How to use this calculator

For detailed instructions on how to used this calculator please refer to the Stubble Management Calculator Fact Sheet.

  1. Complete the Base Assumptions
  2. Complete the analysis for the “Stubble Retained”. This section requires you to make some assumptions which should be guided by both research and your own judgment.
  3. Repeat the above for the stubble burning adjustments.
  4. Compare your answers
Base Assumptions

Income

Yield
Price ($/t net on farm)

Variable Costs

Seed (kg/ha)
Fertiliser ($/ha)
Chemicals ($/ha)
Crop Insurance ($/ha)

Number of Operations

Ploughing
Seeding
Spreading
Spraying
Harvesting
Stubble Retained
Expected Change In Yield
%

Expenses

Seed
Fertiliser
Chemical
Fuel
Time
Hours
/ Hour
Stubble Burning
Expected Change In Yield
%

Expenses

Seed
Fertiliser
Chemical
Fuel
Time
Hours
Hour
Background

The benefits of burning stubble or retaining stubble are difficult to quantify. While stubble burning can aid in the removal of weed seeds and decrease problems associated with too much stubble during seeding, retaining stubble increases the labile carbon fraction and microbial biomass. This calculator was developed in an effort to quantify the economic worth of each management option and is based on data from the long term trial at Merredin Research Station (DAFWA).