Wheat
Serenje, Zambia
Trial Duration | 5 months
50
million litres
water saving
About the Trial
The farm in Serenje cultivates an average 1,150 hectares of wheat annually, achieving an average yield of 8.6 tonnes per hectare.
Aqualatus was applied across three treatments during the growing season:
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First application: boom sprayed at 2.0L per hectare on 26 July, followed by 5mm of irrigation 24 hours later.
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Second application: boom sprayed on 25 August at 1.0L per hectare, again followed by 5mm of irrigation.
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Final application: week of 23 September at 1.0L per hectare, again followed by an irrigation of 5mm.
Total application of Aqualatus for the pivot and crop was 4.0L/ha, or 40 litres for the trial plot area.
Location and Challenges
The trial took place on a 16-hectare pivot, with 10 hectares selected for the trial plot. This area was chosen as the soil was a representative sandy clay loam.
The wheat was planted late on 12 June, resulting in a late harvest on 26 October.
Trial Conclusion
Water Savings Following probe data after the three applications, the treated area used only 430mm/ha of water across the 10 hectares, compared to 480mm/ha on the untreated area — a saving of 50mm of irrigation per hectare, or 5,000m³ of water per hectare. Total water saved during the trial was 50,000m³.
Yield Data Despite using 50mm less water per hectare, the treated area produced 800kg more wheat per hectare — a 13.6% yield increase.
In monetary terms, this represents an extra $400.00 per hectare for the grower, or an overall increase in return of $4,000.00 across the treated plot — plus the savings in water and electricity from pumping 50,000m³ less water.
Field name | Area (ha) | Planting date | Plot | Tonnage | Moisture | Average Yield Kgs/Ha | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Field 24 | 5.46 | 12 June | Control | 32.28 | 12.5 | 5910 | Planted quite late, 12 June
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Field 24 | 10 | 12 June | Aqualatus Trial | 67.08 | 12.5 | 6710 | Planted quite late, 12 June
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With 800kg yield difference per ha and a 13.6% increase.
Quality Data Wheat quality was also measured to assess whether Aqualatus positively affected quality parameters. Results showed Aqualatus did not improve overall gluten and protein levels, but it did improve average hectolitre mass.
What does this mean?
An increased average hectolitre mass (test weight) is a positive indicator of high physical quality, pointing to greater potential flour yield and generally commanding a higher market value. It indicates the wheat kernels are dense, plump, and well-filled.
Field Name | Hectarage | Description | Ave Protein | Ave Gluten | Ave Hectolitor Mass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Field 24 | 10 | Aqualatus Trial | 12.7 | 30.4 | 78.13 |
Field 24 | 5.46 | Control | 13 | 31.1 | 77.1 |
Key benefits of increased hectolitre mass:
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Higher Flour Yield: Denser kernels mean less air space per volume, increasing the ratio of starchy endosperm to bran and improving milling efficiency and total flour output.
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Better General Grain Quality: High hectolitre mass suggests the grain wasn't significantly affected by environmental stressors (drought, disease, frost, pre-harvest sprouting) during grain-filling.
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Fewer Impurities and Damage: High test weight samples typically have fewer shrivelled, broken, or damaged kernels and less foreign material like chaff or weed seeds.
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Improved Handling and Storage Efficiency: Higher bulk density means more grain can be transported or stored per fixed volume, improving logistics.
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Market Value: High hectolitre mass wheat often meets premium milling or export market specifications, avoiding price penalties.
