CaneCONNECTION Autumn 2020 10 20 - Sugar Research Australia
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
CaneCONNECTION
Autumn 2020
6 SIX EASY STEPS guidelines for the
Rocky Point region
8 New opportunities opening up for near
infra-red technology
10 Measuring the depth of imidacloprid
application
20 Assessing the AquaTill: A new method
to minimum till
CONTENTS
WELCOME TO THE
3 BY THE NUMBERS
AUTUMN 2020 EDITION
OF
3 ROSLYN BAKER NEW CEO AT SRA
4 OPTIMISING THE FRONT END FOR
BETTER HARVESTING
6 EASY AS 1, 2 3 …. 4, 5, 6 Welcome to the Autumn edition of SRA’s CaneConnection magazine, bringing
you information on SRA’s investment into research, development and
8 NEW OPPORTUNITIES OPENING adoption across the industry.
UP FOR NIR
In this edition, we update you on research being led by Norris ECT examining
10 IMIDACLOPRID APPLICATION the front-end components of harvesters looking for solutions that could
– MEASUREMENT OF improve the efficiency of harvesting. You can read more about this on page
APPLIED DEPTHS four and five, specifically trials that occurred at Condong, NSW, in late 2019.
Just up the road at Rocky Point, we also look at the process for developing new
12 GROWERS ENCOURAGED SIX EASY STEPS nutrient management guidelines for that region. The growers
TO GET IN EARLY WITH involved in this development say that the guidelines are a win-win: saving them
PACHYMETRA SAMPLING money and helping them continue to improve their sustainability.
14 NEW TECHNOLOGY COULD MEAN This edition also visits the Southern Region to see the Aquatill in action;
A LEAP FORWARD IN ON-FARM outlines exciting new opportunities that are arising within sugar mills for the
DISEASE DETECTION application of near infra-red; and also looks at the correct application of liquid
imidacloprid.
16 USING CLIMATE FORECASTING
Finally, a reminder that there are plenty of great events coming up in the next
FOR NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT
few weeks, including SRA’s annual grower research updates. These events are
17 SUGAR INDUSTRY WORKING a chance to chat about the latest research developments, meet the scientists
TOGETHER TO MANAGE and adoption officers doing the work, and to answer your questions. We hope
FALL ARMYWORM RISK to see you at your nearest update. For more information, visit the events page
of the SRA website. You can also contact your nearest SRA station for more
18 2019 HERBERT HARVESTING information.
DEMONSTRATION PROJECT
20 AQUATILL: A NEW METHOD Brad Pfeffer
TO MINIMUM TILL Executive Manager, Communications
21 RESEARCH PROJECT INVESTMENT
ISSN 2203-1111 (Print) ISSN 2203-112X (Online) © Copyright 2020 by Sugar Research Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
No part of CaneConnection (this publication), may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or
by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of Sugar Research
Australia Limited. Sugar Research Australia Limited acknowledges and thanks its funding providers, including levy payers
(sugarcane growers and millers), the Commonwealth Government, and the Queensland Government (Department of Agriculture
and Fisheries). Disclaimer: In this disclaimer a reference to ‘SRA’, ‘we’, ‘us’ or ‘our’ means Sugar Research Australia Limited and
our directors, officers, agents and employees. Although we do our very best to present information that is correct and accurate,
we make no warranties, guarantees or representations about the suitability, reliability, currency or accuracy of the information
we present in this publication, for any purposes. Subject to any terms implied by law and which cannot be excluded, we accept
no responsibility for any loss, damage, cost or expense incurred by you as a result of the use of, or reliance on, any materials and
information appearing in this publication. You, the user, accept sole responsibility and risk associated with the use and results
(Cover page) SIX EASY STEPS validation trial in the of the information appearing in this publication, and you agree that we will not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever
Rocky Point region. (including through negligence) arising out of, or in connection with the use of this publication. We recommend that you contact
our staff before acting on any information provided in this publication. Warning: Our tests, inspections and recommendations
Design: Catherine Jorissen, SRA. should not be relied on without further, independent inquiries. They may not be accurate, complete or applicable for your
particular needs for many reasons, including (for example) SRA being unaware of other matters relevant to individual crops,
CaneConnection is a registered trademark. the analysis of unrepresentative samples or the influence of environmental, managerial or other factors on production.
50,000 100mm
THE PSI OF THE
WATER NOZZLES THE MINIMUM DEPTH, AS PER
THAT CAN CUT THE LABEL INSTRUCTIONS, FOR
THROUGH CANE THE CORRECT PLACEMENT OF
TRASH ON THE LIQUID IMIDACLOPRID. PAGE 10
AQUATILL. PAGE 20
BY THE
NUMBERS
$50,000 $1-$1.50
THE APPROXIMATE COST
80-95 THE ESTIMATED
SAVING IN
THE PERCENTAGE HARVESTING COSTS
OF A MICRO-NIR (NEAR
OF CANE STOOLS PER TONNE FOR
INFRA-RED) DEVICE,
WHICH IS SHOWING
DAMAGED BY A THE SPANN FAMILY
POTENTIAL FOR CONVENTIONAL FOLLOWING A
HARVESTING JOB, AS TRANSITION TO 1.8M
VALUABLE APPLICATIONS
MEASURED IN TRIALS ROWS. PAGE 6
IN THE MILLING SECTOR.
PAGE 8 CONDUCTED BY
NORRIS ECT. PAGE 4
ROSLYN S RA’s new CEO Roslyn Baker (pictured) organisations in the utility sector and in
commenced at SRA earlier this local government in both Queensland
year and has been in the midst of an and New South Wales.
BAKER extensive listening tour across the
industry in February and March.
SRA Chairman Dr Ron Swindells said
her experience in leading and engaging
NEW CEO “My immediate priority is to meet with
and listen to SRA’s stakeholders and staff
people, stakeholder engagement,
transformational change, and finance will
AT SRA
to get an in-depth appreciation of how be a great asset to SRA and the Australian
SRA is contributing to the industry,” sugarcane industry.
Ms Baker said.
“The Australian sugarcane industry
“Throughout February and early March, continues to face pressure from the
I have been undertaking a regional weather and global market forces, but
listening tour across the industry to it also has exciting opportunities ahead
hear, first-hand, the important issues of it. SRA is here to help the industry
in relation to investment in research, capitalise on these opportunities by
development and adoption by SRA as well continuing to deliver world-class research,
as broader industry issues that affect this development and adoption outcomes for
CaneCONNECTION / Autumn 2020
investment. This is also an opportunity growers and millers," Dr Swindells said.
to better understand the opportunities
“Roslyn will guide SRA’s strategic
and challenges facing the industry, and direction as set in our five-year Strategic
ensuring SRA continues to deliver value Plan with the support of the SRA Board,
to its customers.” Executive Team, and our dedicated and
professional staff.”
