Browsing by Author "Willcox, T"

Filter results by typing the first few letters
Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    An economic evaluation of irrigation methods and programs 1997 : SRDC Final report BS148S
    (1997) Willcox, T
    The aim of the project was to produce economic and financial information to promote the adoption of more efficient irrigation practices in the Bundaberg district.The project was developed through workshops convened by the Bundaberg Cane Productivity Committee (BCPC). Irrigation consultants Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) were engaged to conduct the investigation with assistance from BSES, Bundaberg Sugar Limited and QDPI.The first activity was a workshop to confirm project objectives
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Delivering web-based irrigation management : SRDC Final report BSS297
    (2009) Willcox, T
    This project furthered the development of WaterSense. This is a web-based sugarcane irrigation scheduling and planning tool that allows the user to optimise irrigation inputs over multiple fields and enhance potential yields while limiting offsite impacts.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Development of an Educational Package for Canegrowers on Efficient Nutrient Management : final report BSS204
    (1999) Webster, K; Willcox, T
    The aim of this project was to facilitate responsible nutrient management for the sugar industry by providing extension support in the form of a training course for canegrowers. This educational package will enable growers to develop crop management strategies by understanding and addressing nutrient loss, soil properties and crop nutrition, while at the same time, reduce offsite impacts to the environment. Three pilot soil fertility courses have been conducted. The first was conducted with Extension/Productivity Board staff in Mackay, the second with farmers in Ingham, and the third with researchers and agribusiness people in Townsville. Participants were asked to evaluate each pilot course. Overall, participants were satisfied with the content and quality of the short course. Each section in the course was evaluated and considered appropriate, with most people stating they had a better understanding of all topics covered. The soil test interpretation and fertiliser box calibration practicals were also considered useful. The majority of participants indicated that they were now able to calibrate their own fertiliser box. Many participants stated that they were more likely to take soil tests to better tailor their fertilising now that they knew how to interpret them. Much of the feedback was constructive and used to improve the course manual and presentation. Soil fertility courses will be conducted with farmers in all mill areas of Queensland and New South Wales in 2000 after extension specialists in each district have been trained to conduct the course. This course has been prepared to ensure that growers become more efficient users of nutrients and to prevent long-term environmental repercussions. Improved fertiliser use, balanced nutrition, reduced production costs and environmental awareness will be outcomes demonstrated by farmers as a result of attending this course. Fertilising needs fine-tuning and an educational package for cane growers on soil fertility and efficient nutrient management is one way to achieve a sustainable cane farming system.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Measurement and feedback systems for improving market signals for harvesting : SRDC Final report BSS261
    (BSES, 2005) Willcox, T; Juffs, R; Crane, J; Downs, P
    One of the market impediments hindering the adoption of best practice for harvesting is the one-price, dollar-per-tonne payment method for harvesting. It provides no incentive for growers to improve farm layout or presentation for harvest, because the same price is paid for harvesting under all conditions. Harvester operators do have an incentive to reduce cane loss. However, they have no incentive to reduce extraneous matter and soil in the cane supply. This project worked with harvesting groups, millers and cane growers at Maryborough, Mackay and Burdekin to determine and pilot pricing structures to reflect quality and quantity of work and to improve efficiency through better feedback systems for improving market signals at harvest.