Browsing by Author "Young, A"

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Final report SRDC project GGIP050 Improving soybean and nitrogen management in subtropical NSW cane systems
(2012) Moore, NY; Munro, AJ; McGuire, PJ; Aitken, R; Beattie, R; Herridge, DF; Young, A
This project aimed to document nitrogen inputs from soybean crops grown in NSW cane lands, promote soil-specific fertiliser recommendations following soybean to achieve more efficient use of nitrogen fertiliser and to assess different methods for dealing with soybean crop residue. The project was a Grower Group Innovation Project undertaken from April 2009 to March 2012 by the NSW Farming Systems Group Inc. in association with staff from the NSW Department of Primary Industries, BSES Limited, NSW Sugar Milling Cooperative and the University of New England. Whilst many sugar cane growers have adopted soybean rotations, the potential benefits of soybean are not being fully realised, particularly making use of residual nitrogen (N) in the following cane crop. Some growers continue to over-fertilise cane following a soybean crop, while on some soil types in NSW cane crops have shown nitrogen stress after a well grown soybean crop. Local data was required to fine-tune N fertiliser recommendations in sugar cane following soybean. Previous research on soybean as a rotation crop in cane-production systems was conducted in the tropical Qld environment through the Sugar Cane Yield Decline Joint Venture. However, the different rainfall, temperature and soil conditions in this subtropical region of NSW are likely to impact differently on N cycling.
Masterclasses in soil health and soil biology for the sugar industry : Final report 2016/025
(Sugar Research Australia Limited, 2018) Stirling, G; Evers, A; Young, A; Anderson, J; Garcia-Cuenca, S
A total of 252 sugar growers, productivity services staff and others attended a series of Master Classes in Soil Health/Soil Biology that were held in 2017 and 2018. During those classes they had the opportunity to see some of the microscopic organisms that are found in soil and learn how sugar farming systems could be modified to improve soil biological health. The classes were run by Dr Graham Stirling (Biological Crop Protection), Dr Anthony Young (University of Queensland), Dr Jay Anderson (University of Queensland) and Mr Sebastien Garcia-Cuenca (Sugar Research Australia). However, the highlight of each class was the presentation by one of three growers: Ashley Petersen, Tony Chapman and Simon Mattsson. They explained how they were able to modify their farming system and discussed the soil health and economic benefits they had obtained. Each class concluded with a discussion on how growers could move forward and improve the health of their soils. The process involved identifying the key soil constraints that were limiting productivity; developing an action plan to rectify the problems; modifying the farming system in some way; and then instigating a monitoring program to confirm that benefits had been obtained. Feedback from the participants indicated that the classes were a resounding success. Comments were overwhelmingly positive and compliments such as “excellent course: engaging and interesting”, “the use of microscopes, practical application was great!” and “continue this every year!” were received. Those who attended clearly enjoyed the classes and most indicated that they were willing to accept the challenge of implementing a soil improvement plan.
What lies beneath?
(Sugar Research Australia Limited, 2017) Young, A
It sounds like the catchphrase of a B-Grade horror film, but in terms of sugarcane soil health, it is of the greatest importance.