Roslyn Baker comes to SRA with
experience as a CEO and Chief
Operating Officer in large and complex
3
T
(Below left) Chris Norris, Norris ECT, during one he spindles on a cotton picker are
of the trials in late 2019 in the Condong mill area.
matched to groundspeed. The reel
(Below middle) Chris assessing stool damage
after the modified harvester has been over the top.
on a grain header is also matched to
(Below right) Modified position of the knockdown groundspeed.
roller on a John Deere 3520.
In the sugarcane industry, however, it
is a different story, with the front-end
components not matched to the speed of
the harvester as it moves along the row.
However, in recent years, research led
by Norris ECT has conducted trials with
harvesters where spiral and basecutter
speed has been matched to groundspeed,
in order to help the industry understand
the potential efficiencies that could
OPTIMISING
be gained.
This work has occurred with five modified
THE FRONT END
harvesters that have operated in regions
from NSW to Far North Queensland over
several seasons. The trials have assessed
FOR BETTER
a range of issues and have had a strong
focus on yield in subsequent ratoons and
ratoon length.
HARVESTING
“We discovered from our first series of
trials that between 80 and 95 percent of
the cane stools were severely damaged
after a conventional harvesting operation,”
NORRIS ECT HAS BEEN INVESTIGATING THE Chris Norris, Norris ECT, explained.
POTENTIAL FOR MODIFYING THE FRONT-END “We also saw there was lower shoot
COMPONENTS OF SUGARCANE HARVESTERS TO emergence and lower yield the following
UNDERSTAND OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT year. We are also collecting more precise
AND EFFICIENCY. BY BRAD PFEFFER information on the impact on yield for
subsequent crops and what aspects of
the gathering and feeding process were
causing this damage.”
To see a video of this project in
the field, hover your smartphone’s In addition to trials that have matched
camera over the QR code. front-end component speed to ground
CaneCONNECTION / Autumn 2020
4
speed, the Norris team has also looked With that baseline information, Norris ECT “We are hoping to see a lot less stalk
at other modifications to front-end understood that there was an opportunity snapping below the surface and a lot
components. for the industry to regain value. less shattering. In a standard system
Their next step was to investigate there is a lot of pressure on the stalk
Before that occurred, though, an important
modifications to the harvester that would prior to cutting, which results in deep
part of this process was understanding
improve the feeding of the cane and shatters and snapping. The result we
the baseline of the damage from the
therefore result in less damage to the hope is an improvement in ratooning
basecutters. To do this, the research team
stool. This included an assessment of a and better crop growth and therefore an
needed a trial that understood the true
new positioning of the knockdown roller improvement in yields the following year.”
impact of the spirals and the knockdown
so that the cane was more erect as it
and fin roller. Norris ECT are also collaborating with
entered the harvester.
researchers at the Queensland University
With that in mind, in the 2018 season, When CaneConnection caught up with of Technology on this project, who are
the Norris ECT team cut cane by hand at Norris ECT recently, they were harvesting using computer modelling to simulate
about 20cm above the ground and then a trial at Condong on the Tweed Valley in the breaking point of cane and the
harvested it with a conventional harvester. the final days of the 2019 crush. impact on billets.
This meant that the cane passing through This trial included an assessment
the harvester never touched the forward- looking at a modified positioning of the
feeding components. This allowed Norris knockdown roller on a John Deere 3520
ECT to understand how much of the owned by Citifarm, whose manager is
damage to the stool was occurring before Dave Bartlett. The roller is positioned so
that the cane reaches the basecutters at
the cane reached the basecutters. By
a more erect position.
assessing each stool, and comparing it
to conventionally harvested cane, this On the day of this trial, the machine was
gave the Norris ECT team information on harvesting a crop of about 110 tonnes
the relationship between the spirals and per hectare and Chris said it appeared to
knockdown and fin roller on stool damage. be feeding well at a groundspeed of 6km This project is supported
per hour. by funding from SRA and
“In 2019 we went in again with a the Australian Government
“We are trying to prove that if we don’t
conventional harvester into the plots that Department of Agriculture as
knock the cane down as hard then there
were hand cut in 2018,” Chris explained. part of its Rural R&D for Profit
will be a lot less damage. We are also
“From that, our yields were between 7
observing how the cane is feeding into program.
percent and 25 percent higher in those
the machine, including through GoPro
sections compared to the section beside cameras attached to the harvester.”
that had been treated conventionally. For more information contact
This work builds on research from the Chris Norris on
“This trial took out the gathering and early 2000s by Sander Kroes, particularly E chris@norrisect.com
knockdown effect. When we did the post- around the determination of how far
M 0400 203 106.
harvest analysis we saw that the damage cane can bend before it reaches an angle
to the stool was about halved.” where it breaks.
CaneCONNECTION / Autumn 2020
5
(Over top left) Gavin Rodman and Ben Spann weighing fertiliser as part of the calibration.
(Over top right) Ben Spann, Gavin Rodman and Sebastian Garcia-Cuenca calibrating
Ben’s fertiliser box for the application of one of the trials in November 2019.
(Over middle right) Larry Spann (pictured) and Ben Spann grow cane on over 200
hectares at Norwell. (Over bottom) In the field calibrating the fertiliser box for the trials.
EASY AS
1, 2 3 …. 4, 5, 6
SRA IS WORKING WITH LOCAL INDUSTRY IN THE
ROCKY POINT REGION TO DEVELOP SUSTAINABLE
NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES FOR THAT AREA,
HELPING IMPROVE PROFITABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY.
BY BRAD PFEFFER
F ather and son team Larry and Ben
Spann grow cane on about 200
hectares of lease country in the Rocky
This work is occurring through SRA staff
Sebastian Garcia-Cuenca (Regional
Coordinator for New South Wales and
“I’ve already reduced my costs, and if I can
get an increased crop yield, then that will
be even better.”
