Southern Wet Tropics Agronomy Project

Summary

The Southern Wet Tropics Agronomy Project is a two-year extension of Targeting balanced nutrition and productivity constraints in the Herbert. While the first phase focused on the Herbert region, this extension expands the project to include cane growers in the Tully mill area. The project is being delivered by Sugar Research Australia (SRA), with support from an Ingham-based agricultural service provider. 

The project aims to support dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) reduction targets under the Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan by identifying productivity constraints, improving farm management practices, increasing adoption of the full SIX EASY STEPS® nutrient management program, and identifying opportunities to incorporate SIX EASY STEPS® toolbox guidance into farm nutrient management plans. The rationale is that DIN loss from cane farms can be reduced by matching nitrogen fertiliser application to crop requirements and alleviating limits to crop growth, such as nutrient deficiencies and weeds, to maximise nitrogen uptake. 

A key component of the project is the provision of tailored, one-on-one expert agronomic advice for participating growers, along with workshops and training delivered by SRA experts.

Objectives

Across 4,500 hectares of cane blocks, involving approximately 18 growers, this project will: 

  • Translate industry science into improved land management practices through one-on-one expert agronomic advice. 
  • Promote adoption of best management practice programs, including SIX EASY STEPS®, SIX EASY STEPS® toolbox guidance and Smartcane BMP. 
  • Improve catchment water quality outcomes through efficient use of farm inputs and by addressing constraints to productivity. 

Expected Outputs

  • Custom farm plans based on reviews of current farming practices and available records to identify and manage enterprise-specific productivity constraints. 
  • Tailored nutrient management plans, including opportunities to refine nutrient inputs for specific circumstances, in line with SIX EASY STEPS® toolbox guidance. 
  • Group training and workshops delivered by SRA subject matter experts. 

Expected Outcomes

 

  • A combined DIN load reduction of 3,150 kg across the Herbert and Tully mill areas.
  • Improved crop health, yield, productivity, profitability and overall farm sustainability 
  • Southern Wet Tropics cane growers and their advisers will have a greater understanding of the presence and severity of soil chemical constraints and nutrient deficiencies, as well as the incidence and severity of Pachymetra root rot. 
SRA PROJECT CONTACT: SRA Agronomist, Nancy Rincon
RESEARCH AGENCY: Sugar Research Australia 

CHIEF INVESTIGATOR: SRA Environmental Sustainability Scientist, Simon Clarke

PROJECT NUMBER: 2023/801

END DATE: 31/12/2028 

Acknowledgements

The Southern Wet Tropics Agronomy Project delivered by Sugar Research Australia is part of the Sugarcane Practice Change Program funded through the Queensland Government’s $330.5 million Queensland Reef and Catchment Water Quality Program. The Southern Wet Tropics Agronomy Project is delivered by Sugar Research Australia and is part of the $4.38 million Sugarcane Practice Change Program, funded through the Queensland Government’s Queensland Reef Water Quality Program. 

Photography by Herbert Cane Productivity Services Limited