMCN/1999/005 ends in July 2007.
Objective 3. To determine the current and potential extend and usage of groundwater for irrigation
There appears to be little or no contamination of groundwater by nitrate or salinity from participating farms. There is insufficient groundwater to supply much of the irrigation water at Kawo-2.
Objective 4. To determine the hydrological impact of water harvesting and storage on the whole irrigation scheme in southern Lombok
From the water balances determined under Objective 3, the Local Team will conduct a cost/benefit analysis of water harvesting structures, ground water productivities and economic value of groundwater. SMCN/2002/033 will use these data to conduct a cost/benefit analysis on the whole irrigation scheme.