Point region near Norwell. Rocky Point), Gavin Rodman (Adoption
Ben is doing other things on his farm to
Officer), John Panitz (Principal Technician),
They see a solid future for the industry drive a sustainable farming system. In
along with Bernard Schroeder from the
to the point where they are developing recent years he has made longer rows
University of Southern Queensland
another 30ha of country for planting this where possible and converted to dual-
and Victor Schwenke with the local
year. However, at the same time, they row 1.8 metre beds to reduce compaction
productivity services.
are also acutely aware that the low sugar and time in the paddock. The farms were
price means that they must be efficient CaneConnection caught up with Ben previously on 1.55m.
with their inputs and reduce costs. late last year as two validation trials
Being a co-owner in a harvesting
were being fertilised. These trials have
This need to improve efficiency and business, he estimates that the wider
followed extensive soil testing and data
profitability for the business was a key rows have reduced harvesting costs by
collection and will compare the growers’
reason that Ben has worked with fellow between $1 and $1.50 per tonne.
traditional rate to the proposed SIX EASY
Rocky Point grower, Josh Keith, in recent
STEPS rate. “The saving through time in the paddock
years to drive the development of SIX
and reduced cost has been unreal for
EASY STEPS guidelines for their region, These trials, with more in the future,
me,” he said. “We are doing everything
between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. will be a driving factor to help see the
we can to get our costs down, while also
local guidelines adopted on farms in the
“When you are leasing country, your changing practices to make things more
region in years to come.
economics are very tight, so profitability sustainable as well.
has been a key driver for me when In Ben’s case, he is already learning more
“One day, if my son decides to farm,
pushing to have SIX EASY STEPS about his soils and nutrient management.
the place will be in a better condition
guidelines for the district,” Ben said.
“I’ve been doing soil tests for about 10 than it is today.”
"As an industry we are also aware of years, but it has been generally just one
the need to improve sustainability or two samples per year. In 2019 I did
and reduce our environmental impact. seven and through this work I’ve learnt
Developing the guidelines was a chance about the diversity of my soils and the
CaneCONNECTION / Autumn 2020
for us to be proactive, and the upside is need to understand them better,” he said.
that we should be able to save money.”
“Three years ago I was applying 180
To date, SIX EASY STEPS guidelines are in units of N, then in 2018 it was 170, then
place for all other regions of the Australian in 2019 I dropped it to 160 units of N
cane industry. Now, thanks to the work of across the board, but with the extra
Ben and Josh, with support from SRA, the phosphate and potassium that we’ve To see a video of this project in action
local Rocky Point draft guidelines are being identified that I need. in the field, hover your smartphone’s
validated through trials. camera over the QR code.
6
The SIX EASY STEPS to improved nutrient management The concept of SIX EASY STEPS
means combining a number
1. Knowing and understanding our soils of possible actions to ensure
sustainable nutrient usage on the
CaneCONNECTION / Autumn 2020
2. Understanding and managing nutrient processes and losses
farm. This combination forms
3. Soil testing regularly a ‘whole system’ approach to
4. Adopting soil specific fertiliser recommendations nutrient management.
5. Checking on the adequacy of fertiliser inputs
6. Keeping good records and modifying nutrient inputs when and
where necessary
7
(Below left) Ross Threlfall, Steve Staunton and
Michelle Larsen in front of the Micro NIR instruments
attached to the number five mill at Tully.
(Below left) Michelle Larsen and Steve Staunton at
the mud hopper. (Over page) Data on display as
captured by the Micro NIR, measuring moisture,
pol and fibre every seven seconds.
NEW
OPPORTUNITIES
OPENING UP
FOR NIR
CaneCONNECTION / Autumn 2020
8
R ecent advances in near infra-red
(NIR) instruments and technology
are creating new opportunities for
Australian sugar mills.
One of these next generation NIR
instruments – called a Micro NIR – fits
into the palm of your hand and costs
about one third of the price of its
predecessor instruments.
This advance in instrumentation has
prompted the Australian industry to
investigate the possibilities for NIR
analysis in new areas of sugar mills
beyond the established applications
such as cane payment.
The use of on-line NIR systems, including
with support from SRA to analyse and
interpret the data, is well-established
in a number of Australian mills. The
technology allows millers to collect
data in real time and also to gather this
information in situations where traditional
methods are difficult or hazardous.
The smaller instruments that are now With the bagasse, for example, they were help minimise sugar loss through the mill,
available have the potential to fit into new previously only measuring moisture especially when used in conjunction with
areas of the mill, and their lower capital cost content via moisture meter, whereas now their existing NIR instrument looking at
puts the technology within a more realistic the Micro NIR is providing moisture, pol cane at the number one mill.
cost bracket for new applications. and fibre every seven seconds.
As they continue to look for new ways to
It is something that Tully Sugar Limited “Currently bagasse quality analysis is use the data, Mr Threlfall said the Micro
have been keen to further understand. performed by the laboratory, from samples NIR would also allow TSL to calculate
With the help of SRA, they have been taken over an 8hr shift. These results are the calorific value of bagasse, which
testing two Micro NIR instruments attached only available on a daily basis,” could then be correlated back to cane
to the Tully mill in recent seasons. Mr Threlfall said. “With online monitoring, variety information. This could be useful
control or mill adjustments can be made for cogeneration by targeting particular
One of these instruments is being used to
sooner rather than later to optimise bagasse for storage for use in the
provide real-time feedback on mill-mud,
milling extraction. off-season.
via an SRA-funded research project. The
other instrument is attached to Tully’s “Our boiler operators are able to confirm There are other opportunities that are also
number five mill and provides real-time and potentially take action earlier, in being considered. This investigation has
and online feedback of bagasse, building response to high moisture bagasse being seen SRA work with TSL engineers and
on previous research where SRA worked received at boilers. boilermakers to attach a Micro NIR to the
with much larger instruments to assess mud hopper to determine factors such as
bagasse at the Mulgrave Mill. “It also gives us the ability to take action pol losses and mud quality criteria.
such as adjusting the maceration settings, or
“The real advance now is the trying things like cool maceration. We have Mr Staunton said the research could
instrumentation,” SRA’s Steve Staunton trialled different maceration settings this create additional value for growers as it
said. “With the Micro NIR being so year, and we are still learning what we can could lead to them being able to better
compact, it opens up new opportunities. do with the instrument.” understand the beneficial impacts of
The older systems were also difficult to recycling mill mud back to their farms.
install and there were challenges around The instrument has been attached directly
to the exit chute of the mill and requires This data offers advantages to both
sample presentation and validation.
cooling due to the temperature of the growers and millers, and may be useful for
“With this instrument we are getting bagasse (about 85 degrees Celsius or the industry to continue to demonstrate
information of a similar quality, and it can its strong adherence to best management
more). This is one of many issues that SRA
be done for an investment in the machine practices.
has worked with TSL on during this season,
of about $50,000.”
to better understand how to best use
CaneCONNECTION / Autumn 2020
SRA provides expertise and support to the instrument in the tough environment
ensure efficient use of the Micro NIR, and of a sugar mill. There has also been a
also ensures the data generated by the huge effort and collaboration with the
instrument is accurate and understandable. TSL information technology team and
engineering team. Contact Steve Staunton on
TSL Operations Engineer, Ross Threlfall,
said TSL was interested in the Micro NIR In the future, the Micro NIR and supporting E sstaunton@sugarresearch.com.au
to see where it could enhance milling programming may also be able to gather T 07 4056 4502.
