The Burnett Mary Agronomy Project (BMAP) – Phase 2

Summary

(This project is an extension of Project 2022/802 here.) It helps cane growers in the Burnett Mary region (Isis, Bundaberg and Maryborough) improve nutrient management planning and address productivity constraints. Growers receive one-on-one, farm-specific agronomic advice designed to increase productivity while reducing nutrient and sediment losses to waterways flowing to the Great Barrier Reef.

Objectives

 

  • Optimise nutrient management: support growers to develop and implement effective nutrient management plans (NMPs) that provide balanced nutrition to the crop and mitigate where possible, constraints to yield while reducing environmental impacts and improving water quality.. 
  • Promote best management practices: encourage growers to adopt sustainable Smartcane BMP practices through targeted extension activities, one-on-one technical advice. 
  • Improve farm productivity and sustainability: work with growers to identify and address productivity constraints through detailed farm assessments and tailored, evidence-based recommendations. 
  • Build local capability: provides an additional local agronomist to promote sustainable agricultural practices through mentoring, technical training and knowledge sharing. 
  • Modernise record keeping: explore and implement contemporary record-keeping practices. 
  • Demonstrate impact: calculate the risk of losing nitrogen and record modelled DIN reductions for each project area. 

Expected Outputs

 

  • Constraint analyses: deliver approximately 24 detailed farm reports that identify productivity challenges and provide tailored recommendations reviewed by SRA experts. 
  • One-on-one support: support approximately 15 growers through farm visits, technical advice and nutrient management planning. 
  • Monitoring and reporting: collect data on practice change and grower feedback for the Paddock to Reef Integrated Monitoring, Modelling and Reporting Program. 

Expected Outcomes

  • Engage growers who have not previously participated in government-funded practice-change projects, while continuing to support those already involved. 
  • Provide local extension and agronomy support that helps growers adopt data-driven decision-making.
  • Help growers meet regulatory requirements, reduce environmental impacts and improve water quality in line with the Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy.  
SRA PROJECT CONTACT: Agronomist Hector Fleury
RESEARCH AGENCY: Sugar Research Australia

CHIEF INVESTIGATOR: Simon Clarke

PROJECT NUMBER: 2023/802

END DATE: 2028/12

Acknowledgements

The Burnett Mary Agronomy Project (BMAP) 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.