Soil health and nutrient management
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://elibrary2.sugarresearch.com.au/handle/11079/13842
Research outcomes: Soil health is improved with a resulting positive impact on the environment and yield growth. Improved reputation and relationship between industry and environmental groups.
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Item Final report - SRDC project BSS106 : Assessing linkages between machine traffic, soil conditions and productivity(2001) Braunack, MVThe objectives of this project was to; 1: determine the effect of matching crop row spacing to harvester wheel track widths on longevity and yeild of ratoon crops planted in dual rows; 2: investigate the mechanism causing compaction due to machinery; 3: determine any cumulative effect of harvesting traffic on soil physical properties, stool damage and ratooning in consecutive ratoon crops; 4: develop a decision support model to manage the effect of soil compaction and yield.Item Final report - SRDC project BSS142 : Economic cost of soil compaction(2000) Braunack, MVThis project was developed as a result of a study tour undertaken by Dr Braunack (Braunack, 1994) where the concept of the degree of compactness was thought to be applicable to the Australian sugar industry.The overall aim of the project was to assess the economic cost of soil compaction and the benefits from reducing soil compaction for the Australian sugar industry.Objectives for the project were: 1: Adapt a Scandinavian model to determine the effect of soil compaction on crop yield for the Australian sugar industry. 2: Relate crop response to degree of compactness by examining current and previous trials on soil compaction. 3: Estimate the economic value of reducing soil compaction. 4: Provide software and preliminary training to extension officers. 5: Subject to the successful completion of this project, apply for further funding to support a planned extension program.Item SRDC Final Report - Project BS142S: Economic cost of soil compaction(1999) Braunack, MVObjectives of this project were: Adapt a Scandinavian model to determine the effect of soil compaction on crop yield for the Australian sugar industry; Relate crop response to degree of compactness by examining current and previous trials on soil compaction; Estimate the economic value of reducing soil compaction; Provide software and preliminary training to extension officers; Subject to the successful completion of this project, apply for further funding to support a planned extension program.Item The effect of soil physical properties on growth and yield of sugarcane(1991) Braunack, MVThe literature reporting the effect of soil physical properties on sugarcane growth and yield has been reviewed and areas for further investigation are suggested. There is conflicting evidence in relation to the number of cultivations and cane yield, with little or no effect in plant cane but a significant interaction with the ratoon crop. The effect of soil compaction on cane growth has also been variable, with little or no effect in some instances and dramatic decreases in others. Overall as bulk density increased, the yield of cane decreased. The compaction effect depends on the soil water content at the time of impact. A major concern in the sugar industry is the trend to larger and heavier equipment and the effect this will have on the soil resource. To reduce the effect of compaction it was suggested that harvesters and haulout equipment be fitted with load sharing, high flotation running gear. When compared with equipment on conventional running gear, again the effect on soil compaction has been variable. It is difficult to isolate any one soil property influencing cane growth and yield. Green cane harvesting with trash blanketing has been introduced to reduce costs and it is hoped to improve soil structure. However, few studies have examined the effect on soil properties. Soil water and temperature are modified by the trash blanket and soil structure has been observed to improve after three years. Long term studies are required to substantiate these trends and resolve problems with insects and pathogens. It is concluded that soil properties do influence cane growth and yield, but further work is required to resolve the inconsistent results of previous workers.