efficiency and consistency. valuable data on the full milling train to
9
IMIDACLOPRID APPLICATION
– MEASUREMENT
OF APPLIED DEPTHS
BY MATT SCHEMBRI, ADOPTION OFFICER, SRA MACKAY
In SRA’s Spring 2019 edition of
CaneConnection, SRA Weeds
Agronomist Emilie Fillols reported
fluctuated around the average due to
inconsistent stool height relative to the
inter-row space. The depth wheels running
at times the nozzle gets bent backwards
and as a result the imidacloprid is
directed into the soil flowing around
on trials that showed runoff losses of in the inter-row spaces effectively set the discs which means that the applied
imidacloprid were minimised if the liquid the depth of the double disc openers, so imidacloprid is too shallow.
imidacloprid was placed at least 100mm as stool height varied so did application It is difficult to clearly identify the liquid
deep and covered with soil, as per the depths as shown in the graph. Applicator imidacloprid in the soil after application.
label instructions. The key message is unit one (as shown in the graph) was Therefore, we have recently commenced
that imidacloprid, if placed correctly, operating in a paddock with inconsistent work using fluorescent dye added to
has a low chance of being transported stool height, and as a result the measured the imidacloprid solution to identify
into local waterways. Therefore, the application depths varied from 60mm the location of the applied imidacloprid.
continuing detection of imidacloprid in to 160mm, while applicator unit two was The imidacloprid and dye were applied
waterways adjacent to sugarcane growing working in a paddock with consistent using a double disc opener set to achieve
land suggests that the imidacloprid is not stool height and consequently had less 100mm depth with the nozzle directing
being placed correctly. fluctuations in the depths (100mm – the liquid at the bottom of the double disc
With a view to gain an appreciation of 140mm). Note for both units the average opener slot. As shown in this example, the
the effectiveness of current machinery to depth across the measurements was imidacloprid has collected at the bottom
achieve the recommended depths, SRA greater than 100mm: i.e. for applicator of the slot as expected. Further work is
has commenced measuring application unit one the average depth was 111mm continuing to check if the double discs
depths of imidacloprid. To date only stool and for applicator unit two the average could potentially transport some of the
splitter liquid imidacloprid applicators depth was 114mm. imidacloprid toward the soil surface.
have been examined. We have looked A key message was that operators
at dedicated imidacloprid units and reported it was important to check the
imidacloprid/fertiliser units consisting The work reported above is part of
application depths in each paddock
of coulters and double disc openers or a new SRA-led project aimed at the
and adjust the depth wheels to achieve
double disc opener only assemblies. best practice use of imidacloprid
100mm application depth.
so as to ensure the industry’s
After application of the liquid imidacloprid The implements with covering devices ongoing access to imidacloprid
it is difficult to clearly identify the liquid after the double disc openers (e.g. as a control for cane grubs. The
imidacloprid in the soil. Therefore, the StoolZippa, press wheels) were found to project will consider all aspects
approach taken has been to confirm that consistently achieve covered depth equal of stewardship of imidacloprid.
the liquid imidacloprid was being directed
to application depth. This generally This includes, for example, the
to the bottom of the double disc opener
did not occur for implements without determination of when to use the
slot, and subsequently measuring the
covering devices or with relatively simple chemical, calibration, application
depth of the slot. Two measurements were
covering devices such as a chain. We (including section controls) and
taken: depth of the double disc opener
also found that for implements without correct placement, and using the
slot (application depth), and depth of
covering devices, soil type impacted chemical only for grub control.
covering soil in the slot (covered depth), as
depth of cover. For example, in gravelly The project is a collaboration
shown below in image one. Note also that
soil conditions the soil flowed into the between SRA, the Queensland
measurements were taken relative to the
slot giving complete coverage, whereas Department of Agriculture
soil surface: i.e. any trash blanket or mill
if the soil had reasonable clay content or and Fisheries, CANEGROWERS,
mud/compost was removed prior to depth
CaneCONNECTION / Autumn 2020
was damp, then coverage was inadequate. the Australia Cane Farmers
measurements.
Placement of the imidacloprid in the Association, Bayer and NuFarm.
The double disc openers were found to It is funded by the Queensland
slot is also important. The imidacloprid
be able to achieve the recommended Government Reef water quality
nozzle must be directed at the bottom
100mm application depth, as long as the program through the Enhanced
of the double disc opener slot so that
implement was set correctly.
the jet of imidacloprid hits the bottom Extension Coordination in the
In many cases, while the applicator prior to soil flowing around the discs and GBR project.
averaged 100mm depth, measurements covering the slot. We have observed that
10(Below top left): Measurements taken for imidacloprid application.
(Below top right): Measured application depths for applicators working in
two different paddocks. (Below bottom left): Image of imidacloprid jet directed
at the bottom of the double disc opener slot prior to soil covering the slot.
(Below bottom right): Example of tracking the applied imidacloprid using
fluorescent dye.
Measured application depths for two double disc opener units
MEASUREMENT NUMBER
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
0
GROUND SURFACE
20
COVERED 40
APPLICATION DEPTH (MM)
DEPTH = 80 MM
60
APPLICATION
DEPTH = 140 MM 80
TARGET
DEPTH 100 MM
100
120
140
160
180
Application Unit 1 Application Unit 2
DIRECTION
OF TRAVEL
CaneCONNECTION / Autumn 2020
FLUORESCENT DYE
ILLUMINATED AT NIGHT
BY ULTRA-VIOLET LIGHT
11GROWERS
ENCOURAGED
TO GET IN
EARLY WITH
CaneCONNECTION / Autumn 2020
PACHYMETRA
12
SAMPLINGS ugarcane growers are being
reminded to consider the crop pests
and diseases that potentially could be
and reducing the anchorage of the plant
in the soil.
help them establish the best possible
crop for the years ahead,” she said.
If the yield loss impacts are not severe, “Getting in early ensures growers have their
within their paddocks, and affecting
significant crop losses can occur without results back before the rush of sampling
their yields, as they plan for 2020.
growers noticing. later in the year and that they have plenty
One of the most significant soil-borne of time to understand the results before
“Soil borne disease is not spectacular above
pests of sugarcane is Pachymetra root making their planting decisions.”
the ground, so Pachymetra is not easily
rot, which can only be properly assessed
identified when driving around paddocks.
with a soil sample analysis to determine
Often crop losses are attributed to a range
its severity. The results from this soil
of factors, such as climate, poor nutrition,
analysis, which is a service provided
waterlogging, or drought,” said Dr Magarey.
by SRA through its Tully laboratory,
provides growers with information on “Therefore, getting a soil assay done helps
the appropriate management response. you diagnose the problem and manage it.
“We encourage farmers to send their “Without an assay – unless the problem
samples in to the laboratory for analysis gets very severe – you are just unaware
early in the year,” SRA Leader for Disease of it, even though it’s impacting your
Management, Dr Rob Magarey, said. “This productivity and profitability.”
helps ensure that growers receive their
SRA Assay Lab supervisor, Ms Laura
results back with plenty of time before
MacGillycuddy, has seen on many
planting, which is crucial for helping them
occasions where soil samples were
make decisions on what varieties to plant.”
submitted to the lab and testing showed
Pachymetra root rot can cause yield losses very high levels of the disease.
For more information on sending
of up to 40 percent in susceptible varieties.
“Often farmers are surprised to find that soil samples for analysis, growers
It is caused by a fungus-like organism they have a Pachymetra problem, but should contact their local
and it reduces yield, causes gappy ratoon they didn’t realise it until they tested soil productivity services organisation;
crops and can lead to an increase of soil from their crops,” she said. or Laura MacGillycuddy on
in the cane supply. T 07 4088 0712
“We encourage growers to get in early in
It attacks the large primary roots of the 2020 and to sample comprehensively E assaylabtully@sugarresearch.com.au
sugarcane plant, stunting cane growth across their fallow paddocks, which will
TESTING HELPS TACKLE on tackling Pachymetra as a productivity an early adopter of green cane trash
constraint. blanketing in the district in 1981.
PACHYMETRA PROBLEM
For Ian, he shifted to a resistant variety Today, he farms on 180cm rows and
Herbert region cane grower Ian Kemp and said that the result was a notable grows legume crops in the fallow
knew there was something not right improvement in yield – as much as 30 period. He has adopted controlled traffic,
with one of his blocks on his farm, with tonnes of cane per hectare. minimizes tillage through the crop cycle,
productivity steadily declining. uses liquid fertiliser, and also uses softer
Five years later, he now regularly
chemistry as much as possible.
No matter what variety he selected for sends samples to the Tully assay lab
the paddock, and despite a range of for analysis and has identified other He has also been involved as a paired
improvements to his farming system that hotspots on his farm. site through a collaborative research and
he had introduced, production was well extension project called Measuring soil
“The key issue is getting suitable
below par. health, setting benchmarks and driving
Pachymetra resistant varieties,” Ian said.
practice change in the sugar industry.
This was about five years ago, and “Some of the new ones look promising but
after a discussion with Herbert Cane also needed to be tested on my farm. Last He said that all his changes were about
Productivity Services Limited (HCPSL), year I chased down SRA14 and I will also maintaining viability.
he sent soil samples to the SRA Tully have a look at the new variety WSRA24.”
“I am aiming for a long ratoon length –
laboratory for analysis for Pachymetra. He said that there was a growing eight to 10 years – for profitability, which
awareness in the grower community of is another reason why getting on top of
CaneCONNECTION / Autumn 2020
“The tests showed that I had a serious
Pachymetra as an issue. Pachymetra is a big issue for me.”
Pachymetra issue,” he said. “The
only sign was the yield. I knew about “There is plenty of demand at the SRA
Pachymetra but at that time I didn’t know end for samples, so it is good to get in
much about its prevalence in the district early sending them off.”
or that I had a problem.” (Over page) Herbert grower Ian Kemp said
Ian has also been proactive in improving
Pachymetra can be a sleeper issue creating significant
Since then, there has been extensive his farming system and soil health over productivity losses. (Above) Pachymetra under
work in that region – and other regions – the years, going back as far as being magnification.
13NEW
TECHNOLOGY
COULD MEAN A
LEAP FORWARD
IN ON-FARM
DISEASE
DETECTION
E very year plant diseases cause huge
economic losses to the sugarcane
industry. Combating them, however,
“So instead of samples traveling to the
laboratory, we want to develop a system
where the laboratory travels to samples,
Reagents when mixed with the sample
change colour from colourless to blue
if the target organism (i.e. LSD-causing
is no easy task. While the key to without compromising on the sensitivity bacteria) is present and the intensity of
management of diseases is their early of the device or involving high costs. blue colour gives a somewhat arbitrary
diagnosis, in some cases methods indication of level of bacteria in the
“Our proposed device may be cheaper or
currently in use haven’t been upgraded sample (severity of disease).
comparable to the current methods.”
for over a decade. Hardly any of these
“This colorimetric test is easy to use and
methods are useful for rapid on-farm Using leaf scald disease (LSD) as a model,
could be performed by farmers. Such
disease detection in a cost-effective way. Dr Bhuiyan and Griffith researchers
a test will be useful for first-pass rapid
Ms Nahian Binte Aziz, Dr Muhammad
SRA’s Principal Research Scientist screening,” Dr Bhuiyan said.
Umer and Dr Muhammad JA Shiddiky
Dr Shamsul Bhuiyan is working with
have recently developed a method The test is essentially based on detection
experts from Griffith University to
which can provide both colorimetric of specific DNA sequences of LSD causing
address these challenges.
and electrochemical capabilities for bacteria and uses sugarcane xylem sap
“The aim of this work is to use recent detection of LSD causing bacteria. or small punched-out pieces of leaves as
advances in nanotechnology for
development of disease diagnostic
devices for human diseases,
and apply them to the sugar industry,” X.albi. Detection in Field Samples
Dr Bhuiyan said.
Sugarcane SAP Incubation with microparticle
Dr Muhammad J. A. Shiddiky, the Griffith bound capture probes
Purified target sequence
expert leading this project, said that the
methods currently used for diagnosis
of various sugarcane diseases rely on
sophisticated instrumentation located 10-15 MINUTES 30-40 MINUTES
in centralised laboratories far away
Boiling lysis DNA Isolation Magnetic target purification
from farms.
It usually takes several days for the TM
Ele B co
ctr lou
oa re
cti d/
samples to travel to laboratories and ve TM
co B
l ou
the results to be communicated back to r le
ss
CaneCONNECTION / Autumn 2020
Enzyme-
farmers. The delays may hamper timely Target
labelled
Detection Portable elctrochemical detection system
Sequence Probe
adoption of steps on farm to manage Electrode
Immobilised
the disease. Capture
Probe
“What we are trying to achieve here is
to develop a simple to operate portable
disease sensing device which can be Naked-eye colour change observation
packed in a small box and transported 1 HOUR
to farms,” he said.
14starting sample materials. Researchers
have used a simple boiling-based
DNA extraction method to streamline
their downstream colorimetric and
electrochemical detection.
The pivotal component of this
project however is the use of novel
nanomaterials which are highly stable in
routine weather conditions and their cost
of production is also very low.
In addition to the colorimetric screening,
the same sample can be used for
further sensitive electrochemical
quantification. Although electrochemical
testing requires skilled personnel, the
instrument is still portable and can be
easily carried in a laptop sized bag.
Dr Shiddiky said that the whole process “We are aiming to develop a device which
takes less than two hours and can be can rapidly detect multiple sugarcane
KEY FEATURES OF THE ASSAY:
easily modified to test several samples diseases in a large number of samples
in parallel or to test for two or more in a short span of time and without • INTEGRATION OF SIMPLE AND
diseases simultaneously. extensive sample processing. Our RAPID DNA ISOLATION
ultimate aim is to develop a platform • PORTABLE SYSTEM FOR ON-SITE
The team has so far been able to whereby farmers can rapidly screen their APPLICATION FOR DISEASE
successfully test their method in a crops for any suspected infections. If DETECTION
range of samples collected from SRA needed, further sensitive quantification
experiments. • COLORIMETRIC AND
can then be provided by trained staff,”
ELECTROCHEMICAL DETECTION
“We tested both susceptible and resistant Dr Shiddiky said.
OF SUGARCANE DISEASES
varieties at SRA Woodford Pathology
Station and were able to accurately This project was jointly supported
match the susceptibility or resistibility of by SRA through Innovation Catalyst
any particular sugarcane variety based Project (INNOVA 06) and Griffith
on bacterial DNA levels,” Dr Bhuiyan said. University ESC Research Support
Scheme 2018.
“So far, our detection limit is a few
hundred to a thousand bacterial cells.
(Over page) Detection of leaf scald ‘colour change’,
Building upon these proof-of-concept For further information contact
Griffith University Researchers Ms Aziz and Dr Umer.
results, the team aims to further expand Dr Shamsul Bhuiyan at (Above) Sample collection from leaf scald infected
this work to other important sugarcane E sbhuiyan@sugarresearch.com.au sugarcane from SRA Woodford Pathology Station
infectious diseases. Dr Shiddiky (Griffith Uni) and Dr Bhuiyan (SRA).
X.albi. Detection in Field Samples
8
4.0
CURRENT DENSITY (uA/cm2)
CURRENT DENSITY (uA/cm2)
3.5
6
3.0
2.5 S4
4
1.5
S1
1.0 2
100fM
0.5 NTC
0.0 0
CaneCONNECTION / Autumn 2020
S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 0 20 40 60 80 100
TC
P
E
- IR
D
N
RO
O
N
CT
TIME (SECONDS)
LE
-E
RE
BA
• The assay successfully detected X. albi. in sap collected from field sugarcane samples
• Our results matched with the field susceptibility data (operator blind experiment)
• (Fig. 2) Density bar and chronoamperogram for plant xylem saps collected from SRA Woodford leaf scald screening trials. Samples were collected and supplied to
the Griffith University laboratory labelled with random numbers (S1 to S7). Note: sample S5 was highly resistant variety showing lowest current density, NTC=no
target control, Bare electrode = no electrode immobilised capture probe.
15USING CLIMATE
FORECASTING
FOR NUTRIENT
MANAGEMENT
T he Australian sugarcane industry
continues to improve its
understanding of nutrient management
“This project looked at the potential to
use steps 5 and 6 of the SIX EASY STEPS
• It is advisable to assess different
forecasts from multiple leading,
international climate forecasting
program to refine N inputs,” Justin said.
through a range of research projects. “There is scope within these steps to adjust models.
nutrient management guidelines for
This includes research to fine tune the
specific situations, but we also know that FOR TULLY, THIS INVESTIGATION
SIX EASY STEPS nitrogen (N) guidelines
farmers need more information to support REVEALED THAT:
for specific soils, farming systems,
harvest times and climatic conditions. these decisions.”
- For most soils, more N may be needed
A recent project funded by SRA and Justin said that, importantly, the project in wet years for blocks cut early (e.g.
the Department of Environment and incorporated the potential risk to growers July). This is especially the case for
Science, led by researchers at James of under fertilising, if using climate blocks in the drier southern Tully
Cook University, investigated how forecasting to inform N management. climate zone where radiation tends
climate forecasting might be used to to be higher and rainfall less than the
He said in this regard, a key element of the northern wetter region.
refine N management in the Wet Tropics,
project was close engagement with the
specifically at Tully. - For most soils, less N may be needed
Tully sugar industry, in particular through
This work was conducted by Associate a local consultative group. in wet years for blocks cut late
Professor Yvette Everingham (JCU) with (e.g. November).
At multiple meetings, this group was
the research team of Professor Bernard - For some poorly drained soils, less N
Schroeder (USQ), Dr Danielle Skocaj (SRA), able to identify tasks to be performed to
improve their understanding and trust in may be needed in wet years for blocks
Dr Peter Thorburn (CSIRO), Mr Jody Biggs
the project methodology. Interactions with cut midseason (e.g. September).
(CSIRO) and Mr Justin Sexton (JCU).
the consultative group also provided the The project developed a prototype ‘app’
The project was titled: How much N project team with valuable feedback to present modelled N requirements for
does that crop need? Incorporating to refine research activities. different soil x harvest time x location
climate forecasting to improve nitrogen
x climate (wet/dry years) combinations.
management in the Wet Tropics.
THE KEY FINDINGS OF THIS PROJECT Field validation of the modelled N
Justin Sexton from the project team INCLUDE: requirements, as per steps 5 and 6 of the
said that Tully was chosen because SIX EASY STEPS program, is required.
• There are two distinct climatic
this allowed the project team to build
subregions in Tully (e.g. wetter northern Similar investigations are currently being
on existing research into the impact
zone and drier southern zone). conducted in the Herbert district.
of seasonal climatic conditions on N
requirements completed by Dr Danielle • N guidelines vary with many different
Skocaj through her PhD for a specific soil combinations of soil x location x
type and harvest time. climate x harvest date.
Nitrogen management is important in
CaneCONNECTION / Autumn 2020
• Crop modelling can be used to help
the Tully region because of the extreme improve the understanding of these
climate variability experienced. Climate complex interactions.
variability, especially rainfall and
radiation, influences crop responsiveness • N guidelines are likely to differ
to applied N and makes the task of between wet and dry years and climate You can read the report from this
applying the right amount of N to models can provide knowledge if the project in the SRA elibrary, available via
maintain productivity and profitability year is likely to be wetter or drier. sugarresearch.com.au
whilst minimising N losses challenging.
16SUGAR INDUSTRY
WORKING TOGETHER
TO MANAGE
FALL ARMYWORM
RISK
F all armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) has been
found on Erub and Saibai islands in the Torres Strait
and at Bamaga on Cape York Peninsula.
This is an invasive moth pest that has been recorded on
more than 350 plant species (including 80 crops), causing
damage to crops such as maize, rice, sorghum, sugarcane
and wheat, plus other horticultural crops and cotton.
The Australian sugarcane industry, through CANEGROWERS
and SRA, is working with governments and industry
groups to manage the threat posed by fall armyworm and
respond appropriately, but the community, industry and
agronomists are encouraged to report any unexpected
symptoms in the field by phoning the Exotic Plant Pest
Hotline on 1800 084 881.
CANEGROWERS (Mick Quirk) is the industry representative
organisation for the response, and SRA has assisted with
specialist knowledge via Key Focus Area Leader for Pest
Disease and Weed Management, Dr Kevin Powell; and
Principal Researcher, Disease Management, Dr Nicole
Thompson (SRA Woodford). Kevin is based at SRA Meringa
and has experience with this pest.
Work is underway to determine the likely distribution of
the pest and a response strategy. The level of impact of
the pest for different crops will depend on the strain or
strains of armyworm that are present.
Growers should have on-farm biosecurity measures in
place to protect their crops from pests and diseases.
Fall armyworm larvae are light coloured with a larger,
darker head. As they develop, they become browner with
white lengthwise stripes and develop dark spots with
spines. Adult moths are 32mm to 40mm in length (wing
tip to wing tip) with a brown or grey forewing and a white
hind wing.
Native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas,
CaneCONNECTION / Autumn 2020
it was first detected outside its native range in early 2016,
spreading to Africa, the Indian subcontinent, China and
Southeast Asia. A strong flier, fall armyworm is believed
to have covered most of its geographical range through
natural dispersal, but can also spread through the
movement of infested plant material.
(Top right) Fall armyworm moth.
(Bottom right) Fall armyworm larvae.
172019 HERBERT HARVESTING
DEMONSTRATION PROJECT
BY PHIL PATANE, HARVESTING ADOPTION OFFICER, SRA
T he 2019 season saw the industry’s
first month long harvest
demonstration round conducted in
• Yield gain is possible without a spike
in extraneous matter (EM)
• Growers and contractors identified
The demonstration involved a harvester
alternating between current practice for
that harvester and SRA harvesting best
the Herbert region. The aim of the increase in revenue (anecdotal) practice; altering fan speed and ground
study was to put into dollar terms • The clear message from a group that speed according to the condition of the
to the industry the benefits of using travelled to the Isis region was to crop. The harvester distance travelled
harvesting best practice. demonstrate fiscal advantage in the paddock, tonnes of cane and CCS
(Show me the money) levels (individual fibre) were all measured
The concept of the harvesting field to calculate the total tonnes of sugar per
demonstration was brought about by Two Herbert harvesting contractors hectare produced for each practice.
a small group of innovative growers took part in the demonstration that
CaneCONNECTION / Autumn 2020
and contractors in the Herbert region. The data collected allowed both
compared their standard harvesting
The group had been involved in many contractors and growers to see if HBP
practices to harvest best practice (HBP).
harvesting trials but they wanted to delivered more tonnes of sugar per
This was conducted through randomised
hectare, and therefore more revenue for
observe the situation on a commercial and replicated treatments (standard
the industry.
basis. The key points that the group compared to HBP) in which at the siding a
wanted addressed through full rake was collected per treatment so The results identified an increase in yield by
the harvesting field demonstration the grower could be paid according to the 4.8 tonnes per hectare with no additional
included: product he delivered. increase in extraneous matter (EM).
182017/2018
YIELD 2019 HERBERT INDUSTRY TRIALS
PER HECTARE
97.00
DEMONSTRATIONS (95 TRIALS ACROSS THE
AUSTRALIAN SUGAR CANE
95.88A INDUSTRY)
96.00
TOTAL BIOMASS T/HA
Recommended Standard Recommended Standard
95.00 Practice Practice Practice Practice
94.00
Yield (Tonnes) 95.88 91.50 99.2 94.4
93.00
92.00 91.50B Sugar (Tonnes) 12.47 11.85 14.40 13.71
91.00
Grower Gross
90.00 - $173 - $181
Benefit
89.00
STANDARD RECOMMENDATION
Harvesting
- TBC - $61
Costs
The increase in yield with no significant affect in EM in turn increased
Grower Net
tonnes of sugar per hectare by 627/kg per hectare. - TBC - $120
Benefit
SUGAR YIELD The next stage of the program is to conduct a harvesting
13.00
cost analysis with both harvesting contractor groups
to identify the “true cost” of harvesting. This will be
SUGAR YIELD TONNES/HA
reported on in a future edition of CaneConnection.
12.47B
12.50
Thanks to all the people involved in delivering on this
important work, the demonstration involved a significant
12.00 level of investment from SRA, Herbert Cane Productivity
11.85A
Services Limited, the Queensland Department of
Agriculture and Fisheries and Wilmar Sugar Australia.
11.50
STANDARD RECOMMENDATION Herbert River CANEGROWERS Chairman Michael Pisano
PRACTICE said that while it is a difficult challenge, the increased
revenue with the adoption of change was vital to the
The increase in sugar per hectare resulted in an increase in grower gross local sugar industry.
revenue by $173/ha.
“The data shows that there is money to be made by
adjusting harvesting practices. Now that we have the
SUGAR YIELD results growers are keen to work with industry groups
$3,400
to drive adoption,” Mr Pisano said.
$3,348
$3,350 Two Herbert harvesting contractors took part in the
$3,300 demonstration that compared their standard harvesting
$3,250 practices to best practice methods. We are grateful for
$/HA
$3,200 $3,175 the extra effort these two harvesting companies provided
$3,150 to gather this important data. The work they have done
$3,100 will assist in communicating the benefits in real terms.
$3,050
STANDARD RECOMMENDATION “These have been really interesting trials and we are
PRACTICE pleased to provide economic information that can
be used to inform better decisions on recommended
Over the entire Herbert region this highlighted an extra 34,000 tonnes harvesting practice”, said Brendon Nothard, Agricultural
of sugar for the region which would result in an additional $13 million in
Economist with DAF.
gross revenue.
(Over page) SRA Harvesting Adoption Officer, Phil Patane with Sally
TONNES SUGAR PER ANNUM (HERBERT REGION) Lakeman and Carrie Barclay during the trial. (Below) Ollie Rowan (front)
in the harvester with Damien Morelli.
680,000
671,323
670,000
660,000
650,000
637,601
640,000
CaneCONNECTION / Autumn 2020
630,000
620,000
RECOMMENDATION STANDARD
As the demonstration was a commercial operation the results were
compared to the 95 replicated trials conducted by SRA in 2017 and 2018.
It is interesting to note that the results for both Herbert demonstration
round and the industry wide trials follow a similar trend.
19AQUATILL:
A NEW METHOD
TO MINIMUM TILL
IMPROVED CANE TRASH RETENTION AND THE ABILITY TO TILL IN A
WIDE RANGE OF CONDITIONS, GREATER SOIL HEALTH AND MOISTURE
CONSERVATION AND REDUCED SOIL EROSION: THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING
OF WHAT A NEW MINIMUM TILLAGE SYSTEM, AQUATILL, MAY BE ABLE
TO PROVIDE. BY HANNAH RUSSELL, GRADUATE ADOPTION OFFICER
T he green cane trash blanket Isis canegrower, Don Halpin, has Isis canegrower, Tony Chapman,
(GCTB) is important within the been heavily involved in the project also sees potential benefits of the
Australian sugarcane industry, owing to understand the potential for this pioneering system.
to the potential for agronomic gains technology for the sugar industry and
“It looks to be a great implement that
and improved farm sustainability. he said he can see a huge advantage to
has potential for us placing chemicals
Harvesting green cane and retaining AquaTill in his peanut fallow.
and fertilisers under the trash in all
the trash blanket as groundcover leads
“Previously we tried to plant peanuts conditions, whether it be wet, dry, even
to greater moisture conservation, weed
through the trash blanket, but we have to if you had sticky clays,” Tony said.
suppression and surface soil stability.
make sure we can separate the trash and
AquaTill will undergo further
For decades, growers have used the get good soil to seed contact. I see that
development, modifications and
traditional steel disc coulter which comes AquaTill has a lot of possibilities in that
demonstrations in 2020.
with its own challenges such trash pinning, space in particular,” Don said.
reduced disc penetration to required
AquaTill utilises a PTO-powered pump
depths in adverse conditions and balling (Above left) A close-up look at the work of Aqua Till in
and pressurises water through nozzles the paddock. (Above top right) An Aqua Till rig ready
of clay and trash under damp conditions.
to produce a 50,000psi waterjet. This for work in the Southern Region. (Above bottom right)
AquaTill, an innovative minimum tillage jet has the capability to slice cleanly The 50,000 psi waterjet.
system using ultra-high-water pressure through the thick GCTB in circumstances
jets to slice through cane trash, has been where traditional mechanical devices fail.
CaneCONNECTION / Autumn 2020
This project was supported by
already tested and proven in cotton and With the addition of a secondary pump,
Australian Government Landcare
grains and demonstrated in the sugarcane the implement also has the capacity to
Program.
industry. Initially conceived by Greg Butler place products such as fertilisers and
from the South Australian No-Till Farmers insecticides under the trash blanket
Association (SANTFA), AquaTill was brought and into the soil, decreasing the potential For more information,
to the Southern Region sugar industry in for off-site movement and improving contact James Ogden-Brown
late 2017 through collaboration with input efficacy. E jogden-brown@sugarresearch.com.au
SRA’s James Ogden-Brown.
20RESEARCH PROJECT INVESTMENT
PROJECT R&D CHIEF
PROJECT TITLE END DATE
NUMBER PROVIDER(S) INVESTIGATOR
Key Focus Area 1 (Variety Development)
Exploiting introgression for the development of productive &
2013/022 Sunshine Sugar Roy Parfitt 30/06/2020
regionally adapted varieties for NSW
Implementing and validating genomic selection in SRA breeding
programs to accelerate improvements in yield, commercial cane 2017/002 UQ Ben Hayes 01/07/2022
sugar, and other key traits
Validating root system traits for enhanced nutrient capture in
2018/002 CSIRO Anne Rae 01/09/2021
challenging environments
Impact of stool architecture on ratooning: extending current trial to
2018/004 CSIRO Anne Rae 01/03/2021
4R to strengthen correlations
Genetic analysis and marker delivery for sugarcane breeding 2018/005 CSIRO Karen Aitken 30/06/2022
Validating high-throughput phenomics technologies for
2019/002 SRA Sijesh Natarajan 30/09/2022
sugarcane clonal selection
NIR calibrations for fibre quality 2019/001 SRA Roy Parfitt 30/06/2021
Key Focus Area 2 (Soil health, nutrient management and environmental sustainability)
More profit from nitrogen: enhancing the nutrient use efficiency
2015/907 CRDC Multiple 30/06/2020
of intensive cropping and pasture systems
SIX EASY STEPS - continuing perspectives in time and space 2017/004 USQ Bernard Schroeder 01/02/2022
Measuring soil health, setting benchmarks and driving practice
2017/005 SRA Danielle Skocaj 01/08/2022
change in the sugar industry
Unravelling the impact of climate and harvest time on nitrogen
2017/009 SRA Danielle Skocaj 04/03/2022
fertiliser requirements
Seeing is believing: managing soil variability, improving crop yield
and minimising off-site impacts in sugarcane using digital soil 2017/014 UNSW John Triantafilis 01/10/2020
mapping
Implementation of root system diagnostics to deliver a field-
2018/003 CSIRO Anne Rae 01/08/2021
based measure for root health
Greenhouse gas emissions from sugarcane soils: strategies for
2018/007 QUT Peter Grace 30/06/2021
increasing NUE and reducing environmental pollution
Establishing sugarcane farming systems to improve soil health 2018/008 SRA Barry Salter 01/03/2023
Development of commercial molecular biological assays for
2018/009 SRA Rob Magarey 30/06/2020
improved sugarcane soil health and productivity
SIX EASY STEPS Tool Box development for refined on farm nutrient
2018/013 SRA Barry Salter 01/05/2020
management
Complete nutrient management planning for cane farming 2016/804/
SRA/Farmacist Jayson Dowie 30/12/2020
(Funding provider: Queensland Government DES) RP161
Improved water quality outcomes from on-farm nitrogen 2016/805/
SRA Danielle Skocaj 10/12/2020
management (Funding provider: University of Queensland) UQ_NESP
Cane farmer trials of enhanced efficiency fertiliser in the catchments
of the Great Barrier Reef (Funding provider: Commonwealth CANEGROWERS
2016/807 Barry Salter 31/12/2021
Department of Environment and Energy and Queensland / SRA
Government Great Barrier Reef Innovation Fund (Reef Trust 4))
CaneCONNECTION / Autumn 2020
Improving NUE for sugarcane crops with constrained yield
2015/065 SRA Danielle Skocaj 15/06/2020
potential
Australian sugar industry soil health benchmarking in the Central
region of Qld - increasing profit and transforming soil health
2019/903 Various Phil Ross 31/10/2021
practices through cooperative industry research, extension and
adoption
21You can also read
